MRS Mold Remediation Techniques and Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is the minimum required for remediating a small mold area (less than 10 sq ft)?
- Full Tyvek suit, supplied air respirator, and double gloves
- N95 respirator, safety glasses, and non-porous gloves (Correct answer)
- P100 half-face respirator, goggles, Tyvek suit, and gloves
- No PPE is needed for areas under 10 sq ft
Correct answer: N95 respirator, safety glasses, and non-porous gloves
For small mold areas under 10 sq ft, minimum PPE includes an N95 respirator, eye protection, and non-porous gloves.
Question 2: What is encapsulation in the context of mold remediation, and when is it appropriately used?
- Sealing porous materials that cannot be removed with a mold-resistant coating after cleaning (Correct answer)
- Wrapping entire rooms in plastic sheeting before work begins
- Using biocide-infused spray to kill mold spores in air
- Applying drywall compound over mold to hide discoloration
Correct answer: Sealing porous materials that cannot be removed with a mold-resistant coating after cleaning
Encapsulation involves applying a specialized sealant over cleaned porous surfaces that cannot be removed, such as structural wood, to prevent spore release.
Question 3: During post-remediation verification (PRV), what is the clearance criterion that indicates successful remediation?
- Zero detectable mold spores anywhere in the building
- Indoor mold spore types and counts similar to or lower than outdoor levels (Correct answer)
- A negative swab test result on all previously affected surfaces
- A bleach odor present in the air confirming biocide application
Correct answer: Indoor mold spore types and counts similar to or lower than outdoor levels
Successful remediation is confirmed when indoor airborne mold spore types and concentrations are comparable to or lower than outdoor baseline levels.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a pre-remediation assessment before starting mold remediation work?
- To determine the color and species of mold present for billing purposes
- To identify the extent of contamination, moisture source, and develop a remediation plan (Correct answer)
- To spray biocide on all suspected areas before containment is set up
- To collect samples for laboratory testing as the primary goal
Correct answer: To identify the extent of contamination, moisture source, and develop a remediation plan
A pre-remediation assessment identifies the scope of contamination, locates the moisture source, and allows development of a targeted remediation plan.
Question 5: When remediating mold on HVAC ductwork, what critical step must be taken first?
- Apply biocide spray directly into the air handler while running
- Shut down the HVAC system and seal all supply and return registers (Correct answer)
- Increase airflow through the system to dilute spore concentrations
- Replace only the air filter and resume normal HVAC operation
Correct answer: Shut down the HVAC system and seal all supply and return registers
The HVAC system must be shut down and all registers sealed before remediation to prevent spreading mold spores throughout the building via airflow.
Question 6: What is the primary reason bleach is NOT recommended as the sole treatment for mold on porous materials like wood?
- Bleach is not a registered biocide and is illegal to use
- Bleach cannot penetrate porous surfaces to kill mold roots (hyphae) (Correct answer)
- Bleach causes immediate regrowth by providing nutrients
- Bleach is only effective above 120°F surface temperature
Correct answer: Bleach cannot penetrate porous surfaces to kill mold roots (hyphae)
Bleach cannot penetrate porous materials like wood, so while it may kill surface mold, the hyphae embedded in the material survive and regrowth occurs.
Question 7: Which remediation approach is recommended for mold-contaminated carpet in a residential building?
- HEPA vacuum thoroughly and apply antimicrobial spray to restore the carpet
- Shampoo with a biocide solution and allow to air dry completely
- Remove and discard the carpet as it cannot be adequately remediated (Correct answer)
- Apply dry ice blasting to clean the carpet fibers in place
Correct answer: Remove and discard the carpet as it cannot be adequately remediated
Mold-contaminated carpet should be removed and discarded because the porous fibers and backing cannot be adequately cleaned to remove embedded mold growth.
MRS Mold Remediation Techniques and Procedures 3
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is the minimum required for remediating a small mold area (less than 10 sq ft)?