Remediation Scope - Bio, Disaster & Mold Recovery...mold removal regulations to likewise follow that example (see page 12). As Adler notes, mold is a much more complex problem, however,

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& M O I S T U R E M A N A G E M E N T M A G A Z I N EThe Magazine for Moisture Prevention and RemediationThe Magazine for Moisture Prevention and Remediation& M O I S T U R E M A N A G E M E N T M A G A Z I N E

March-April 2006Volume 3 | Issue 2

ALSO INSIDE:

PREVIEW OFAIHCE 2006

15 STEPS TO ASUCCESSFULMOLD INSPECTIONREPORT

Remediation Scope:

The LatestTechniquesand Tools

ALSO INSIDE:

PREVIEW OFAIHCE 2006

15 STEPS TO ASUCCESSFULMOLD INSPECTIONREPORT

Remediation Scope:

The LatestTechniquesand Tools

For more information, visit www.moldmag.com/infocenter


News ..........................................10

Product Parade ...........................32

Marketplace................................34

Ad Index .....................................35

Dry Eye.......................................36

An in-depth section just for remediators,featured in every issue.

Guest Column..............................12

News ..........................................14

Products .....................................18

Spot on the Wall ...........................4

Consultants Corner........................6

Some Like It HotMold “can’t stand the heat,” a factthat ThermaPureHeat techniciansuse to their advantage. Learn howthis remediation technique keepsmold growth out of all types ofstructures.

The Art of the Mold Inspection ReportNo matter how thorough yourinspection, a clear, understandableinspection report and remediationscope may be what it takes for yourcustomers to realize the full value ofyour services.

Ready, Set … Show!Industrial hygienists and moldremediators interested in attendingthe 2006 AIHce in Chicago canprepare for the show with a glanceat some of the mold-relatedseminars and products to befeatured.

March-April 2006 | Volume 3 | Issue 2

C ontentsfeatures

Mold & Moisture Management ©2006 by Key Communications Inc. All rights reserved. KeyCommunications Inc., 385 Garrisonville Road, Suite 116, Stafford, VA 22554; 540/720-5584;fax 540/720-5687. Unsolicited manuscripts and other materials will not be returned unlessaccompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. All contents are ©2006 by KeyCommunications Inc. Neither publisher nor its representatives nor its subcontractors assumeliability for errors in text, charts, advertisements, etc. and suggest appropriate companies becontacted before specifications or use of products advertised or included in editorial materi-als. Views and opinions expressed by authors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Forpermission to reprint, contact editorial office. Printed in the U.S. No reproduction permittedwithout expressed written permission of the of the publisher. Questions? Call 540/720-5584.

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Photos courtesyof 1-800-WaterDamage (top),NationalAsbestos andEnvironmentalTrainingInstitute(center) andEnvironmentalEducationFoundation.

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March-April 06 | 3mm

On the cover

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AAs much as I like learning new things, including the ins and outsof mold remediation and construction best practices, I like writ-ing about them even more. I’ve always liked to write, so crafting

articles and our departments is the fun part for me. But when I’mstressed out with deadlines and mounting projects, writing doesn’t calmme down—knitting does.

People “in the know” may have noticed that knitting isn’t just for yourgrandmother anymore; its popularity has extended to college kids, moviestars and many people interested in meditation. The repetitive motion andfocus that knitting requires can be very calming. It’s also a very metaphor-ical act: while knitting can be infinitely creative, there are still rules to befollowed. Knowing where to hold your yarn, and having an idea of theresult you want, are important steps in getting to a finished product.

I bring up this hobby not because I find work to be so stressing lately(well, who doesn’t on occasion?), but because of a column included in thismonth’s issue in which I saw some similar patterns. Doris Adler with theNational Asbestos and Environmental Training Institute has contributed adiscussion on how the formation of regulations for removing lead followedthe example set by asbestos regulations, and how many individuals expectmold removal regulations to likewise follow that example (see page 12). AsAdler notes, mold is a much more complex problem, however, since itstems from a living organism native to the environment instead of addi-tives to building materials. Although the problem from each of these sub-stances has followed a similar pattern—panicked homeowners, sky-highlawsuit claims, and untrained individuals taking advantage of the situa-tion—it remains to be seen whether there will also be a pattern in the solu-tion. Could federal standards solve the mold problem as it did for asbestosand lead removal? It seems that following the pattern of already set regu-lations might offer some guidance to the mold industry, but it will likelytake some additional creativity to find a solution that really works.

