Indoor Environmental Technologies
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    • Home
    • Company
      • About Us
      • Client Testimonials
      • Service Areas
      • FAQs
    • Services
      • Air Quality Testing
      • Building Science
      • Water Damage Assessments
      • Mold Inspections
      • Building & Real Estate
      • Insurance & Litigation
      • Consulting
      • Training
    • Case Studies
      • Multi Building Office
      • Building Science Issues
      • N. Gulf Coast Govt. Build
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      • Gulf Condos
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Company
    • About Us
    • Client Testimonials
    • Service Areas
    • FAQs
  • Services
    • Air Quality Testing
    • Building Science
    • Water Damage Assessments
    • Mold Inspections
    • Building & Real Estate
    • Insurance & Litigation
    • Consulting
    • Training
  • Case Studies
    • Multi Building Office
    • Building Science Issues
    • N. Gulf Coast Govt. Build
    • University Dorm Complex
    • Gulf Condos
  • Contact Us

Mold & Indoor Air Quality FAQs

Are there good and bad molds?

Does killing mold with bleach or another biocide solve the problem?

How long does an inspection take?

 Molds are always found in the outside air. Some molds grow more  efficiently in a damp building than others. This group of molds is  sometimes referred to as the “water damage indicator” organisms. 

Any mold is capable of causing an allergic reaction  if the person is allergic to that organism. Some molds are considered  to be more likely to cause health effects than others and are sometimes  referred to as “species of concern.” 

Mold, of any type, should not be growing in an  indoor environment. Appropriate procedures for removing it do not  usually vary much by the type of mold. 

How long does an inspection take?

Does killing mold with bleach or another biocide solve the problem?

How long does an inspection take?

 Most residential inspections require 2 to 4 hours on-site. Commercial  inspections vary by the scope of work. Often initial results are  available verbally within 24 hours, when our in-house laboratory is  utilized. A detailed written report is often available within 2 or 3  days. If samples are submitted for third-party laboratory analysis,  results and IET’s report may not be available in full for up to 2 weeks.   

Does killing mold with bleach or another biocide solve the problem?

Does killing mold with bleach or another biocide solve the problem?

Does killing mold with bleach or another biocide solve the problem?

 No. Mold spores can be more difficult to kill than expected. The process of applying the biocide often disturbs the mold and disperses it  into the air, where it eludes the biocide and may increase exposure for occupants. 

According to the US EPA, “ The purpose of mold remediation is to remove the mold to prevent human exposure and damage to building materials and furnishings. It is necessary to clean up mold contamination, not just to kill the mold. Dead mold is still allergenic, and some dead molds are potentially toxic. The use of a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, is not recommended as a routine practice during mold remediation…” 

How much do your inspections cost?

Why is humidity control important for indoor environmental health in the SE US?

Does killing mold with bleach or another biocide solve the problem?

 Our inspections and reports are custom-tailored to meet your needs.  Pricing is based on the amount of time it takes us to perform the site inspection, analyze the samples and write the report; and on the amount of travel, laboratory and other expenses we incur. Pricing for an on-site inspection begins at $495.00 for a typical home of less than 1500 square feet and basic air quality analysis. A concise three page report will document your moisture and mold conditions and make basic  recommendations to improve the health of your home or office.  

Why are even small water leaks important to locate and stop?

Why is humidity control important for indoor environmental health in the SE US?

Why is humidity control important for indoor environmental health in the SE US?

 Small or intermittent leaks can over time lead to significant mold  growth inside wall cavities and in other hidden areas, and eventually  can cause structural damage. IET’s thermal imaging, on-site moisture  monitoring systems and moisture mapping can help locate these leaks  before they cause major damage.  

Why is humidity control important for indoor environmental health in the SE US?

Why is humidity control important for indoor environmental health in the SE US?

Why is humidity control important for indoor environmental health in the SE US?

