The National Toxic Mold Standard
The Nationally Recognized Standard For Mold Remediation Is The IICRC S520.
The nationally recognized Standard (not a guideline, rather an ASNI approved Standard) is the ANSI/IICRC S520. This standard was created by a group of professional mold inspectors and mold remediation contractors who used experience, and science-based principles of remediation.
Mold becomes Toxic Mold when breathing zone levels of mold spores are greater than outside levels.
The industry standard to address mold contamination involves first determining the source(s) of moisture intrusion, repairing all leaks to a verified leak-free condition, concurrent with safe removal of all impacted building materials and contents. “Safe removal” includes, if present, asbestos and lead. Other chemicals like Copper Green may also be involved in the safe removal process.
Fogging
Sometimes insurance companies, mold remediation contractors, or other mold inspectors, may recommend fogging with chemicals. This is seldom successful. Until the water is stopped and humidity is brought under control, mold will continue to grow. Until the building materials/contents are removed/cleaned/replaced mold spore will continue to impact the occupants. When other mold inspectors recommend and/or remediation contractors perform mold remediation efforts with use of biocides and fungistats or other chemical cleaning agents that are not EPA approved, this is a red flag for consumers. If this happens to you be sure to ask for proof of insurance and to be named on the policy (this is very common). The exposure from chemicals can often cause worse heath effects in humans and animals that toxic levels of mold.
How Much Mold Is Safe?
There is no set threshold for airborne or surface mold spore levels; it is interpreted by comparison to an outside baseline air sample.
If a mold considered toxic is found on the swab, the base material is considered. For example if mold is growing on a tile inside a shower, this is usually a common cleaning issue; however, if growing mold is discovered on the grout, there is a chance mold growth is behind a tile wall. In those cases, in lieu of a companion air sample, we recommend cleaning with vinegar and if the mold reoccurs within a 30 day time period, call us. If not, there is probably no mold growth. However, every situation/bath/mold growth is different. It takes years of experience and the correct testing to tell the difference with any certainty. If in doubt, professionally test the area.
The nationally recognized standard for mold air testing is that inside air levels of mold spores must be comparable to or less than the outside baseline air levels of mold spores. The kind of mold found, the individual mold spore counts and the total spore count is assessed in the interpretation. The health and age of the building occupants is also considered. There are no threshold limits for toxic mold like other contaminants such as asbestos and lead-based paint.
Safe Molds
An allergy to a “safe” mold can be present in some people and animals, however the Aspergillus types, among others, are usually considered the most dangerous.
There are three main categorizations of molds: (1) allergenic, (2) pathogenic, and (3) toxigenic.
Allergenic types of molds have the ability to produce upper respiratory symptoms in person(s) who are hypersensitive to a particular genera of mold. Much like how some people have allergies to peanuts, some people may experience allergy-like symptoms when exposed to these molds whereas others may have no reaction at all.
Pathogenic types of molds have the ability to produce negative upper respiratory symptoms in persons with immunocompromised systems. These types would also likely impact infants and elderly persons whereas most of the population may not be affected.
Toxigenic types of molds have the ability to produce something called “mycotoxins”. Exposure to mycotoxins can affect anyone of the general population. These mycotoxins have been correlated to many negative upper respiratory effects. Mycotoxins are not always being produced; much like the life cycle of a flower, molds are not always “in bloom”, so rather than test for mycotoxins specifically, we can test for the genera of molds that have the ability to produce these toxins.
Dose and duration variables also impact the extent to which someone may experience upper respiratory reactions to mold exposure. Blood or urine analysis can be performed to help identify if mold as present in the body. This analysis is normally for the mycotoxin exposure. Testing for the genera of the mold capable of producing this mycotoxin can then be performed to determine the source of exposure.
Moisture Causes Mold Growth
When a building material or contents become saturated, whether from an active leak, elevated humidity, or lack of air flow, this can create a favorable environment for mold growth to develop. Drying out or dehumidifying spaces as well as controlling elevated humidity can be great steps to preventing mold growth to develop. Taking into consideration exterior drainage, installation of insulation in perimeter walls or in crawlspaces, as well as installation of exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens are all prudent steps to avoid potential mold problems.
The CLUE database is a great resource to see if past mold or water damage along with any related insurance claims (whether accepted or denied) has been disclosed during real estate transactions, as is mandated by law.
C.L.U.E. Database
What Should Happen Onsite
Normally, our mold inspection process begins with a potential client contacting us with many questions. We take our time to address their specific questions and concerns and begin to gather information about your project.
After the initial conversation, we develop a quote specifically for your project for our services. This package is emailed and includes an agreement for our services, a mold questionnaire, and an introduction letter with instructions on how to best prepare the building. There is a specific letter about preparation for tenants from landlords.
While we try to get as much information as possible during the initial conversation. We also ask our clients to complete a mold questionnaire. It may be helpful to ask the tenant to complete this questionnaire. If the tenant’s concerns can be identified and addressed, it’s a much simpler situation, usually. If litigation is involved, please consult your attorney on this point. The questionnaire covers the known history of the building related to water intrusion and physical symptoms that the occupants are experiencing. It also sometimes jogs the occupants’ memories of previous water intrusions or events they may not have shared during the initial discussion.