To stretch this metaphor just a little further, there seem also to be a mul-titude of creative ways in which to perform a mold remediation, so long asthe basic rules are followed (fixing the source of the water problem, remov-ing spores, replacing damaged materials, etc.). In this issue, we’ve taken alook at E-Therm Inc.’s ThermaPureHeat process, an unusual techniquethat uses heat to destroy mold spores (see page 20). Future issues willfocus on other remediation techniques.

In the meantime, I look forward to speaking with many of you aboutyour remediation techniques at AIHce 2006, coming up May 13-18 inChicago (we’ll be in booth #156), or hearing from you bye-mail ([email protected]) or phone (540/720-5584).

Megan HeadleyEditor, MMoollddmmaagg

SSppoottttiinngg PPaatttteerrnnss

A Spot on the Wall

4 | March-April 06 m

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Mold & Moisture Management


Consultants Corner

➧By Colin Murphy and Lonnie Haughton.Murphy is a founder and managing partner ofExterior Research & Design LLC in Seattle.Haughton is a construction consultant forRichard Avelar & Associates in Oakland, Calif.

IIt is important for constructionprofessionals to understand thediffering roles and functions of

building codes, product evaluationreports and industry standards.

Building CodesBuilding codes establish mini-

mum requirements to safeguard lifeor limb, health, property and publicwelfare by regulating and control-ling the design, con-struction, quality ofmaterials, use andoccupancy and loca-tions of all buildingsand structures. To thisend, many pages ofour modern building code manualsare focused upon prescriptiveinstructions regarding the criticalissues of fire resistance, structuralstrength and stability and means ofegress for occupants.

These same codes typicallyaddress the somewhat less criticalissues of waterproofing/weather-proofing the building envelope byusing performance language thatsimply establishes the general‘intent’ of the codes. For example(both quoted from 2003 IBC and2003 IRC):• “The exterior wall envelope shall

be designed and constructed insuch a manner as to prevent theaccumulation of water withinthe wall assembly …”

• “Roof coverings shall be designed,installed and maintained inaccordance with this code andthe approved manufacturer’sinstructions such that the roof

covering shall serve to protect thebuilding or structure.” Note that a small amount of

water intrusion (or even a smallarea of resulting mold growth) typ-ically does not constitute the samelevel of crisis as that created by afire or earthquake. Further, it isimportant to note that short-termleakage within a roof or wallassembly does not, in itself, neces-sarily represent a code violation,despite the loud proclamations ofsome building experts. The keyquestion that must be asked inthis situation is whether or notthis minor leak can potentially

accumulate in a manner that willresult in harm to building occu-pants or in diminished buildingintegrity and service.

For further discussion of theissue of a structure’s ability tobuffer minor efforts of excessmoisture intrusion, referenceASTM E 2266-04 (Standard Guidefor Design and Construction ofLow-Rise Frame Building WallSystems to Resist WaterInfiltration) and ASTM E 241-04(Standard Guide for LimitingWater-Induced Damage toBuildings).

Proper interpretation and imple-mentation of the weatherproofingsections of our building codes oftenrequire the use of industry stan-dards not specifically referencedwithin these codes. These docu-ments may be written by one of thenational standards-writing associa-tions, such as ASTM International,

or a national/regional publication byan industry support organization,such as the Gypsum Association orthe Seattle-based Northwest Walland Ceiling Bureau, which publishesthe comprehensive and extensivelydetailed Stucco Resource Guide—the undisputed bible for plasterersin the Pacific Northwest.

Industry StandardsAn industry standard is a pub-

lished document or detail thathelps define the levels of design,materials and workmanship thatcurrently are recognized (via con-sensus) by regional or national

industry leaders asthe minimum neces-sary to achieve a levelof quality construc-tion that, with rea-sonable and timelymaintenance, will

provide satisfactory performancethroughout the intended servicelife of the system.

