Mold Remediation for clients with CIRS and Acquired Environmental Illness
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a collection of symptoms which is also sometimes referred to as Biotoxin Illness, or Mold Illness, and was initially thought to be caused by mold exposure only. However, further research indicates bacteria, fungus and various viral infections are also implicated in the development of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.(For more information on Chronic inflammatory response syndrome please visit Survivingmold.com. For Environmentally acquired illness visit ISEAI.org)
CIRS, as the name implies, is a chronic illness. It is a cluster of symptoms that affect multiple systems in the body. It was first described by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, who continues to do extensive research on diagnosing, treating, and understanding the syndrome down to a genomic level. (1) (5) CIRS is caused by exposure to a biological agent (biotoxin) in your environment that your body cannot clear in part because of your genetics. Around 25% of the US population have the genes which put them at risk of developing CIRS if brought into contact with mold. However, you do not necessarily have to have this genetic predisposition to develop CIRS.
Symptoms of Mold Sickness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Aches
- Muscle Cramps
- Unusual Pain
- Ice Pick Pain
- Headache
- Light Sensitivity
- Red Eyes
- Blurred Vision
- Tearing
- Sinus Problems
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
- Joint Pain
- Morning Stiffness
- Memory Issues
- Focus/Concentration Issues
- Word Recollection Issues
- Decreased Learning of New Knowledge
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Skin Sensitivity
- Mood Swings
- Appetite Swings
- Sweats (especially night sweats)
- Temperature Regulation or Dysregulation Problems
- Excessive Thirst
- Increased Urination
- Static Shocks
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Vertigo
- Metallic Taste
- Tremors
Remediation Plan
- Create a practical objective plan for the remediation and documentation of the work.
- Containment under HEPA filtrated negative air exhausted outdoors if possible, set up. These should be as small as possible for the work being completed.
- Tacky mat set up at containment access to help prevent cross contamination.
- PPE to be worn by remediation team
- Demolition of materials containing suspect mold growth bagged and removed.
- HEPA vacuuming
- Deep cleaning of structure using hydrogen peroxide cleaner, re- HEPA vacuum.
- Wet scrubbing and air washing
- Seal exposed surfaces with clear encapsulant, seal concrete surfaces.
- HVAC systems should be cleaned prior to final clean.
Small Particle Cleaning & Remediation
- Pre clean all rooms after initial remediation process even if there is no demolition activity of debris.
- Air washing to remove particles that may not be removed by HEPA vacuuming. ( HEPA filtrated air scrubber's with negative air will be employed during this process
- Pre HEPA vacuum all surfaces starting from the high point and walls then floors working your way out of the containment or room. (steps 2 and 3 may be performed several times depending on the situation)
- Air scrubber will be shut off before final cleaning process.
- Aerosolver Pure Air Solution will be fogged. (depending on the remediation plan a plastic floor liner will be laid on floor to collect particles.)
- Wet-cleaning surfaces to remove residue
- Dry-wiping surfaces to remove any remaining particles of surfaces
