Certified Mold Inspection and Mold Testing

Each job is unique, and for each job, it is necessary that an owner or manager complete an interview or questionnaire. This allows us to learn the building history to help assist us in our visible mold assessment by knowing what potential issues to be aware of. This will also aid us in documenting our findings and your concerns.

Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) is a condition often characterized by a group of symptoms, test results, and laboratory findings related to biotoxin exposure, especially in sensitized individuals. CIRS, also known as biotoxin illness, is primarily resulting from exposure to water damaged buildings. 

Based on the information gathered, a certified mold inspector will perform an initial walk through of the structure. During the mold assessment, we will look for visible suspected mold growth, and potential signs of suspected hidden mold growth. Mold needs moisture and a food source to grow. We will take indicator measurements using advanced instrumentation (for example: temperature, humidity, infrared, non-destructive moisture readings) and identify any damp building materials, signs of historic water damage, or potential areas of concern. Based on these findings, we may recommend performing penetrating  moisture readings for suspected damp building materials or professional mold testing.   

Based on the interview and visible suspect mold inspection, we may recommend professional mold testing. Each job is unique, and, as a certified mold inspector, we will discuss our recommendations with you prior to proceeding.  We may recommend:

• Air Testing 
• Surface Testing 
• Inner-wall sampling
• Bulk sampling
• Or a combination of different test methods. 

All samples gathered are sent to an independent lab for analysis. Turn around times for lab results to return to us varies based on testing methodology. Once we receive the report from the lab, we will interpret the results and put our conclusions and recommendations in a written formal report. If a remediation is necessary, we can provide this service. Of note: It is considered sub-standard to provide both mold testing and mold remediation services on the same job, as it is a potential conflict of interest. If we are retained to provide any mold remediation, we will retain a third-party for clearance testing, if necessary.  

Generally, it is impossible to assess potential mold growth in ductwork by visible inspection only. The professional standard (NADCA ACR) for HVAC and companies who clean ductwork states they are to defer to an IEP (Indoor Environmental Professional) for a mold assessment and professional mold testing. We can help. 

If the results of the professional mold testing indicates that a mold remediation is necessary, we can write a protocol for any work to be performed. We will reference the current ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation and other industry publications. Or, we can be retained as unbiased third-party for documentation or compliance. 

After any remediation or clean up is completed, as a certified mold inspector we can perform a post-remediation verification (and clearance professional mold testing) to determine if the mold remediation or mold clean up was successful and give you peace of mind. Moreover, we will provide a formal written report of our mold inspection findings and conclusions.  Of note: We will retain a third-party for clearance testing if we are retained to perform the mold remediation, if necessary. .