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Indoor air quality (IAQ) and mould issues seem to be the hot topics these days. Lawsuits are becoming as common as sunflowers. Many people have no idea where to start looking for help or even what questions to ask. If you are confronted with an IAQ, mould, or water intrusion issue, don't let "killer mould" become part of the conversation - keep a cool head and let the following information guide you. First, the most common request we receive is for mould sampling or testing. While there are specific circumstances where identifying particular moulds via sampling is necessary (physician's request or pending litigation), EPA guidelines take the stance that remediation (or clean-up) should not be based on what type of mould is present, but should be based on how much is visually identified. (EPA publication "Mold Remediation in Schools & Commercial Buildings", page 25) Will mould testing tell you how extensive the contamination is? Will the lab report tell you how to clean it up and correct the water intrusion problem that caused the mould growth in the first place? No. The lab report is only designed to identify the type of mould and the number of spores present in the sample. You've heard the phrase, "If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and sounds like a duck, then it's a duck"? Take the same sensible approach to mould; if it looks like mould, smells like mould, and the conditions are favorable for mould growth (moisture, food source, & temperature), why do you need to test it to know for certain that it is mould? Mould is mould, and you don't want it actively growing inside the home or business building. And before the opposite extreme takes root, keep in mind that there is no such thing as a 100% mould-free environment. No one can guarantee a mould-free environment. The moment a door or window is opened, or a person walks in from outside, mould spores enter the building. Second, when looking for an environmental / mould consultant to perform an IAQ or mould investigation, ask about their certifications, qualifications, experience and references. Currently, there is no licensing required to perform IAQ or mould investigations, since the industry is not regulated by the government (like asbestos). At the very least, the consultant should hold a Certified Mold Inspector certification issued by an accredited source. An independent, Certified Mold Inspector will work for the best interest of your clients. Also, ask what, if any, background they have in environmental issues. Experience is the key. Make certain their report is comprehensive, addressing cause and effect, and contains answers to the following questions:
Third, depending on what conditions were discovered in the course of the investigation, contact a certified, experienced remediation (or clean-up) company. The goal of a certified remediator is to remove the mould contaminated building materials, clean the contents if possible or discard if they can't, and return the interior environment to levels below, or the same as, outdoor levels of existing mould. Again, ask about their certifications and experience. The worst thing to do at this point is to think that anyone with muscles and a sledge hammer can remove the mouldy building materials, or carpet. Think about mowing a yard full of dandelions; what happens? The seeds get scattered into the wind, and where they land they take root and grow another dandelion. The same is true with mould spores. Also, be cautious of contractors who suggest painting to "contain" or "encapsulate" any remaining mould. Paint merely provides a food source for any residual mould spores and is not a recommended remediation technique. Removal performed without the proper containment barriers and specialized air filtration of the enclosed work area will simply scatter the mould spores to other areas of the structure. And once they land on a spot with the right conditions, the mould can begin to grow again. Also, airborne mould spores can become a health issue for individuals who are mould sensitive. Fourth, to verify that the remediation activities are complete, a post-remediation inspection by the independent environmental consultant should be considered. Be cautious about remediation companies that perform their own final inspections; can you be certain they will be completely objective when evaluating their own clean-up activities? An independent environmental / mould consultant will evaluate the situation objectively because they work for you, not the remediation contractor. The consultant should check the work areas identified in the pre-remediation investigation report, and verify visually that all suspect building materials have been removed or cleaned as directed. At this point, air and/or surface samples would be beneficial and may be recommended to verify the visual inspection of the work areas. A final, comprehensive post-remediation report with sample results ( will be the verification that the situation has been resolved. With education, the right consultant, and an experienced remediation company, you can rest assured that potential IAQ or mould problems will be taken care of properly. |
What to look for when hiring an indoor air quality consultant. Call the MOLDHUNTER American Metropolitan Environmental Inc. Wichita, Kansas      |
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