An industry standard is a writ-ten document, not simply theunwritten customary practices ofsome portion of the industry. Inother words, just because every-one within a particular trade orprofession reportedly does (ordoes not) carry out a particularactivity, this customary action (orlack thereof) is not necessarilyevidence of an industry standard.For example, poor quality con-struction cannot be defended byarguing that this level of workman-ship is customary within a specificmarket or region.

An industry standard also is aconsensus document that has beenreviewed and accepted by repre-sentative leaders of the industry.

Codes, Reports and Standards, Oh My…The Roles of Three Types of Industry Guidelines

6 | March-April 06 Mold & Moisture Managementm

“For example, poor quality construction cannot be defended by arguing that this level of workmanshipis customary within a specific market or region.”

continued on page 8

For more information, visit www.moldmag.com/infocenter For more information, visit www.moldmag.com/infocenter

m

In other words, an industry stan-dard does not date to a singleauthor’s initial writing(s) about aparticular subject or issues even ifthese new perspectives lead to anexchange of views within theindustry that result in formaliza-tion of a new consensus standard.Consider, for example, the widelyknown New York City publicationGuidelines on Assessment andRemediation of Fungi in IndoorEnvironments. The initial publica-tion of this document can be con-sidered the date that it became thenew standard for New York City, oreven New York State; however, itwas only after subsequent widereview and broad consensus sup-port that it could be considered anaccepted standard throughout thenation’s mold assessment andabatement industry.

Industry standards serve both tosupplement the typically minimal-ist instructions of the model build-ing codes and to provide specificregional or national guidance forhow best to implement the intentof the codes. As an example, whileSection 2512 of the InternationalBuilding Code includes specifickey instructions for application ofstucco and Section 1403.2 man-dates that exterior walls must beweather-resistant and Section1405.3 requires the use of flash-ings to achieve this goal, thesedirectives by themselves do notinform the contractor how best toinstall a traditional hardcoat stuc-co cladding system in a mannerthat ensures long-term structuralintegrity and weather-resistiveservice. Instead, this supplementalguidance often is provided by stuc-co industry standards recognizedwithin the local market.

To understand the role of industry

standards, it is helpful to comparethem with the product evaluationreports issued by the independentInternational Code CouncilEvaluation Service and its prede-cessors. The building codes allowthe local building official toapprove the use of ‘alternate’ mate-rials, designs and methods for con-struction that are not prescriptivelyaddressed with the building codes butinstead have been demonstratedthrough independent testing to pro-vide a level of performance thatmeets or exceeds minimum coderequirements. An example is vinylsiding, which once was an approvedalternate claddingproduct, but now isincluded within ourbuilding codes.

EvaluationReports

To aid the localbuilding official’sreview process, build-ing code organiza-tions, past and pres-ent, have createdindependent, sub-sidiary testing firmsthat provide a com-prehensive productevaluation service formany alternate mate-rials and systems.Products that passsuch testing areissued evaluationreports that, althoughnot an approval perse, indicate to build-ing officials thatthese items can bepermitted with fullconfidence that theywill provide servicethat is equivalent to

the traditional products and sys-tems that are addressed within thebuilding codes.

In short, product evaluationreports are simply a means forextending the scope of our build-ing codes. In contrast, buildingenvelope industry standards gobeyond the prescriptive require-ments of the building codes andthe supplemental product evalua-tion reports to provide specificregional or national guidance forhow best to implement the intentof the codes that our structuresprovide satisfactory long-termweather-resistive service. m

Building codes, industry standards and product evaluationreports help architects and builders ensure that structures aredesigned and built to stay strong, stable and dry.

Mold & Moisture Management8 | March-April 06

Consultants Corner

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ASSOCIATIONS

XPSA Challenges Contractors toCover Everything

The Extruded Polystyrene FoamAssociation (XPSA) of Woodbridge,Va., has launched a new awarenesscampaign designed to educate resi-dential builders and contractorsabout the benefits of using XPS insu-lation—including moisture resist-ance. The new campaign, with itstheme “XPS Covers Everything,” isaiming to illustrate that exteriorwalls with XPS insulating sheathingare moisture-resistant, durable andthermally efficient compared tobuilding with oriented strand boardor plywood sheathing.