When the client is ready, we schedule an onsite inspection. During the inspection we perform a physical inspection both inside and outside of the building, if accessible. Our focus is to determine potential areas of moisture damage or intrusion. During this investigation we often use a hygrometer to measure humidity as well as moisture meters to detect active moisture. Once our examination has been performed, we are able to develop a sampling strategy. The sampling strategy is based upon 3 main factors:
(1) the specific concerns of the client,
(2) the history of water damage, and
(3) what we find while we are onsite.
This testing strategy is discussed with the client before any samples are collected. The samples are then mailed or hand delivered to the appropriate laboratory that same day.
Once results are received, we share the results with the client outlining what they are, what they mean, and what if any next steps may be needed. If results yield elevated levels of mold found, then a mold remediation protocol is produced by this consultant. The remediation protocol takes into consideration identification and repair of the source(s) of moisture causing the issue, because unless this is addressed, mold growth may return after remediation. This remediation protocol is the instructions necessary for a remediation contractor to return the living space to a safe environment. This protocol includes repair of the source(s) of moisture, where removal shall take place, how much removal is necessary, where the containment shall be set up, and the engineering controls necessary to prevent contamination to other parts of the building.
When the mold remediation efforts are completed, the final phase of the project is for the consultant to return to perform mold post remediation verification or mold clearance. The purpose of this testing is to make sure the project has been completed successfully, the area is safe for worker safety, and that the area is also safe for re-occupancy.
Client Contents
It’s critical that if airborne mold spore counts are elevated, that content testing using swabs is performed. It’s called proof of loss.
If your client is immunocompromised or allergic to mold then testing becomes very important.
Rule of Thumb: if one possession has a value of less than $50 then it should be replaced. If the item has senimental value, then it should be up to the client if it is cleaned or discarded.
Older Buildings
There are many problems deaking with older buildings.
The age of a building plays a significant role in mold remediation, a process guided by the ANSI/IICRC S520 standard. Several factors contribute to this, each of which aligns with the multi-step approach outlined in the standard for effective mold remediation.
Moisture Intrusion and Structural Integrity
Older buildings are more susceptible to moisture intrusion due to the natural wear and tear of building materials over time. The degradation of seals, caulking, and other water-resistant barriers can lead to leaks, which are a primary source of moisture that promotes mold growth. Identifying and repairing these leaks is a foundational step in the ANSI/IICRC S520 standard for mold remediation.
Building Materials and Hazardous Substances
The types of building materials used can vary depending on the age of the building. Older structures may contain materials like asbestos and lead, which require specialized handling during the “safe removal” process as stipulated by the ANSI/IICRC S520 standard. The presence of such materials complicates the remediation process, requiring additional precautions and potentially specialized contractors.
Ventilation and Humidity Control
Older buildings often have less efficient ventilation systems, making it challenging to control humidity levels effectively. High humidity is a conducive environment for mold growth. Modern buildings usually have HVAC systems designed to manage humidity, aligning with the ANSI/IICRC S520 standard’s emphasis on controlling moisture levels as a part of effective mold remediation.
Chemical Treatments and EPA Guidelines
The age of a building may also impact the types of chemical treatments that can be safely used for mold remediation. While the ANSI/IICRC S520 standard advises against the use of non-EPA approved chemicals, older buildings may have existing chemical treatments that are now considered unsafe or ineffective, requiring additional steps for safe removal or neutralization.
Consumer Awareness and Insurance Implications
Owners of older buildings should be particularly vigilant when engaging with mold remediation contractors. As per the ANSI/IICRC S520 standard, it is advisable to request proof of insurance and to be named on the insurance policy. This becomes even more critical in older buildings where the risks are inherently higher due to the factors mentioned above.
In summary, the age of a building significantly influences the complexity and scope of mold remediation efforts, all of which should be conducted in alignment with the ANSI/IICRC S520 standard. From moisture intrusion and hazardous materials to ventilation inefficiencies and chemical treatment considerations, older buildings present unique challenges that require specialized attention to ensure effective and safe mold remediation.
Other Factors
We can review other mold inspections and remediation company’s work product/quote, but we can’t rely on their reports.
If possible, open the windows. Increase the air exchange rate on HVAC systems, changer filters in the heating systems annually. Set a date to change filters annually – do it on Halloween – give yourself and your lungs a treat.
Use of a HEPA air purification machine will improve air quality for mold and other particulate airborne contamination. HEPA is a rating, not a brand, and stand for High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA ) filtration. This filters out 99.97% of all particulate matter in the air 0.3 microns in diameter or greater. Mold spores generally fall within th 5.0-10.0 micron size range. To give you an idea of this sort of size, the human hair is averagely 75.0 microns in diameter. The efficiency of individual units is rated according to the square footage of the area that they can adequately address.
Purchasing a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter should also be considered. Without this filter you are recirculating all the mold spores and other organic debris back into the air.