Mold Removal Protective Gear: N95, Gloves and Goggles

The EPA's Mold Course sorts protective gear into three levels:

The EPA's schools and commercial buildings guide sets the floor for any mold work: The minimum PPE is an N-95 respirator, gloves and eye protection. The CDC's shopping list for mold cleanup adds waterproof rubber boots, which make sense after a flood.

The first thing to know is the difference between a mask and a respirator. NIOSH explains that filtering facepiece respirators fit tightly against the face creating a seal (tight-fitting), while masks are designed to cover your nose and mouth but not form a tight seal to your face. A cloth or surgical mask isn't a substitute.

The EPA says only respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) should be worn. An N-95 respirator covers the nose and mouth, filters out 95 percent of airborne particulates. The CDC's shopping list says to buy N-95 respirators, or ones that provide more protection (check packaging for "N-95").

How to tell an N95 is NIOSH-approved

Counterfeits are common, so check the respirator itself. NIOSH's guidance says the label on the facepiece or strap should show the approval holder's name, the model or part number, "N95," the approval number and "NIOSH" (NIOSH video transcript). The Virginia Department of Health summarizes the check:

• Look for the NIOSH testing and certification (TC) approval number, such as TC 84A-XXXX.
• Verify the approval number, manufacturer, and model using the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL).
• Be cautious of products with unusual or incorrect labeling, misspellings, or claims that seem too good to be true.

NIOSH also lists warning signs such as a misspelled "NIOSH," decorative add-ons, or claims of approval for children (NIOSH).

An N95 that leaks around the edges isn't filtering much. Fit is where most people go wrong.

Seal. NIOSH says the respirator must fit the user's face snugly (i.e., create a seal). For home use without formal fit testing, the CDC says to make sure the respirator fits properly, even if not fit-tested, by following the instructions on the package.

Seal check every time. NIOSH says to conduct a user seal check every time you put on the respirator, and that NIOSH-approved respirators include instructions on how to conduct a user seal check. Follow the steps printed with yours.

Facial hair. This is the big one. The CDC says that to get the most protection users should be clean-shaven in the areas where the mask seals to the face. NIOSH reports that facial hair under the seal causes 20 to 1000 times more leakage compared to clean-shaven individuals. If you have a beard and can't shave, have someone else do the work.

When to throw it away. The CDC says N-95 respirators should be thrown away whenever they are damaged, soiled, or are noticeably harder to breathe through.

Not for children. The CDC notes that NIOSH-approved respirators are not designed for children, and that children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.

What an N95 won't protect you from

An N95 filters particles like mold spores. NIOSH says a particulate respirator does not filter out harmful gases or vapors. That matters if you use bleach or other strong cleaners: the N95 won't stop the fumes, so ventilate. The EPA says that if disinfectants or biocides are used, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. And never mix products: the CDC says to never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners because it will produce a poisonous gas. Our vinegar vs bleach for mold guide explains the chemistry.

The N95 also offers no eye protection. The EPA notes that an N-95 offers no eye protection, which is why goggles are on the list.

The EPA says long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended, and that you should avoid touching mold with bare hands.

The material depends on what you're cleaning with:

If you're allergic to latex, note that nitrile appears on both lists. Throw disposable gloves away in the same sealed bag as your moldy rags.

Eye protection is easy to get wrong. The EPA says goggles must be designed to keep out dust and small particles, and its schools guide says safety glasses or goggles with open vent holes are not acceptable. For a home job, look for:

• Goggles that do not have ventilation holes, as the EPA's home guide recommends
• Goggles that provide complete eye protection, per the EPA and CDC flood guide
• Not vented safety glasses: the same guide says safety glasses or goggles that have open vent holes will not protect you against dust and small particles

A full-face respirator covers your eyes too. The EPA notes you can protect your eyes with properly fitted goggles or a full-face respirator with HEPA filter.

For small jobs, old clothes you can wash right away work. The EPA says disposable clothing is recommended for medium and large remediation projects. After a flood, add rubber boots: the CDC says to wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup.

When you finish, the EPA and CDC flood guide says to shower and change your clothes so you don't carry mold into clean parts of the house.

For a small DIY job under about 10 square feet:

• NIOSH-approved N95 respirator, with a TC approval number you've checked
• Spare N95s (replace when soiled, damaged or hard to breathe through)
• Long gloves to mid-forearm (nitrile or rubber if using bleach)
• Unvented goggles
• Old clothes or disposable coveralls
• Rubber boots for wet or flooded areas
• Heavy plastic bags for moldy waste
• A fan or open window to vent cleaner fumes outdoors

If you're scrubbing, you may also want a HEPA vacuum for the final pass and a dehumidifier to dry the area.

The CDC says that if you have a respiratory condition like asthma or COPD or a weakened immune system stay away from moldy spaces. It also says to stop working and see a medical provider if you have trouble breathing while wearing a respirator. Gear lowers your exposure; it doesn't make cleanup safe for everyone.

If you think mold is affecting your health, see a doctor. A mold test can't diagnose illness. Our guides to mold exposure and mold and lungs cover what the CDC and EPA say.

The EPA says that if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, in most cases you can handle it yourself. For heavier work, the EPA and CDC flood guide says that if you plan to spend a lot of time ripping out moldy drywall, wear a half-face or full-face respirator. At that point, a professional crew with containment is usually the better call.

In Texas, TDLR says that in most instances areas of visible mold less than 25 contiguous square feet in area may be cleaned or removed by people who are not licensed. Larger jobs generally need a licensed remediator. Texas law also says a license holder may not perform both mold assessment and mold remediation on the same project, so hire a mold testing company to assess and a separate mold removal company to remediate. We list both in Houston, Austin and across Texas. Use our license check to confirm a license and see how we verify every listing. For DIY methods, see how to get rid of mold.