According to the association, theclosed-cell structure and lack ofvoids in XPS help it to resist mois-ture penetration better than othertypes of insulating materials. It doesnot corrode or rot, and is suitablefor a variety of uses.

➟ www.moldmag.com/infocenter

INDUSTRY NEWS

GREENGUARD to Certify Mold-Resistant Construction

GREENGUARD EnvironmentalInstitute (GEI)—a non-profit organ-ization that oversees the GREEN-GUARD Certification Program—hasannounced a mold risk reductionprogram that will for the first timecertify the design, construction andongoing operations of newly con-structed multifamily and commer-cial properties. The group says itsMold Protection Program™ was cre-ated to ensure that buildings usebest practices for safeguardingagainst the damage and resultinglosses caused by mold.

“We hear so much about the finan-cial costs of mold,” said Carl Smith,chief executive officer and executivedirector of GEI. “The GREENGUARDMold Protection Program gives build-

ing owners, and their lenders andinsurers, the confidence that appro-priate preventive measures havebeen taken to manage potential loss-es due to mold damage.”

The program is based on a compi-lation of best practices that GEI has

developed and proposed as anAmerican National StandardsInstitute (ANSI) standard. The pro-posed standard has been preliminar-ily reviewed by the EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) and pilotedwith several building owners.

N e w s


Water Test Pressure Equivalent Wind Velocities for Windows Tested to the Nationally-Recognized Standard1

Design Water Approximate Wind SpeedPressure Rating Test Pressure2 Equivalent to Water Test Pressure3

15 psf 2.86 psf 33 mph20 psf 3.00 psf 34 mph25 psf 3.75 psf 38 mph30 psf 4.50 psf 42 mph35 psf 5.25 psf 45 mph40 psf 6.00 psf 49 mph45 psf 6.75 psf 51 mph50 psf 7.50 psf 54 mph55 psf 8.25 psf 57 mph60 psf 9.00 psf 59 mph65 psf 9.75 psf 62 mph70 psf 10.50 psf 64 mph75 psf 11.25 psf 66 mph80 psf 12.00 psf 68 mph85 psf 12.75 psf4 71 mph90 psf 13.50 psf4 73 mph95 psf 14.25 psf4 75 mph100 psf 15.00 psf4 77 mph

1 2003 International Residential Code® for One- and Two-Family Dwellings2 Applies to R, LC, C, and HC performance class windows & doors (15% of design pres-

sure; minimum 2.86 psf; max 12 psf); AW performance class is tested for water pene-tration at 20% of design pressure.

3 Pressure/Velocity conversions are based on a standard engineering equation; not to beused for code compliance.

4 For comparison only; the national standard caps water test pressure at 12 psfSource: Storm-Driven Rain Penetration of Windows and Doors

Rain Water White Paper Available to AAMA MembersThe American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has pub-

lished a white paper entitled Storm-Driven Rain Penetration of Windows andDoors to provide information regarding water penetration during severe wind-driven rain storms. The topic was addressed in response to questions fromresidents about leaking through or around their doors and windows that oth-erwise remained unbroken and structurally intact during the 2005 summer’stropical storms and hurricanes.

Electronic and/or hard copies of this document will be provided to AAMAmembers upon request.


Building consultancies review andassess properties based on the stan-dard; once this is successfully com-pleted, property owners can apply toGEI for certification under the pro-gram. Once a property is certified, itcan be promoted to lenders, insurersand prospective tenants.

“GREENGUARD’s initiative helpsto fill an emerging need in the mar-ket for developers and lenders alike,”explained Bruce C. Gunter, presi-dent of Progressive RedevelopmentInc., a developer of multifamilyhousing. “Giving lenders more confi-dence that a builder will take thesepreventive measures will help tosecure financing because it mitigatesthe project’s risk.”

➟ www.moldmag.com/infocenter m

m


For more information, visit www.moldmag.com/infocenter www.moldmag.com March-April 06 | 11

Why Can’t History Repeat Itself?A Study of Mold Training and Certification

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➧ Doris Adler is founder and president of the National Asbestos & EnvironmentalTraining Institute (NAETI). She can be reached at [email protected].

