UNITED STATES, Sep 28 — You may be ill because of mold in your home or place of employment, your property value may fall because of mold that bleach and paint just cannot control. If you have a compromised immune system mold may even grow in you lungs or other parts of your body in the form of a systemic fungal infection. However, no requirements exist for mold inspectors nor mold remediators in most states. In fact as of 2006 few states have licenses for mold inspectors
Y
ou may be ill because of mold in your home or place of employment, your property value may fall because of mold that bleach and paint just cannot control. If you have a compromised immune system mold may even grow in you lungs or other parts of your body in the form of a systemic fungal infection. However, no requirements exist for mold inspectors nor mold remediators in most states. When choosing a mold testing firm be sure that the professional is familiar with the following.
1) Building construction and building forensics.
Your mold problem is not in a Petri dish or lab but in a home or commercial building. Mold testing should be done by someone who has knowledge of buildings and how to inspect building and not just the mold itself. Your mold inspector should be familiar with vapor barriers, roofing, plumbing, wall structure and wall waterproofing, building pressurization and more to properly diagnose sometimes unusual building failures that have resulted in mold and moisture problems.
2) Psychometrics.
Psychometric pertains to humidity, temperature, dew point and air and how they all influence each other. A deep understanding of the interrelations of these factors might not be important in New York, new jersey, or Florida but in Florida with it’s unique hot humid climate it is very important.
3) Biological sciences.
Mold is a living organism many other common indoor allergens are products of biological activities in your house or office, your inspector should understand at least some basic biological and ecological science principles pertaining to microbiology or mycology (the study of mold).
4) HVAC knowledge.
Your mold testing expert must be very familiar with heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC systems) because many mold problems are related to HVAC system malfunctions, leaks, or contamination. Contaminated return and supply plenums, and contaminated blower fans and coils are a common hiding place for mold. Properly working HVAC systems can help prevent mold, humidity, and even general indoor air quality problems from ever occurring.
5) Sampling techniques.
Your mold inspector should be properly trained and experienced in investigating and sampling mold, and if needed other bio-allergens, and they should know how to interpret the lab results.
6) Legally defensible reporting documenting findings and recommendations.
Will your mold testing firm leave you with simple lab results?, or a detailed legally defensible mold inspection report that your allergy doctor, insurance adjuster, and attorney will find helpful complete with digital photos and executive summary page showing a summary of the inspectors findings and conclusions? Your inspector should give you a comprehensive mold inspection report form documenting visual findings, environmental monitoring results, interpretation of lab results, inspector’s conclusions, recommendations on how to control the mold problem and more.
7) Proper certifications.
Currently there are no requirements that a person must fulfill to call themselves a Florida mold inspector. There is no training required in the state of Florida. In fact, the term “certified mold inspector” is almost meaningless. There are good certification courses but there are also worthless certification training courses for mold inspectors in Florida. In fact as of 2006 few states have licenses for mold inspectors.
Be sure to verify that your mold inspector is one of the following:
Industrial Hygienist or Certified Industrial Hygienist
Board Certified Indoor Environmentalist
Board Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
You can verify some of the above certifications at the
IAQA or ImIaq web site consultant database.
Communicate directly with Daryl Watters, the author of this article. Ask questions, send suggestions, comments, engage in conversation, or perhaps you would like to submit a project.
Click Here to ask a question, send a comment, or proposal.
It can be difficult for homeowners to maintain a home that looks fresh, clean, and like new. In order to keep a home in pristine condition every so often homeowners must engage in some type of home improvement project. The most common among these
When you look at patio covers, you will naturally compare the vinyl patio cover as opposed to the aluminum patio cover. It is always best to look at each cover and their advantages and disadvantages before you make your decision. If you live in an ar
To build a shower cubicle you start with the shower tray. Many people attempt to make one of these themselves by building a box that they cover with some impervious material - usually tiles. However, the construction is not easy because making the bo
So you decided that your home is in need of some new flooring. Perhaps it’s the flooring in one of your bathrooms or maybe even the flooring in the kitchen or living room. Regardless of where you believe new flooring is needed there are a multi
Poor maintenance, harsh weather, and age are some of the major causes of roof damage. Whether it’s a residential, commercial or industrial building,it faces strain and stress especially if you neglect it.
Lately, many structures around t
Swimming pool landscaping design requires planning for the backyard addition. When you get the right design for the landscaping you create an oasis for your swimming pool that is more enjoyable.
A Zero point magnetic power generator is basically a Free Energy Generator. It uses magnets, and magnetic force to induce perpetual motion. It runs by itself, indefinitely without stopping, thus creating completely free electrical energy, which can f
Home improvement can be a tricky subject because it can either require a home equity line of credit just to finish one job or it can be done on a shoestring budget and still look great. Assuming you are pushing for the latter of the two and want to g
Are you looking for the perfect TV stand that matches your television, as well as your home décor? Do you want a TV stand that will complement your sense of style? If so, you will be pleased to know that there is a wide range of TV stands available i
So, you've decided to put your home on the market and it's all cleaned, organized, and repainted but seems to be missing something. Take a look around and notice how much greenery you have living in your home. Healthy houseplants can add a lot of app
You may be ill because of mold in your home or place of employment, your property value may fall because of mold that bleach and paint just cannot control. If you have a compromised immune system mold may even grow in you lungs or other parts of your
When leakage occurs it results in the growth of mold that in turn results in the release of pungent smelling and irritating volatile organic compounds, and allergenic mold spores into yo
Syndication
tweet
PDF version
Printable version
Publisher HTML version
Discussions (1)
Email Article
Phoenix Carpet Cleaning
»How To Choose The Right Mold Testing Firm
‘As a phoenix carpet cleaning person these are great tips. For an EPA schedule
of carpet cleaning go to my link or click on my user name.’
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 based on 1 discussion(s).
Post New Comment