 The most common reasons for development of indoor environmental problems in the southeast’s hot/humid climate are damp building materials and excessive humidity. Even when humid buildings are not damp enough to  directly cause mold growth, the excess humidity means even very small leaks or spills evaporate too slowly, allowing materials to remain wet for too long and mold growth to become much more likely.  

What are the actual health risks of mold growth in buildings?

What are the building defects and why are the important for moisture/mold issues?

What are the building defects and why are the important for moisture/mold issues?

 Molds are capable of causing health problems in three main ways:
 

  • Infection. They can begin to grow inside the  body. Mold (fungal) infections are rare except among people who are  immune-compromised. 
  • Allergies. For those people who are allergic to  a particular mold, the health effects can be quite serious. With high  exposure levels, it is possible for mold allergies to develop.  Aggravation of asthma and sinusitis can also occur, and has aspects in  common with allergic reactions. 
  • Toxic effects. Many molds produce fungal  poisons (mycotoxins) as a defense mechanism against other  micro-organisms. Some of these are toxic to humans if there is a  sufficient dose. Whether mold growth in buildings provides a sufficient  dose to cause serious human health effects is hotly debated among  scientists. 

  The US EPA says, “When moisture problems occur and  mold growth results, building occupants may begin to report odors and a  variety of health problems, such as headaches, breathing difficulties,  skin irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma symptoms;  all of these symptoms could potentially be associated with mold  exposure.” 

  “Many symptoms and human health effects attributed to inhalation of mycotoxins have been reported including: mucous membrane irritation,  skin rash, nausea, immune system suppression, acute or chronic liver  damage, acute or chronic central nervous system damage, endocrine  effects, and cancer. More studies are needed to get a clear picture of  the health effects related to most mycotoxins. However, it is clearly  prudent to avoid exposure to molds and mycotoxins.” 

  IET avoids both over-reacting to mold issues and  brushing them off as of no concern. We concentrate on developing  protocols to help people correct moisture and mold problems in buildings with the steps necessary to control cost and disruption. 

What are the building defects and why are the important for moisture/mold issues?

What are the building defects and why are the important for moisture/mold issues?

What are the building defects and why are the important for moisture/mold issues?

  A building defect is a construction or design error that reduces the value of the property, and/or causes a dangerous or unhealthful  condition. Note: This is a generic definition. Legal definitions of the term may vary. 

  Building defects often contribute to the  development or aggravation of moisture and mold problems in buildings, especially in a hot/humid climate. 

  It may be the responsibility of the builder to  correct building defects and compensate the property owners for any damage the defects have caused. However, there is usually a time limit  within which building defect claims must be filed. Contact your legal adviser for particulars. 

  IET can assist in locating building defects,  provide cause and origin and assess any damage that they may have caused to the indoor environment. 

What kind of reports does IET provide?

What are the building defects and why are the important for moisture/mold issues?

What kind of reports does IET provide?

 IET designs each report to fit a customer’s specific needs. Some of the basic categories include: 

Indoor Environmental Quality: Customer is interested in determining what types of conditions are  present in the indoor environment. These may include evaluation of  humidity, moisture, mold growth, CO2, chemicals, pesticides, particle  levels, electro-magnetic fields, etc. General recommendations are  included for correcting any problems found. Excellent for a new  property, to establish a baseline for possible future changes. 

Pre-Purchase Inspection: Customer is interested in purchasing a property, but doesn’t want to  buy into a problem. Includes moisture and mold evaluation, and general  recommendations for correcting any problems found. 

Mold Remediation Protocol: Customer has reason to believe the property has a mold problem.  Inspection is to determine extent of the problem and the scope of work  necessary to remediate it. Includes detailed Remediation Protocol,  complete with a floor plan illustrating containment strategy and  photo-documentation. 

Abbreviated Mold Remediation Protocol: Abbreviated version is for customers who plan to use a qualified,  experienced remediation contractor to perform necessary work. IET’s  report gathers the same information as for the Mold Remediation  Protocol, but the report is limited to providing the specific  information the designated contractor needs. Report is provided at a  significant discount from the standard MRP. 