FFrom a scientific perspective, asbestos, lead andmold are unrelated substances. After all, asbestos isa mineral, lead is a metal and mold is a microor-

ganism. Despite their disparity, all three have managed tocreate panic among the American public because theyrepresent serious threats to health and home.

Given the impact of all three pollutants on humanhealth and well-being, federal and state governmentshave been pressured to mandatethe training and certification ofthose professionals who are qual-ified to diagnose, evaluate andremedy these hazards. The feder-al government formally regulatesthe asbestos and lead industriesand provides a mandatory proto-type for training, certification andlicensing of industry profession-als for individual states to adoptand/or enhance. However, themold industry sector is still wait-ing for a comparable regulatoryinfrastructure.

The backbone of any set ofsound environmental regulationsis a series of guidelines for effec-tive training and certification of aprofessional workforce. Thisinvolves developing standards foreducation, qualification andenforcement. Ensuring a highlevel of professionalism andaccountability not only protectsthe health and safety of the industry workforce itself,but of private citizens and public entities as well.

A Backward GlanceIn the early 1980s, asbestos phobia was peaking and

many “rip and skip professionals” were taking advan-tage of this hysteria to get rich at the expense of others.Unfortunately, the initial asbestos-oriented regulationswere not implemented until years after an asbestosabatement industry had already evolved. This meantthat there were unregulated consultants and contrac-tors ripping out asbestos (while often ripping off theirclients) in a manner that was dangerous to the publicand to industry workers alike before the government

moved in to create a stringent regulatory environment. During the mid-1980s, the federal government legislat-

ed the Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act(AHERA), which mandated the EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) to develop a model accredita-tion plan (MAP) providing for the training of certain typesof persons performing asbestos-related work in elemen-tary and secondary schools. Congress further enacted theAsbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act(ASHARA), which expanded accreditation requirementsto public and commercial buildings and also required the

EPA to increase the minimumnumber of hours of training toinclude hands-on experience.ASHARA also provided for a civilpenalty for contractors who failedto comply with the accreditationrequirements.

The federal regulations regard-ing asbestos-containing materials(ACM) were so well honed thatthis basic model became the train-ing and certification prototype forsubsequent lead regulations.

Mold Aversion … Environmental Hysteria Revisited?

The asbestos regulatory envi-ronment paved the way for leadtraining and certification regula-tions. Unfortunately, bothasbestos and lead abatementrequired environmentally simplis-tic solutions that cannot readily beapplied to the far more complex

issues surrounding mold. Both asbestos and lead wereadditives to other materials that were utilized in the con-struction and/or maintenance of both public and privateproperty. Mold, on the other hand, is a living organismcomprised of an enormous subset of fungal spores thatoccur naturally in the environment and thrive undervarious and often ordinary conditions.

Perhaps the best way to characterize this latest envi-ronmental menace is to acknowledge that mold doesnot really fit into any predefined “mold.” Mold regula-tions, therefore, must address a hazard that is not asingle, readily identifiable substance, but rather asdiverse as nature itself.

As in the early days of asbestos removal, non-educated,

m12 | March-April 06 Mold & Moisture Management

Guest Column

Industry professionals are asking whether progresstoward federal standards has been impeded by thecomplexity surrounding the characteristics of mold.

self-aggrandizing contractors and consultants againresurfaced. Mold infestation gave rise to rampant litiga-tion by “ambulance-chasing” attorneys who succeeded inconvincing many homeowners that “mold is gold.” Aswith asbestos, the situation got so out of control and themold issue became so distorted that many panickedproperty owners were convinced to destroy the entirecontents of their homes and even to abandon their prem-ises when only some forms of mold had been found andnot properly examined or evaluated. Subsequent claimsagainst insurers resulted in awards for some plaintiffs inthe millions of dollars. As a consequence, most insurancecompanies have since built in mold damage exclusions intheir policies, leaving property owners even more vulner-able to an unregulated industry. Considering all of this,the mold industry is in dire need of proactive legislationto ensure the proper training and education for the certi-fication of true professionals. These individuals must beequipped to utilize the latest state-of-the-art technologyto identify and evaluate specific types of mold, to designeffective and economical means to reduce existing con-tamination and to successfully implement preventativemeasures to avoid recurrence.

