Mold Remediation
What Does Mold Removal Involve?
Due to the health risks associated with mold exposure, it is best to have mold removal and remediation conducted by a certified remediation specialist. Proper mold removal does not consist of using over the counter products that claim to kill mold. Because remediation is invasive, it is best to leave mold remediation up the certified professionals that are trained in handling hazardous materials. Rainbow International Restoration is the leading mold removal and remediation company in Chicago, Illinois.
Assessment:
Before performing mold removal and remediation, you must identify and correct the source of what is causing the mold to grow. Mold will grow if moisture is not controlled. Rainbow International Restoration’s mold remediation specialists will help identify the source and offer suggestions on how to correct it. Some of the most common sources of mold damage are linked to:
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Water damage that goes unnoticed or was not properly cleaned up
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Seepage, cracks in your foundation
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Roof leaks
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Poor ventilation, high humidity
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Improper insulation
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Plumbing Leaks
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Improper clean up after a backup of sewers or drains
Containment:
When mold is disturbed, it can easily spread through the air making it much more difficult to capture. These tiny organisms are called mold spores. Rainbow International Restoration’s mold removal specialists will isolate the work area to prevent the mold spores from contaminating other parts of the structure.
Filtration:
Reducing the mold spore count in the air is just as important as removing the mold from building components. Rainbow International Restoration utilizes HEPA filtration machines to purify the air and reduce the number of mold spores floating around.
Removal:
Mold is a living organism and can deeply ingrain itself into materials to survive. This is why mold must be physically be removed from the structure. Attempts to cover up mold on the surface will lead to contamination issues down the road. Therefore, the EPA does not recommend that you use bleach as a means of mold removal.
Mold removal and remediation always begins and ends with meticulous HEPA vacuuming to capture mold spores from surfaces.
Stain removers are often used to eliminate or reduce mold staining. EPA registered antimicrobials are applied to all affected areas to prevent the mold from returning.
Final Inspection:
Following remediation, a thorough post completion inspection is conducted. We will arrange to have a post-clearance test performed by a third party. Clearance testing ensures that the spore count inside the structure has been reduced and has returned to safe levels for a fungal ecology within an indoor environment. Rainbow International Restoration guarantees that we will pass a clearance test.

Health Risks of Mold
Mold can cause structural damage, but more importantly, it can cause serious health risks. Because of this, it is important that you look for the warning signs that mold may be present. Mold contamination has the potential to cause health issues among some individuals. Some of the reactions that can be triggered by mold are:
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Headaches
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Breathing difficulties
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A persistent cough or cold symptoms
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Burning or irritation of the eyes, nose, throat or lungs
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Asthma attacks
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Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
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Skin irritation
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Allergic reactions
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Opportunistic infections in immune-compromised individuals
Microbial growth, better known as mold, can grow anywhere as long as moisture, oxygen and organic material for it to feed on is present. Microscopic mold spores float around the air and begin to cluster and grow on surfaces when moisture is introduced to the environment.
There are over 1.5 million species of mold in the world, however, only about 100,000 have actually been identified. Mold can grow just about anywhere and they all grow as a result of moisture.
If you suspect mold or moisture issues in your building, do not ignore them as they will only get worse with time. Protect the health of the building occupants by contacting Rainbow International Restoration at (800) 262-0244 to set up a mold inspection.