Texas Mold Assessment Consultant Practice Exam

What action should NOT be taken when engaging with mold growth on surfaces?

1. Cleaning with soap and water

2. Painting over it without treatment

3. HEPA vacuuming

4. Damp wiping the affected area

The correct answer is: Painting over it without treatment

Painting over mold growth without appropriate treatment is a critical action that should not be taken as it does not address the underlying issue of mold infestation. Mold spores can penetrate and inhabit porous surfaces, and simply covering them with paint does not eliminate the mold or prevent it from continuing to grow. Instead, it can lead to further deterioration of the material beneath the paint and may result in a larger problem over time, including potential health hazards due to mold spores being disturbed or released into the air. In contrast, other options such as cleaning with soap and water, HEPA vacuuming, or damp wiping the affected area are recognized methods for reducing mold presence, provided that these actions are done correctly and safely. These methods can effectively remove surface mold and diminish mold spores, providing a more immediate solution to manage mold growth before further remediation or treatment is initiated.