What to Learn about Training ProgramsThe mold industry has grown faster than the govern-

ment’s ability to define training and certification stan-dards that are scientifically sound and pragmaticallyenforceable. Yet, within the indoor environmental qual-ity industry, there is an acute awareness of and com-mitment to education and standardization. TheAmerican Indoor Air Quality Council (AmIAQ) and theIndoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) have made sig-nificant strides in terms of self-regulation by:• Circulating membership-wide industry newsletters;• Defining industry-wide certifications;• Establishing prerequisites for certification; and• Monitoring continuing education of certification

holders.This attempt at self-regulation has been recognized

by major insurance companies, private individuals,corporate entities and even the United States court sys-tem. Without government regulation, however, is therestill any value in attending courses at institutions thatdo not offer even intra-industry certification? Therecertainly can be.

The above-mentioned associations, along with sever-al other entities such as the Institute of Inspection,Cleaning and Restoration Certification and, for entry-level certification, Indoor Environmental Standards

Organization are acknowledged and competent self-regulating organizations. At this time, they are the onlysources for valid certification (apart from a few statessuch as Texas and Louisiana who are in the vanguard ofmold legislation and regulation).

In summary, given today’s climate, anyone seeking tobecome part of the mold industry or to expand their levelof professionalism should attend classes given by trainingproviders who have been approved by a nationally-recog-nized indoor environmental quality organization. Otherconsiderations include the length of time a trainingprovider has been in business and the institution’s repu-tation within the industry. Finally, the trainee shouldassess the likelihood that the training agency will becomeapproved by state/federal entities as education/certifica-tion regulations are put into place. This will assure thattoday’s trainees can grandfather all course work in accor-dance with state and federal regulations.

The entire subject of indoor environmental qualityregulation remains the object of much internal contro-versy, scientific argument and governmental caucus-ing. The bottom line is that the industry on its own hascome a long way toward implementing scientificallysound yet practical guidelines for training and certifi-cation. These hopefully will establish a foundation foran eventual superset of federally mandated regulations.Once this happens, then hopefully mold and other airquality pollutants will share the same fate as their pred-ecessor environmental contaminants. m

m March-April 06 | 13www.moldmag.com

Remediation

Lacking national standards for mold remediation, some in themold industry have begun implementing their own guidelines fortraining and certification.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Consumer Reports Finds Flaws in Mold Test KitsAn article in the February 2006 issue of Consumer

Reports found that four mold test kits available to con-sumers were each flawed in some way, and as a resulteach of them earned the magazine’s “Not Recommended”rating. The kits surveyed included a malt extract cultureplate and air sampler manufactured by Home Diagnosticsof Jewett, Texas; the mold sampling kit and test kit fromH Chek Inc. of Phoenix, Ariz.; and the mold test kit modelMO109 from Pro-Lab Inc. of Weston, Fla. The costs of thekits, with laboratory analyses, ranged from $39 to $203.

The investigators found that unused plates sent intothe lab came back testing positive for mold growth, inthree of the kits. In fact, the article states that oneunopened kit from Pro-Lab was moldy when the inves-tigators opened the box. Other complaints includedlack of expiration labels (since, the article explained,using old materials could affect the lab results); diffi-culty in opening packaging (dropping the contents was

expected to lead to cross contamination); and evenfalse advertising (labels on two kits claimed the kitscould identify toxic mold, although the report the labsent conflicted with this point).

Some remediators will find additional work as aresult of the article though; it also offers information tohomeowners on how to find a qualified remediationprofessional for large areas of mold damage.

COMPANY NEWS

Pure Air Establishes Houston-Based Subsidiary Pure Air Control Services has established Building

Health Check of Houston. The new subsidiary willconcentrate on performing indoor environmentalquality (IEQ) evaluations and mold assessments forinsurance carriers, consumers, building owners,school districts, office management and city, county,state and federal government.

The Houston office is staffed with professional IEQpersonnel who are fully trained in the evaluation ofbuildings and homes. Using proven sampling tech-niques, protocols and HVAC assessments, the indoorenvironmental technicians provide reports to theirclients that contain laboratory methods, analysis sum-mary, laboratory results, recommended guidelines andhealthy building concerns.

