Mold Remediation

4 Reasons Why Mold Has Captured Our Attention

For many years it seems that the problem of mold has slipped under the radar.  Why has it become such a great concern now?

• See also the Process of Mold Removal or Mold Remediation.
  Tighter construction techniques of today have reduced the natural air exchanges in structures and thus created a context in which mold can take hold.
• The use of different materials which are more susceptible to mold has also caused the risk to increase.
• With increased demand on the construction industry to build more homes, sometimes poorly qualified workers are hired and it is reflected in the workmanship.
• But probably the biggest contributor to the current awareness about mold is the media attention given to some spectacular mold remediation jobs in the United States and the coining of the term "Toxic Mold" or "Black Mold". 

Not all types of mold are dangerous to the extent that they are life threatening.  There are many species of fungi and not all of them are lethal.  The IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation, 2008 states on page 66:

"There are approximately 70,000 to 100,000 described species of fungi, including molds, mushrooms and yeasts (Alexopolous et al. 1996, Hoog et al. 2000)." 

Why Are Some Molds Dangerous?

The impact of fungi can affect us in three main ways:

• Allergic Reaction
• Infection
• Toxic (Toxigenic)

The complete answer to the question, "Why Are Some Molds More Dangerous", is quite involved and for a fuller discussion than I will give here, refer to Chapter 3 of the IICRC S520.  However, the short answer for this discussion, is the impact of certain molds to cause "Toxic" reactions by their ability to release Mycotoxins.

Nine Characteristics Of Mycotoxins 

• Mycotoxins are produced by many different micro fungi
• They are assumed to be a defence mechanism against other microorganisms (Penicillin).
• They are produced under very specific conditions
• They are toxic chemical compounds
• They can be carcinogenic e. g. Aflatoxins
• They can enter the body by ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact
• They are produced inside and on the surface of spores
• They are not inactivated by "killing" the spores
• Dead spores can still be allergenic or toxigenic 

 Values and Guidelines:

Values and Guidelines:

Super Bee operates from a perspective which places the customer's well being as a primary concern. When we are called in to respond to a situation where the health and safety of individuals is in potential of being compromised, either by water loss, sewer backup or mold contamination, we view our work as a first responder as being critical in minimizing potential damage both to the health of the customer and also to their dwelling or business.

We also believe that it is our ethical responsibility to present the customer with the results of our findings in such a manner that they have the opportunity to make an informed decision regarding the remediation of their property. Super Bee's recommendations for remediation are based on sound research and the best practices in order to promote the restoration of the property to a pre-loss condition.

We believe that these potential hazards are of such a serious nature that specialized training and experience is required to abate the issues presented. We thus strive to keep abreast with the current training and developments in the restoration industry and remain committed to certification as a company and in following the industry's current guidelines relating to each specific process.

Industry Standards and Best Practices

Keeping on top of the changes occurring in the restoration industry is an ongoing process.  New research and insights are being developed at a rapid pace and the standards and best practices within the industry reflect these changes.  As the industry evolves, so too must companies like Super Bee.  The services Super Bee provides are continually upgraded and under review. 

Super Bee has sought to expand its learning objectives so that it might take into account the benefits of learning and training from a multitude of disciplines.  Such organizations such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the Indoor Air Quality Association and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers have been very influential. The education and field experience requirements of the American Council for Accredited Certification have also been formative in the ongoing development of Super Bee.

With this in mind, William T. Archbold, Super Bee owner and lead technician, has met all the specific standards and qualifications to be certified as a CMRS (Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor), Board-awarded by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). He has also successfully completed the course Occupational Health and Safety for the Asbestos Worker and is carded by the Government of Alberta to perform asbestos abatement in low to high risk environments.  Through the IICRC he has been given the designations Master Water Restorer, Master Textile Cleaner and Commercial Drying Specialist.

Super Bee Is An IICRC Certified Firm

Being a Certified Firm with the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration), the parameters of our work are set out in the standards and guidelines published by the IICRC body. Copies of these standards and guidelines can be made available upon request and concerns about conduct can be addressed with the IICRC at http://www.iicrc.org/home.shtml or

IICRC Administrative Office
2715 E Mill Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98661
Phone: (360) 693-5675
Fax: (360) 693-4858
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST, Mon-Fri

As An IICRC Certified Company, We Have Expertize In The Following Areas:

Institution of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certifications:     

• Master Water Restorer
• Journeyman Water Restorer
• Commercial Drying Specialist
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• Journeyman Textile Cleaner
• Carpet Cleaning Technician
• Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Health & Safety Technician
• Color Repair Technician
• Master Textile Cleaner

The IICRC (iicrc.org) is an independent certification body. Ongoing training and testing is required to receive these designations.

Contact Us if you have an emergency related to mold, asbestos, flooding, sewer back up, or carpet & upholstery cleaning or need expert advice from an experienced technician in this field.

Super Bee has been serving the Community of Camrose & East Central Alberta since 1980!