Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination happens when a contaminant, such as mold spores, sewage residue, or soot, spreads from an affected area to a clean area, usually on tools, shoes, clothing, or through uncontained air movement. Restoration crews control it with containment barriers, negative air pressure, and cleaning protocols between work areas. Once cross-contamination happens, the newly affected area may need the same level of cleaning as the original loss.