what should you expect from a professional mold inspection?
The Mold Inspection Process:
The Inspector will complete a preliminary walk-through evaluation of the property to identify sources of mold. The Inspector is looking for areas with poor humidity control, excess condensation or water intrusion. Also of concern are areas with fungal growth, high mold spore counts, water damage, excess organic matter such as dust or dander, poor ventilation and inadequate air filtration. The inspection time depends on the size of the house and how visible and accessible the areas of possible contamination are. Generally, 1-2 hours are needed based on an average size house of 2000 sf.
If needed, samples will be taken from areas of concern; along with outside samples for comparison. These samples include air samples, culture swabs and tape lifts.
The Inspector will answer questions and show areas that are the most likely sources of amplification.
Samples are sent to a licensed micro-biology lab for analysis.
The client will receive a report showing the findings of the assessment. This report can be used to present to mold remediation companies in regards to the scope of the work that is necessary.
Types of Mold Testing:
1. Swab Testing: Used to test for fungal growth of an exact species. Using a sterile cotton swab, the inspector will collect some of the mold growth. The sample is then sent to a lab for culture and analysis.
2. Tape-Lift Sampling: Used to determine if a discoloration is actual mold growth. The inspector uses a clear piece of sticky material to gather a small portion of the material in question and then places it on a glass slide which is then sent to a lab for analysis.
3. Mold Spore Air Testing: Compares indoor air to outdoor air to provide a general idea of the level of mold spores in the home. This is useful information to supplement an indoor air quality inspection. This kind of testing pulls a certain amount of air through a plastic container. The particulate material in the air then sticks to a glass slide enclosed in the container, which is sent to a lab for analysis. The inspector will take a baseline sample of outdoor air to use for comparison.
Mold Swab Testing
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Mold Tape Lift Sampling
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Mold Spore Air Testing
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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR MOLD INSPECTOR:
- What are the inspector's qualifications in mold testing?
- What certifications does the inspector have relevant to mold assessment?
- Is the inspector licensed by the state of New York to perform mold testing?
- How many mold inspections has the inspector done?
- What is the inspection fee? What are the costs of the samples?
- What are the inspector's thoughts in reference to mold sampling? Does the inspector ALWAYS recommend sampling?
- How many mold samples do you generally take?
- Who performs the mold sample analysis?
- Who performs the mold remediation?
- Does the inspector receive any compensation for sending work to certain mold remediators?
- Does the inspector refer clients to a specific remediator, and if so, what is that company's qualifications?
- Where do you send the samples, and how long has that lab been in business?
- Do you have references?
What is the Difference Between Mold Assessment Companies and Mold Remediation Companies?
Mold Inspection: Is the process of visually identifying and sampling suspected mold.
Mold remediation: is the physical removal of the mold - a process that involves cleaning and repairing an area affected by mold
Why shouldn't one company do both assessment and remediation?
With one company performing both mold testing and remediation, there is a potential for a conflict of interest. An inspector that works for a remediation company may exaggerate the scope of work that needs to be done in order to bring more business through remediation.
According to the New York State Department of Labor:
"Minimum Work Standards: The Mold Program also establishes new minimum work standards for mold assessments and remediation activities by licensed professionals, including:
Mold Inspection: Is the process of visually identifying and sampling suspected mold.
Mold remediation: is the physical removal of the mold - a process that involves cleaning and repairing an area affected by mold
Why shouldn't one company do both assessment and remediation?
With one company performing both mold testing and remediation, there is a potential for a conflict of interest. An inspector that works for a remediation company may exaggerate the scope of work that needs to be done in order to bring more business through remediation.
According to the New York State Department of Labor:
"Minimum Work Standards: The Mold Program also establishes new minimum work standards for mold assessments and remediation activities by licensed professionals, including:
- Protection against fraud by prohibiting the performance of both the assessment and remediation on the same property by the same individual;
- Protection against fraud by requiring an independent mold assessment to define the scope of the remediation work;
- Identification of disinfectant products, consistent with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards;
- Provision of personal protection equipment to employees, as necessary;
- Posted notice of the project and the contractor's licenses; and
- Completion of a post-remediation assessment."
