MRS Mold Containment and Cleanup Practices 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which EPA-recommended guidance document is frequently referenced as a standard for mold remediation in commercial buildings?
- EPA 402-K-02-003 (Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings) (Correct answer)
- OSHA 1926.62 Lead Standard
- NIOSH Publication 2004-101
- EPA 600/4-79-020 Air Quality Manual
Correct answer: EPA 402-K-02-003 (Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings)
EPA 402-K-02-003 is the widely cited EPA guidance document for mold remediation in schools and commercial buildings.
Question 2: What is the recommended approach for cleaning non-porous surfaces contaminated with mold?
- Apply encapsulant and leave without wiping
- Scrub with detergent and water, then dry thoroughly (Correct answer)
- Spray with bleach and immediately cover with polyethylene
- Sand the surface to remove the top layer
Correct answer: Scrub with detergent and water, then dry thoroughly
Non-porous surfaces should be scrubbed with detergent and water to remove mold, then dried thoroughly to prevent regrowth.
Question 3: Why is porous material like drywall typically removed rather than cleaned during mold remediation?
- Cleaning chemicals damage the paper face of drywall
- Mold hyphae penetrate porous material and cannot be fully removed by surface cleaning (Correct answer)
- Porous materials amplify mold spore counts when wet
- Building codes prohibit cleaning drywall in occupied structures
Correct answer: Mold hyphae penetrate porous material and cannot be fully removed by surface cleaning
Mold hyphae grow into the structure of porous materials, making surface cleaning ineffective at eliminating the contamination.
Question 4: What air change rate (ACH) is generally targeted inside a mold containment zone using negative air machines?
- 1–2 ACH
- 4–6 ACH (Correct answer)
- 10–12 ACH
- 20–25 ACH
Correct answer: 4–6 ACH
A rate of 4–6 air changes per hour is generally targeted inside a containment zone to maintain adequate negative pressure and filtration.
Question 5: What is the role of an airlock (decontamination chamber) at the containment entrance?
- To store clean tools before entering the work zone
- To provide a buffer zone where workers decontaminate between the work area and clean area (Correct answer)
- To boost negative pressure by creating a double-barrier vacuum
- To house the negative air machine intake
Correct answer: To provide a buffer zone where workers decontaminate between the work area and clean area
An airlock is a buffer zone where workers decontaminate themselves and materials, preventing direct transfer of contaminants from the work area to clean spaces.
Question 6: Which of the following personal protective equipment items is MOST critical for preventing inhalation of mold spores during remediation?
- Safety goggles
- N95 or higher respirator (Correct answer)
- Tyvek coveralls
- Nitrile gloves
Correct answer: N95 or higher respirator
An N95 or higher respirator is the most critical PPE for preventing inhalation of airborne mold spores during remediation activities.
Question 7: After completing mold remediation, what is the purpose of a post-remediation verification (PRV) inspection?
- To determine the original moisture source
- To confirm the work area is dry, visually clean, and free of mold odor before clearance (Correct answer)
- To assess the contractor's billing accuracy
- To reapply encapsulant as a final protective measure
Correct answer: To confirm the work area is dry, visually clean, and free of mold odor before clearance
PRV confirms the remediated area is visually clean, dry, and free of odor, and that no conditions remain that could support future mold growth.
MRS Mold Containment and Cleanup Practices 3
Which EPA-recommended guidance document is frequently referenced as a standard for mold remediation in commercial buildings?