People who may need extra precautions
- Household member
- People with asthma
- Why it matters
- Mold can trigger asthma symptoms
- Common precaution
- Stay away from the work area; discuss a plan with their doctor
- Household member
- People with mold allergies
- Why it matters
- Sneezing, congestion and eye irritation are common reactions
- Common precaution
- Avoid the work zone and consider a HEPA purifier in bedrooms
- Household member
- People with weakened immune systems
- Why it matters
- Higher risk of infection from some molds
- Common precaution
- Ask the treating physician whether relocation is advised
- Household member
- Infants and young children
- Why it matters
- Developing lungs and more time spent on floors
- Common precaution
- Keep them out of affected rooms and away from containment entrances
- Household member
- Older adults with lung conditions
- Why it matters
- Reduced ability to tolerate irritants
- Common precaution
- Discuss with their physician; avoid dusty phases of the job
What containment does and does not do
Properly built containment, with sealed plastic walls, covered vents and HEPA-filtered negative air, keeps the rest of the house from sharing air with the work area. That is why most households can remain at home. The weak moments are when containment is first set up, when bagged debris is carried out, and if a wall of plastic is opened or torn.
In a large home it is often possible to keep sensitive family members in a wing or level far from the work, especially if the HVAC system serving the work area is shut off or isolated. In a smaller home or when the work is near bedrooms, a few nights elsewhere may be the simpler choice.
Stay, separate or relocate?
- IfA small, well-contained job in a basement storage room, with healthy occupantsThenStaying home is usually reasonable; keep the containment closed and the area off-limits.
- IfSomeone in the household has asthma or allergiesThenKeep them on a different level, away from the containment entrance and debris path, and follow their doctor's advice.
- IfSomeone is immunocompromised or the work is large or near bedroomsThenDiscuss temporary relocation with their physician until the area has been cleaned and verified.
Household rules during the job
- Nobody enters the containment except the workers.
- Keep doors to the work area closed and do not lift the plastic to look inside.
- Ask how and when debris will be carried out, and keep people clear of that route.
- Report any tear or gap in the plastic to the contractor right away.
- Change HVAC filters on affected systems after the job if the contractor recommends it.
General information for Cherry Hills Village, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.