Mold Remediation of a Research Facility in a Hospital

Abstract

A hospital's life science research facility experienced flooding due to a pipe bursting two floors above. In addition to water damage throughout the facility, mold spores were introduced and distributed throughout. Prior to repairs being made, a full facility decontamination took place to eliminate any mold or mold spores throughout the facility. Chlorine dioxide gas (CD) was chosen as the method of decontamination, which took place over the course of 2 days. Sixteen biological indicators (BI) consisting of Geobacillus stearothermophilus were placed throughout the 145,000 ft3 facility. A target level of 720 parts-per-million hours (PPM-hr) was targeted to achieve a 6-log sporicidal reduction with an actual exposure of approximately 1,000 PPM-hr exhibited. During the decontamination, the surrounding areas of the facility were occupied, so 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.