What should be the initial step in any microbial remediation project?

The initial step in any microbial remediation project is to identify and eliminate the water source. This is crucial because moisture is the key factor that allows microbial growth, particularly fungi and bacteria. Without the moisture, the conditions necessary for microbial proliferation are significantly diminished, which is essential for preventing further contamination and ensuring effective remediation.

Addressing the water source early on sets the stage for a successful remediation process. Once the source of moisture has been identified and eliminated, the remediation team can then proceed to manage and mitigate any existing microbial contamination. This step is foundational as it directly influences the effectiveness of subsequent actions such as risk assessments, awareness education, and testing, which are all important but depend on having the moisture issue resolved initially.