Steps in Controlling Microbial Growth

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Microbial Growth based on moisture and temperature

The application of chemical agents should not be the restoration vendor’s primary method of controlling microbial growth. Since the presence of water promotes and sustains microbial growth, the primary steps in mitigation or remediation are (1) removing moisture by drying the environment and reducing humidity levels and (2) removing contaminated materials. Water damage restoration professionals should focus on fast drying of the structure (to reduce moisture levels) and not consider the application of chemical agents by themselves to be effective remediation of microbial contamination.

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) points out that restorers are not effective if their only step is applying chemical agents (biocides) and they do not perform the more important steps of rapid drying and removal of contaminated materials:

“Effective remediation of water damaged or microbially contaminated buildings involves (a) the use of appropriate techniques to promote rapid drying, and (b) complete removal of contaminated materials rather than the application of biocides without these steps” (ACGIH Bioaerosals: Assessment and Control – publication #3180).

The longer water dwells in a structure, being absorbed by materials, the more damage it causes. Fast WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION MANUAL 7–4 response to water damages by SERVPRO of Manchester-East could save insurance companies and customers thousands of dollars on a claim, since timely mitigation reduces replacement costs. A quick response to a water damage is the most important course of action.

Call SERVPRO of Manchester-East at (603)-669-7733