FABI Org

Mold Assessment Services

Clients concerned about indoor air quality due to health, prior or present water intrusion, significant wallpaper covering walls, musty odors or raised crawl space foundation should consider mold air sampling to identify type of molds and determine if levels are elevated within the dwelling. Indoor air quality problems can have a major impact on occupant's health and comfort. Mold testing includes lab analysis microbial report and general remediation recommendations "Protocol".

Qualifications: 

ACAC Council-Certified Indoor Environmentalist CIE01502 www.acac.org

IAQA Indoor Air Quality Association certified member #2813 www.iaqa.org

State of Florida Licensed Mold Assessor #MRSA51

Florida Certified-Licensed General Contractor CGC1516809

Sample of molds found during a home inspection Penicillium spp Stachybotrys spp

Indoor Air Quality Information:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Mold Cleanup: http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcleanup.html

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) 2001 Mold and Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/

New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH), 1994/2002. Mold guidelines on Assessment and Remediation: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.html

National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) ACR 2005. Assessment, Cleaning, and Restoration of HVAC Systems – 2004: http://www.nadca.com

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S520.Standard & Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation, 2nd Edition: http://www.iicrc.org

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) 2004 Document. Assessment, Remediation, and Post—remediation Verification of mold in Buildings: http://www.aiha.org/

The Indoor Air Quality Association http://iaqa.org/iaq_resources.htm 

The American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) www.acac.org 

Molds, when present in the indoor air environment, live by degrading organic matter. Common household areas where molds can proliferate require a moisture source (condensation, water leaks) and a food substrate (wood cabinets, wallboard, paneling, furniture, carpets, air ducts, attics, crawl spaces and behind walls). Molds generally require moisture to proliferate. Once molds have settled and the moisture source removed, they can continue to proliferate using humidity for their water source. Humidity levels over 60% (relative) optimizes mold growing conditions. Molds produce millions of spores daily that are released to the environment. Spores can irritate mucous membranes and create allergic reactions and symptoms, asthma and respiratory attacks. Elderly and children have been known to be more sensitive. Also, people who are ill and have suppressed immune systems are susceptible to respiratory complications. Certain molds are known for invading and infecting humans and animal tissues and mucous membranes. Other molds excrete toxic poisons (Mycotoxins) that can cause severe damage and death to humans and animals.