Alan Wozniak, president and chief executive officerof Pure Air Control Services, commented on the expan-sion of the company, “Due to the increasing demandand request for professional IEQ services, we areexpanding our services to the Gulf Coast region andbeyond, to more effectively assist our clients with theirparticular IEQ needs and concerns.”

News

m

continued on page 16

14 | March-April 06 Mold & Moisture Management

Several mold test kits, including this model from Pro-Lab Inc.,earned bad reviews from Consumer Reports.

Verox® Group Donates 5,000 Gallons of Mold Remediation Product to CCA

The Verox Group, a part of Realm Products LLC ofNew York, announced that it has donated 5,000 gallonsof its Verox® mold remediation product to the ChristianContractors Association (CCA) to assist with their clean-up efforts in those areas of the Gulf States ravaged byrecent hurricanes. CCA is a non-profit, faith-based organ-ization specializing in providing first response and resi-dential reconstruction to underinsured disaster victims.

“In the wake of the natural disasters that have deci-mated large parts of the Gulf States, we felt it important

to help organizations that were helping in the recon-struction process, and no organization better exemplifiesthe American ideal of neighbors helping neighbors thanCCA,” said Juli Collura, a spokesperson for RealmProducts. “As emergency response efforts slowly giveway to rebuilding, addressing the toxic mold problem willbe of paramount concern, and Verox is a cost-effective,environmentally sound way of addressing this problem.”

Verox is a mold remediation product that uses oxi-dizing technology to permanently remove mold fromsurfaces in residential and business structures.


IN ACTION


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News continued


RestorationSOS™ Contacts the ProsRestorationSOS.com, from RestorationSOS of

Pasadena, Calif., says it can connect victims ofwater damage searching to the water damagerestoration or mold remediation professionals theyare seeking.

Home or business ownerssubmit their name and addressand the type of damage thathas occurred, and a localRestorationSOS associate willcontact customers within min-utes from the time a request isposted on the website.According to information fromthe company, a fully equippedlocal restoration team is alertedand ready to be onsite within60 minutes. All RestorationSOSassociate companies are pre-scanned for proper licens-ing and insurance and are committed to the company’scode of ethics. If the damage is covered by insurance,RestorationSOS will directly bill the insurance provider.

In addition to these services, the company’s websitealso offers extensive information on dealing with

water and mold damage when it occurs and “First Aid”steps to recovery. Referral services are offered free.

“RestorationSOS™ was established from a visionof providing a free and reliable referral service to vic-tims of water damage,” said Jonathan Holland, vice

president of business devel-opment. “When we startedthe company, we operatedjust a small emergency cen-ter that received calls andalerted the pros. Accordingto our research, the internethas become the most effec-tive way for customers tosearch for damage restora-tion companies as hundredsof thousands of internetusers are using the webevery day to find immediate

help with their restoration needs. So we expandedour call center and went online, discovering that itworks just great.”

Holland added that the company expects to soon com-plete its nationwide coverage of restoration associates.


COMPANY NEWS

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The Texas Department of State Health Services haslicensed Pure Air Control Services as a mold assess-ment consultant, as well as a mold analysis laboratory.

Sherlock Healthy Homes Launches Commercial Group

Sherlock Healthy Homes Inc. (SHH) of Irvine, Calif.,a mold inspection and indoor environmental servicecompany, has announced the launch of the SherlockCommercial Group.

Sherlock Healthy Homes provides indoor environ-mental services directly to the homeowner, but the newcommercial group will focus on commercial propertiesincluding office complexes, industrial buildings, retail,medical buildings, government offices, apartment devel-opments, restaurants and community associations.

“Finding and determining the source of water intru-sion or leakage in a commercial building is frequentlyan urgent need for a property owner or manager.Sherlock uses state-of-the-art electronic instrumenta-tion, including thermal imaging to provide accuratedetection and effective customer service,” said WilliamSalesky, president and co-chief executive officer.

In addition, the company has expanded intoNorthern California, with new offices in San Francisco.With its expansion, Sherlock serves seven counties sur-rounding the greater San Francisco Bay Area and allcounties in Southern California.


Abatement Technologies Moves into Expanded Headquarters

Abatement Technologies, a manufacturer of airpurification products, has moved to its new expandedcorporate headquarters in Suwanee, Ga.

