The short answer
What the Suit Protects Against
Mold releases tiny spores that can become airborne when disturbed. Breathing these in can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Some molds also produce substances that can be harmful when touched or inhaled in large amounts.
The suit covers the skin and clothing, preventing spores from clinging to the worker and being carried out of your home. It also keeps mold from getting into the worker's own clothes and belongings. This barrier is a basic safety measure for anyone working in a heavily contaminated area.
Why You Might See Full Suits
Not every mold situation calls for a hazmat suit. Small patches of surface mold can often be handled with basic precautions like gloves and a mask. However, when mold has spread behind drywall, under flooring, or throughout an attic, the risk of exposure is much higher.
In those cases, the pros wear a full suit with a respirator to limit their exposure. The suit also helps prevent the mold from being stirred up and blown into other rooms. The level of protection depends on how much mold is present and where it is located.
- Gloves to protect hands from mold and cleaning chemicals
- Goggles or a face shield to keep spores out of the eyes
- A respirator that filters the air you breathe
- A disposable coverall that is removed and bagged after the job
- Boot covers to avoid tracking spores through the house
What the Suit Does Not Do
A hazmat suit is not a sign that mold is a deadly threat to your family. It is a precaution for the worker who may be in close contact with mold for hours. The suit does not remove mold or fix the underlying moisture problem.
The real work is finding and stopping the water source, removing contaminated materials, and cleaning the area properly. The suit is just one part of the process. Without fixing the moisture issue, mold will return, no matter how careful the cleanup.
Protecting Yourself When You Clean Small Areas
If you decide to tackle a small patch of mold yourself, you can take some simple steps. Wear gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask that fits snugly. Open windows to increase airflow, and avoid using a vacuum cleaner that is not equipped with a HEPA filter, as it can blow spores around.
Keep the area damp while scrubbing to reduce the number of spores that become airborne. Use a mild detergent and water for most surfaces. If the mold covers more than a small patch, or if you feel unwell during the effort, stop and consider bringing in the pros.
When to Call in the Pros
You may want to call the pros if the mold covers a large area, if it is inside walls or ducts, or if anyone in your home has breathing problems. The pros have the right equipment and know how to contain the spread. They also know how to handle materials that need to be thrown away.
For a serious mold problem, the cleanup is often part of a larger water damage repair. In Mesa, if you have had a leak or flood, you may need to address the water first. The pros can assess the situation and recommend the next steps, which might include drywall repair or flooring removal.
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Mesa and nearby communities.
Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
Can I clean mold myself without a hazmat suit?
Yes, for a small patch on a hard surface, you can clean it with gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask. Keep the area wet to limit spores. If the mold covers more than a few square feet, or if you feel sick, stop and call the pros.
Are hazmat suits a sign that mold is toxic?
No, the suit is a precaution for workers who may be exposed for a long time. Mold can irritate the lungs and skin, but the suit is about limiting exposure, not a sign that the mold is especially dangerous. The real issue is the moisture that caused the mold.
What should I do after the pros finish mold cleanup?
After the cleanup, you need to fix the moisture problem, such as a leak or high humidity. The pros may have removed drywall or flooring, so you may need repairs. Keep the area dry and watch for any new signs of mold. If you live in Mesa, keep a note of where your water shutoff valve is.