Case Study: Mold Remediation of a Research Facility

In the Spring of 2012, a hospital’s life science research facility experienced flooding when a pipe located two floors above burst. In addition to water damage throughout the space, mold spores, including Aspergillus niger, were introduced and distributed. Prior to repairs being made, a full facility decontamination took place to eliminate any mold or mold spores. Chlorine dioxide gas (CD) was chosen as the method of decontamination. Sixteen biological indicators (BI) consisting of Geobacillus stearothermophilus were placed throughout the 145,000 ft3 facility which contained animal holding rooms, procedure rooms, a laboratory, a cage wash area, storage rooms, necropsy rooms, locker rooms, and bathrooms.

During the decontamination, which took place over the course of 2 days, the surrounding areas of the facility were occupied. Chemical monitoring took place throughout the event to ensure that facility personnel were not exposed to any leakage. Upon completion of the decontamination, the 16 biological indicators exposed, as well as a positive control BI, were tested for growth. After the incubation period, only the positive control exhibited growth, demonstrating that the decontamination was a success and the facility was free of mold and mold spores. Success was also satisfied as there was no physical residue, and no visible indication of material degradation on any of the surfaces within the building, including the ventilated racks, plastic caging, and biological safety cabinets. There was also no visible indication of effect to any electronics or measurement devices in the area.

To read more about this specific decontamination, click here. If you are curious how ClorDiSys Solutions can help with your facility's contamination control, call us at (908) 236-4100.

 

Mold Remediation in the Cannabis Industry

During the marijuana growing process, mold can occur at any point. Mold is a major threat to cannabis, and an outbreak can be detrimental to an entire crop and, in turn, profits. Mold prevention and remediation are practices that are essential to a successful grower. Before plants enter the growing room, it is key that measures are taken to ensure no mold spores are present. This can be done to 100% effectiveness through chlorine dioxide gas decontamination. An entire facility can be sealed and decontaminated using gaseous CD to completely sterilize the space, eliminating any pre-existing organisms and their spores. A quick, chemical-free, highly effective room disinfection alternative can be implemented through ultraviolet light. Unlike a gas that can result in complete distribution of the decontaminating agent, UV-C will only kill where light is emitted onto. However, for an affordable and simple method, UV-C is the optimal solution.

The Torch™ is an easily transportable, powerful disinfection system that can be positioned in the room to achieve a 99% kill level on any surface, including plants, the light is emitted onto in mere minutes. Seeds and buds can be placed in an ultraviolet light chamber, such as the Flashbox™ or Flashbox-mini™, to achieve kill on potential spores without causing death to the seed. Seeds can also be placed inside of a Tyvek™ pouch and decontaminated inside a chlorine dioxide gas isolator.

Mold spores are also highly present in the air. To destroy this risk, ultraviolet light air circulation technology can be implemented to eliminate spores. Designed to replace a standard ceiling tile, the Torch Aire-Recessed™ installs easily to help reduce airborne pathogens. Air is drawn into the fixture through the louvered filter panels and disinfected within the center chamber. This design prevents UV-C exposure to those in the room by restricting light from passing into the occupied room, making it safe for people to be in the room at all times.

View all of our contamination control products to see what might fit your facility's needs best.