PRV or Post Remediation Verification: This  is our end of project report that provides our client with a document  outlining the present conditions at the time of inspection. Passing a  PRV provides you with the necessary documentation that the building has  been returned to a normal environmental quality. This is critical to any  future real estate transactions as any transfer of title and listing  requires a full disclosure of any water or mold damage that may have  occurred to your property to the best of your knowledge. By presenting  this document, you are acknowledging that an event has occurred and has  been repaired properly. 

CDS or Corrosive Drywall Syndrome: CDS is a condition associated with imported drywall from China. It can  create strong sulfur odors, corrosion of electrical components and  appliances and even HVAC system failure. This condition has been  primarily documented to exist in homes built or remodeled from 2004 to  2007, though it has been found in older homes and newer homes. IET’s  inspection uses state-of-the-art lab analysis and full compliance with  inspection protocols outlined by the State of Florida Case Definition  for Corrosive Drywall. This inspection is critical to your understanding  of the actual conditions within your home related to CDS for any real  estate transaction or personal concerns. Let IET provide you with the  documentation you need to make informed decisions on this important  subject. 

Black Water or Sewage Investigation: This  inspection involves grossly contaminated areas of buildings that may  pose a risk to building occupants. Raw sewage back flows, leaks from  sanitary sewer drains, rising storm water or salt water intrusion are  examples of a Black Water condition. IET’s professional approach to this  inspection outlines the extent of the damage, the scope of work  necessary to correct the condition and the steps necessary to confirm  that all repairs have been performed properly. Building occupants  exposed to the biological contaminants associated with Black Water are  potentially at much greater risk than mold damage as the contaminants  are likely primary pathogens capable of causing infection or disease,  especially in high risk populations. 

Can I clean-up the mold by myself?

What regulations apply to mold inspection and remediation?

What kind of reports does IET provide?

 Certainly, although we do not recommend it for most people. You should  be aware that if there is more than a very small area of mold growth  involved, you run a significant risk of spreading the contamination  unless specialty equipment and techniques are used. In addition,  potential exposure to contaminants for those doing the work can be quite  significant.  

Do you do mold remediation as well?

What regulations apply to mold inspection and remediation?

What regulations apply to mold inspection and remediation?

 No. To prevent conflict of interest, every state with established  regulations for mold inspection and remediation has prohibited companies  from functioning in both roles on the same project. While the same  company can hold both mold assessment and mold remediation licenses in  the state of Florida, they are prohibited from performing both processes  on the same project.  

What regulations apply to mold inspection and remediation?

What regulations apply to mold inspection and remediation?

What regulations apply to mold inspection and remediation?

 As of May 2011, there are no federal regulations other than OSHA  regulations and others that apply to all businesses. OSHA does not  regulate mold. 

State regulations vary, and currently exist in the  State of Florida requiring all Mold Assessors and Mold Remediation  Companies to be licensed with the state, and carry the necessary  insurance for compliance with state requirements. IET’s staff  compliance, experience and education exceeds all state requirements. 

Will air cleaners or ozone generators remove mold from my home?

Can I stay in my home or office during mold remediation activities?

Can I stay in my home or office during mold remediation activities?

 Some air cleaners will filter out mold spores and particles that pass  through the unit. However, in a significantly contaminated environment  the rate of air filtration is seldom high enough to significantly reduce  exposure for the occupants. 

Ozone is a toxic gas. Generators that produce it  have been sold for decades, with claims that it “purifies the air” and  controls indoor air pollution. These claims have come under increasing  fire and are generally rejected by indoor air quality experts. The state  of California implemented much more stringent restrictions on indoor  use of ozone generators as of Jan. 1, 2008. 

Can I stay in my home or office during mold remediation activities?

Can I stay in my home or office during mold remediation activities?

Can I stay in my home or office during mold remediation activities?

