Mold Regulations in Oklahoma

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

Mold Regulations in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, mold regulations are primarily addressed by the state's housing and health departments. However, it's worth noting that there is currently no specific law or regulation in Oklahoma that specifically governs mold in indoor environments.

That said, if mold is present in a rental property, landlords are obligated to provide safe and habitable housing to their tenants under the state's Landlord and Tenant Act. This means that landlords must maintain the property in good repair and free from conditions that pose a health or safety hazard, including mold.

Additionally, the Oklahoma State Department of Health provides guidelines for indoor air quality, which include recommendations for mold prevention and remediation. These guidelines recommend that property owners and tenants take steps to control moisture and prevent mold growth, such as fixing leaks, increasing ventilation, and promptly cleaning up any water damage.

If mold is present in a rental property and the landlord is not addressing the issue, tenants may file a complaint with the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office, Consumer Protection Unit. Tenants may also consider hiring an environmental consultant to assess the extent of the mold problem and recommend remediation steps.

It's important to note that the absence of specific mold regulations in Oklahoma does not mean that mold is not a serious health concern. Exposure to mold can cause a range of health problems, particularly for individuals with allergies or weakened immune systems. If you suspect that you have a mold problem in your home or workplace, it's important to take prompt action to identify and address the source of the problem.

Why is Proper Containment Important?

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

Proper Containment Mold Remediation

Proper containment is essential during mold remediation projects to prevent the spread of mold spores to other areas of a building and protect the health of workers and occupants.

Mold spores can spread easily through the air, and if they are not properly contained during remediation, they can travel to other parts of the building and create new areas of contamination. This can result in more extensive mold growth and make remediation efforts more challenging and costly.

Additionally, mold spores can pose a serious health risk to workers and occupants of a building. When mold spores are disturbed during remediation, they can become airborne and be inhaled by those in the vicinity. This can lead to respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and other health issues.

Proper containment during mold remediation involves isolating the contaminated area from the rest of the building using barriers such as plastic sheeting and negative air pressure machines. This helps to prevent the spread of mold spores to other areas of the building and ensures that the remediation process is carried out safely and effectively.

In summary, proper containment during mold remediation is crucial to prevent the spread of mold spores, protect the health of workers and occupants, and ensure that the remediation process is carried out in a safe and effective manner.

Mold Regulations in Oklahoma

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation Contractor Certification SERVPRO of West Oklahoma City

Mold Remediation Regulations in Oklahoma

Did you know there are no mold regulations in Oklahoma as there are in other states.

With the recent events, mold became an issue for many businesses and homeowners. During catastrophic events like hurricanes and ice storms many commercial and residential properties can be affected by water damage due to rising water and/or faulty plumbing. During such events high demand in the restoration industry leaves many customers on the waiting list for services due to full capacity. During this time on the waiting list microbial growth may start to develop. 

In States like Texas where mold is regulated companies are limited to 25 contiguous square feet of microbial remediation before a state license is required. During this event (and events in the past) the state of Texas was able to lift the mold licensing restrictions and allow unlicensed mold remediation companies the opportunity to take part in the recovery efforts. 

Many of these unlicensed mold remediation companies have the training and basic understanding of water damage and biological contamination to successfully perform remediation activities greater than 25 contiguous square feet. We were glad to hear the restrictions were lifted and the industry was utilized in full force.

To learn more about getting your Mold Remediation Contractors Certification, visit GEBCO.

What to do if I find Mold In My Building?

3/21/2021 (Permalink)

There are tens of thousands of different types of mold that can grow, but even black mold doesn't always mean it's time to panic.

Mold Remediation Process

Finding any kind of Mold in our homes or businesses, is something that can cause us to panic, and is never a welcomed addition when we do find mold growing.  

Black mold is an even more unpleasant thing to discover in your Oklahoma City, business building. Fortunately, its presence doesn't need to be permanent. One of the most important steps to take going forward is calling a mold remediation company. This will allow you to have your building properly handled by experts. A particularly effective company in this regard is SERVPRO. If you want to know why, here's how SERVPRO can make your business's mold remediation process more efficient.

1. Expedient Response
   When it comes to remediating mold, swift work is vital. After all, you may be unable to use your building until it's done. SERVPRO is dedicated to responding quickly to reports of black mold, so you can start to get back to work soon enough. The company also asks a series of questions before sending people over, which ensures that the trip won't be delayed by a lack of necessary materials.
2. Various Containment Techniques
   Containing fungus is an essential part of the remediation process. It ensures that the mold can't spread any further. These are a few techniques the experts use, particularly for more advanced issues:

• Turning off HVAC systems and fans
• Creating negative air pressure
• Creating negative air chambers

Containing the mold quickly can greatly minimize the damage, so this is especially helpful.

3. Trained Specialists
   Since SERVPRO specializes in mold and water restoration, you'll have help from experts in these fields. These professionals conduct assessments soon after arrival to determine what needs to be done. For instance, the workers may find that the mold is secondary damage from a more pressing problem.
4. Advanced Filtration Equipment
   This may sound gross, but mold can live as microscopic spores in the air, especially in an area with high humidity. In order to get rid of it, SERVPRO professionals use a specialized method of filtration that involves HEPA vacuums and "air scrubbers". Doing so gets rid of the spores and stops the entities from spreading further.
   If you discover black mold in your building, don't panic. SERVPRO experts can complete the remediation process with efficiency while you run your company.

How Do I Get Rid of Mold?

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Microbial Remediation in West Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Home.

Does Your Yukon, Piedmont, Mustang,  or Bethany Home Have A Mold Problem?

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce health effects.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –405-265-7299