Respirators Needed For Mold Remediations

When you are trying to kill and remove mold from your home or your business establishment, there are a number of different things that you need to purchase before this remediation can begin. Depending on the size of the infection, what you will need to buy can vary. Not stirring up mold spores and having as few in the air that you are breathing as possible is one of the most important concerns when you are doing this remediation on your own, because you are probably not trained in how to do this effectively. Any porous material that has become infected with mold can stir up mold spores when you begin to break it apart, such as drywall or contaminated wallpaper. If you are going to do any invasive procedures in the home to remove mold such as trying to remove mold from the inside of your walls by removing drywall, you will want to have a good respirator on hand and a protective body suit to keep the mold from coming into contact with your skin.

If you want just the minimum amount of protection from mold, then what you will probably need is an N-95 type respirator. This will cover up your nose and mouth and will effectively keep around 95 percent of mold spores and other particles in the air near you from entering your sinuses. You can find these in most hardware stores and also in some department stores.

If you want something that will help protect you just a tad better, then a full or even just a half-face APR (air purifying respirator) will help you out. These have HEPA filters on them and will filter the air that comes into your respirator so that no mold spores or other particles in the air around you get inside the mask. You will want to make sure that whatever respirator you choose to buy is approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. These will not protect your eyes.

If the mold growth is extensive and you will be exposed to it for a long period of time before the remediation is finished, you will want an APR that is powered by electricity. These are all full-face, HEPA filter equipped respirators and in order to be able to use this kind of respirator, you must be trained. Usage of these in a commercial setting should always be in accordance with OSHA’s regulations.


Jim Corkern is a writer and promoter of
Texas Water Damage Restoration and
Houston Water Damage Restoration Which are Certified IICRC Water damage and mold remediation contractors.