By Kristine Catimbang, Guest Contributor

Prolonged shutdowns have occurred in many parts of the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening of offices, shops, and other workplaces may lead to the discovery of mold and other hazards. Mold can grow in areas of inactivity where maintenance has not been performed over a long period of time. Molds are a form of fungi that are found in both outdoor and indoor environments. They can grow on almost any substance. There is typically a water or moisture problem in areas where there is mold growth.

Mold is a health and safety hazard. Exposure to hold can lead to symptoms such as a stuffy nose, wheezing, and eye and skin irritation (CDC, 2020). People with allergies to molds or asthma may experience more severe reactions when they are exposed to mold. Mold can also feed on organic material, such as wood, which can be detrimental to the integrity of structures. Structural damage to buildings from mold growth can occur if affected areas of buildings are not discovered and remediated early on.

The best way to reduce exposure to mold is to prevent it from growing and spreading in the first place. Mold growth can be controlled by managing humidity levels in buildings, fixing any leaks in a prompt manner, and properly ventilating areas where moisture may accumulate. Moisture control is the most important strategy for reducing indoor mold growth. Before workers are allowed back to their workplaces, employers should perform a risk assessment and building inspection. Inspections should be performed regularly even during prolonged shutdowns to maintain a building’s condition (Kerr, 2021). If any signs of mold are caught early on, the risk of exposure can be minimized, and excessive costs can be avoided.

If a large area of mold is present in your workplace, experts in mold removal and remediation would need to be called in to fix the issue. Experts in mold removal use tested solutions to remove mold and prevent mold from growing back (Kerr, 2021). The purpose of mold remediation is to identify and correct the water or moisture problem, remove and/or clean contaminated materials at the site, and prevent the spread of mold to other areas. Mold removal and remediation experts inspect the area, calculate the extent of the contamination, and create a mold remediation plan.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (August 2020). Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

Kerr, Stuart. (May 2021). Five Tips to Minimize Mold Risk During and After a Prolonged Shutdown. Retrieved from: https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2021/05/03/Five-Tips-to-Minimize-Mold-Risk-During-and-After-a-Prolonged-Shutdown.aspx?admgarea=news&Page=1