What respirator do I need for mold?

⚠ Important safety warning

Respirators only work with a good face-to-facepiece seal: facial hair along the seal breaks it, and tight-fitting respirators should be fit-tested (workplace remediation under OSHA requires a written respiratory-protection program, medical evaluation, and fit testing). Disturbing mold sharply increases airborne spores, so contain the area with plastic sheeting, mist/wet moldy materials to suppress dust, and ventilate. Mold left by flooding or sewage ('black water', Category 3) can also carry bacteria and other pathogens — treat it as more hazardous. People with asthma, mold allergies, or weakened immune systems should not do the cleanup themselves and should avoid the area even when mold is undisturbed. If using bleach or other biocides, never mix with ammonia and ensure fresh-air ventilation. Use goggles WITHOUT ventilation holes and long gloves (nitrile, neoprene, PVC, polyurethane, or natural rubber); dispose of porous moldy materials that cannot be cleaned.

When to call a professional: Call a licensed mold remediation professional (or follow EPA's 'Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings' / ACGIH guidance) when: the affected area is larger than about 10 square feet (roughly a 3 ft x 3 ft patch), and especially over 100 sq ft; the mold followed sewage or contaminated floodwater; your HVAC/duct system is involved; mold keeps coming back or you cannot find and fix the underlying moisture source; or building occupants have asthma, allergies, or compromised immune systems. Professionals use containment, negative-air/HEPA machines, and PAPR or supplied-air respirators with proper training.