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Mold Remediation & Removal Services
 Dry
ice blast cleaning is quickly establishing itself as a favored
method of cleaning in mold remediation (mold removal). Dry ice
blasting is superior to cleaning mold compared to traditional
labor-intensive techniques such as sanders, scrapers and wire
brushes. The dry ice process cleans as thoroughly or more so and in
dramatically less time. Also, compared to soda blasting, dry ice
blast cleaning is as fast and creates far less mess.
What Is Dry Ice Blasting?
It is a process in
which a blasting gun fires dry ice particles (rice-sized) at
supersonic speed to impact and clean a surface. The particles are
accelerated by compressed air, just as with other blasting systems.
Upon impact the dry ice sublimates (goes from a solid to a gas
without passing through a liquid phase). The substrate (surface) is
left free of mold spores.
There are three phases in the dry ice blasting process. Energy
transfer works when dry ice pellets are propelled out of the
blasting gun at supersonic speed and impact the surface. The energy
transfer helps to knock off the contaminant with little or no damage
to the surface.
Micro-thermal shock occurs when the freezing effect of the dry ice
pellets hitting the contaminant creates a micro-thermal shock
(caused by the dry ice temperature of -79º C) between the surface
contaminant and the substrate. This phase isn’t as much a factor for
removal of mold as it is with resins, oils, waxes, food particles
and other contaminants. For substances such as these, the thermal
shock causes cracking and delamination of the contaminant,
furthering the elimination process.
The final phase, gas pressure, as the dry ice pellet explode on
impact and, as the pellet warms, it converts to a CO2 gas,
generating a volume expansion of 400 to 800 times. The rapid
expansion underneath the contaminant on the substrate forces off the
contaminant from behind. The energy transfer and gas pressure
dynamics cause the contaminant to be relocated, becoming airborne
(as with mold spores) or falls to the ground. The mold spores then
need to be removed by HEPA filters. Since the dry ice sublimates
into a gas, no media remains to be cleaned up.
Mold Remediation Process
 Utilizing dry-ice
blasting technology does not alter the mold-cleaning process very
much. Take the example of a second floor residence with no attic and
having drywall on walls and ceiling being infested with mold. First,
the second floor needs to be isolated from the first floor. Next,
negative pressure needs to be created using a HEPA-filtered air
scrubber. If there is any severely damaged carpeting and drywall, it
should be double bagged and discarded. For the sake of this example,
we will say that one half of the ceiling and all exterior wall
drywall needed to be stripped and removed.
At this point, dry-ice blasting can be utilized to clean the plywood
and support beams. The blasting gun can easily be managed to target
the desired mark. Specific nozzle types best suited for cleaning
wood can be utilized, e.g. a fan-shaped nozzle, creating a pattern
several inches wide, can be used to “sweep” up and down boards and
beams. The dry ice being fired on the wood can typically remove mold
in a way that is clearly visible and in a methodical manner. Once
the blasting phase is complete and all surfaces have been vacuumed
and cleared of sawdust and other debris, NERS will
follow up by applying a micro-biocide spray to remediated areas to
inhibit future growth.
Health Hazards of Mold in your Home
Molds are
simple, microscopic organisms present virtually everywhere, indoors
and outdoors. Molds, including all mushrooms and yeast, are fungi
and are needed to break down dead material and recycle nutrients in
the environment. Molds to grow and reproduce need organic materials
as a food source; including leaves, wood, paper and insulation. Add
heat and humidity above 50% and you have happy mold that
proliferates rapidly.
 Because molds grow by digesting organic material, what molds ingest
is eventually destroyed. Molds release innumerable lightweight
spores, which in most instances eventually become airborne and
travel to other destinations. These destinations then can become
mold infested and sometimes toxic.
Molds produce negative health effects through inflammation, allergy
or infection. Allergic reactions, including fever, are common after
mold exposure. Symptoms of those exposed to toxic molds which issue
mycotoxins both individually or in combination are:
-
Immune
system suppression
-
Respiratory
problems including asthma and infections
-
Eye
irritation with burning, watery or reddened eyes
-
Cough – dry
and hacking
-
Nose or
throat irritation or both
-
Skin rashes
or irritation
-
Memory
impairment
-
Irritable
bowel syndrome
-
Body aches
and pain (Chronic Fatigue)
-
Food
Intolerances and allergies
-
Headaches
-
Mood swings
-
Nasal and
sinus congestion
How Do We Know If Toxic Mold Is Present?
If you can see or smell mold inside your home, office or school,
take steps to eliminate the excess moisture and call New England
Remediation Services as soon as possible. You may also suspect mold contamination if
mold-allergic individuals express mold health problem symptoms, even
if mold is not visible. Be aware mold infestation may be hiding
underneath or behind water-damaged surfaces or behind walls and
ceilings.
Reliable air sampling for mold requires specialized expertise and
equipment not available to the general public. Be safe, not sorry
and call New England Remediation Services today at 1-866-96-BLAST!
Call Today 1-866-962-5278
24/7 Emergency Service
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