Mold Remediation Certification Practice Exam

When the negative air machine is turned off, what part of the containment must be sealed?

1. Exhaust

2. Intake

3. Return

4. Outlet

The correct answer is: Intake

When the negative air machine is turned off, sealing the intake is crucial to maintain the integrity of the containment area. The primary function of the negative air machine is to create a negative pressure environment that helps prevent the spread of mold spores and particulates from the contaminated space to the surrounding areas. If the intake is not properly sealed when the machine is off, air from outside the containment can enter, which can compromise the negative pressure and potentially lead to cross-contamination. This is especially vital in mold remediation scenarios, where controlling air movement is essential to effectively manage exposure and ensure that the mold and spores are contained. In contrast, sealing the exhaust or outlet would not provide the necessary protection since these parts are designed for the air to be extracted from the containment area. The return typically refers to how air is cycled back into a system, which wouldn’t be relevant when the machine is off, as it would not be returning air to the space. Therefore, focusing on sealing the intake is a necessary step in effective mold remediation practices when ceasing the operation of negative air machinery.