What should workers avoid to prevent further issues when decontaminating on-site contents?

When decontaminating on-site contents, avoiding cross-contamination is crucial because it directly affects the effectiveness of the remediation process. Cross-contamination can occur when mold spores or contaminated materials are inadvertently spread to clean areas or other surfaces, which can lead to new mold growth and further complications. Effectively managing cross-contamination ensures that areas deemed safe remain free of contaminants, thereby maintaining a healthier environment and reducing the likelihood of mold resurgence.

While avoiding over-cleaning, missing items, and using unapproved chemicals are also important considerations in the mold remediation process, they do not have the same immediate potential to compromise the integrity of the entire decontamination effort as cross-contamination does. Cross-contamination can create a cycle of contamination that can undo the work previously completed, leading to increased remediation costs and prolonged exposure risks for workers and building occupants. Thus, controlling and preventing cross-contamination is a fundamental principle in the successful execution of any mold remediation strategy.