 Possibly, depending on the location of the work area(s) and entrances.  However, you should keep in mind that the process and the equipment are  often loud and disruptive, and quite a few people who attempt to remain  on-site during the process wind up regretting the decision. If damage is  extensive it is often better to leave during remediation, which may  allow the process to be completed more quickly.  

Is mildew a type of mold?

Can I stay in my home or office during mold remediation activities?

Can you determine if mold is present in my airhandler and ductwork?

 Not really. The term “mildew” has no precise scientific meaning,  although in general conversation it is often used to mean “non-toxic or  non-dangerous mold.” In this sense it is inaccurate. See IET’s FAQ “Are There Good Molds and Bad Molds?” 

Another common use of the term “mildew” refers to  plant pathogens such as downy mildew and powdery mildew. This sense of  the word has little application to indoor environments. 

Generally speaking, the term “mildew,” especially  when used to contrast with “mold,” has no definitive meaning. When discussing indoor environmental issues, we recommend avoiding the use of the term as it is misleading. 

Can you determine if mold is present in my airhandler and ductwork?

Can you determine if mold is present in my airhandler and ductwork?

Can you determine if mold is present in my airhandler and ductwork?

 IET can inspect accessible sections of the HVAC systems. Disassembling the system for a thorough inspection requires HVAC licensing from the state of Florida. Most inspections do not require disassembling the HVAC system.  

Is the mold inspection covered by my homeowners insurance?

Can you determine if mold is present in my airhandler and ductwork?

Is the mold inspection covered by my homeowners insurance?

 Possibly. Many insurance companies retain us to investigate conditions, or reimburse policyholders who use our services. However, whether coverage will be provided in a particular case should be discussed with your agent or adjuster.  

If I smell odors, does it mean that I have a mold problem?

Can you determine if mold is present in my airhandler and ductwork?

Is the mold inspection covered by my homeowners insurance?

 The odors produced by molds vary by type of mold, by food source and by other environmental conditions. Odors, which are gases, can be present even when the mold particles themselves are still trapped in areas such as wall cavities. So odors can be present even when occupants are not being directly exposed to mold particles. 

There are obviously many other potential causes of  unpleasant odor in a building, from dead animals to pesticides, to off-gassing of furnishings, and many others

Can mold be present in a newly constucted home?

If I see mold around my supply air vents, what should I do?

If I see mold around my supply air vents, what should I do?

 Absolutely. Building materials such as drywall and lumber are sometimes not protected adequately before construction, resulting in mold growth. Also, rain often occurs during construction, causing moisture to absorb into exposed materials, and many construction  materials contain moisture naturally. This excessive moisture is not always thoroughly dried before the structure is closed up, trapping the moisture and sometimes resulting in mold growth.  

If I see mold around my supply air vents, what should I do?

If I see mold around my supply air vents, what should I do?

If I see mold around my supply air vents, what should I do?

 This is generally an indication of excessive humidity in the indoor air, although in some cases it can be related to a malfunction of the  air conditioning system. 

First have the AC system checked to make sure it is  functioning properly. Then measure the indoor relative humidity with an accurate hygrometer. If relative humidity is consistently above 60%, it is excessive. IET is experienced in helping locate and correct humidity  problems, which have a multitude of possible causes. 

Can mold be cleaned?

If I see mold around my supply air vents, what should I do?

How does mold growth occur?

 Mold can be cleaned from most non-porous and semi-porous materials, although sometimes replacement is more appropriate for financial or other reasons. On porous materials such as drywall and fabrics, mold growth usually cannot be effectively removed and the item or material must be replaced. Cleaning of bathroom tiles and non-porous surfaces for  surface growth is OK.  

How does mold growth occur?

How does mold growth occur?

How does mold growth occur?

 Mold growth requires a food source and moisture. Most building materials can serve as a food source, so the limiting factor is usually moisture.  If materials remain dry, mold will not grow. Moisture intrusion through  the building envelope (roof and walls), plumbing leaks and excessive humidity are the most common source of moisture leading to mold growth.  

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