When you are working on killing or removing the mold from a building, the equipment that you will need to safely do this job can vary just a bit, depending on the size of the area you are trying to treat. You might just need some cloths, mold killing chemicals, rubber gloves, and a light respirator if it is just a surface infection like on a countertop or on a vinyl floor.

But, if you are planning on tearing out any drywall and getting to an infection that exists inside your walls or ceiling, then you will need some protection equipment that is just a bit more extensive. There are different levels of protection equipment just as there are different levels of mold infestations and there are a few things that you need to know about respirators.

No matter what level mold infestation you are dealing with getting rid of, you will need an N-95 type respirator. This is about the minimum level of protection that you can use and the next level down would be using none at all; this is, of course not advised. When you are cleaning, mold spores are stirred up into the air, especially if you are taking out drywall or removing contaminated wallpaper, so even if you have been living in a contaminated household for a while, the risk you are taking by not using a respirator when you are getting rid of it is considerable. You can find this kind of respirator in most hardware and even some department stores.

Air purifying respirators are the next step up in protection and these always have HEPA filters in them. These filter out almost all particles that you are breathing in while you are working. This kind of respirator does not protect your eyes and are available in half face and full face kinds. The best thing about this kind of respirator is not only the HEPA filter, but also the fact that using this kind does not require any training. The next step in protection does.

The highest level of breathing protection will come from a powered air purifying respirator. These also come equipped with HEPA filters, but require electricity and some training in order to be able to use them. OSHA guidelines must also be followed to the letter if you are planning on using these respirators in a commercial setting.

All respirators must be approved for usage by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.