According to David Shagott, president ofAbatement Technologies, “We have more than dou-bled our warehouse space, which makes it even easi-er to meet our objective of shipping 98 percent ofclient orders within 24 hours.”

Shagott continues, “The additional warehousingspace has already proven its value by enabling us tobetter deal with the enormous demand for our HEPA-AIRE portable air scrubbers and negative air machinescaused by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.”



Rem

edia

tion

THERMAL CAMERAS

MoistureDM Introduces the Pocket MultiCam™The Pocket MultiCam, from Moisture Detection and

Measurement of Portsmouth, N.H., is a lightweight,pocket-sized thermal camera that can also capture visu-al images and allows 30 seconds of digital voice annota-tion for each image pair.

The thermal imageshows suspect areas forelevated moisture. Thepaired visual imageprovides an easylocation referencefor the infrared image,and the inspector canrecord voice notes tocomment on the imageand its context. Back at theoffice, the voice annota-tions remind the inspector ofon-site observations and imagelocations. The included softwareprovides comprehensive thermal analysisand a report wizard, automatically generat-ing an editable word processing document witheach set of images on a separate page, along with the

date and time each image was taken.The MultiCam is suitable for moisture inspections in

new construction and existing buildings.


Portable IR Cameras Feature High Resolution Infrared Solutions Inc. has announced the addition of

two new infrared cameras. The IR FlexCam® 320 Seriesincludes the high-end PRO320 and T320 models. Bothmodels incorporate the company’s 25 micron, 320 x240 uncooled vanadium oxide (VOx) microbolometersensor, thermal sensitivity and a 5-inch color display.

The PRO320 model features temperature measurementrange up to 600° Celsius for higher temperature applica-tions and NETD =70mK sensitivity. A 60 Hz frame rateoffering real-time target temperature displayed live on thecamera’s screen, as well as programmable image captureallow the user to initiate scans at timed intervals or by thetarget temperature reaching a preset high-or-low “trigger”temperature. The PRO320 also offers new image browsingcapabilities, enhanced annotation capabilities and more.

The T320 model offers most of the same features asthe PRO320, but with reduced cost and capabilities,Both cameras in the 320 Series come standard with thecompany’s new SmartView™ software, a complete suiteof powerful analysis, management and reporting tools.


Products


SOFTWAREMIR Records Inspections and Recommendations with Ease

Mold Inspection Reporter (MIR)System Inc. of West Palm Beach,Fla., is offering software to helpinspectors quickly and easily docu-ment interior and exterior visual find-ings, environmental instrumentationreadings, air conditioning systeminspection information, lab results andlab result interpretations.

Information can be added to users’computerized forms quickly and easilywith the MIR system. Much of the datainput is automated, with hundreds of drop-down menu items to choose from. Usersjust click on the appropriate sentence orparagraph already stored in the program and it is addedto the report. In addition, drop-down menu items can becreated and deleted or edited by the user at any time.

Standard with the software isthe ability to merge informationinput during the inspection andto place a prepared reportdirectly into document-typesummary pages.

Also generated by thesoftware are a billinginvoice; summary of finalconclusions; AC remedia-tion protocol pages; gen-eral remediation protocolpages; information onmold spore level studiesfrom around the world;

general information on mold; and afour-page, comprehensive, pre-inspection agreementform designed to help keep inspectors from legalproblems.

➟ www.moldmag.com/infocenter.

VACUUMS

Meyer Re-Powers its Line of Insulation Removal Vacuums

William W. Meyer & Sons Inc. of Skokie, Ill., hasintroduced a new vacuum line-up for the removal ofinsulation damaged by water, fire or smoke.

Now available are the 8 hp Insul-Vac and 13 or 15 hpVersa-Vacs. The insulation removal vacuums aredesigned for fast removal of wet or dry blown-in insula-tion from attics, sidewalls and crawl spaces that couldlead to mold growth. Engineered to perform and built tolast, all of the company’s vacuums feature heavy-gauge,welded steel construction, powder-coated finishes,heavy-duty material handling fan wheels and commer-cial quality Kohler® and Briggs and Stratton® engines.


COATINGS AND CLEANERS

BioSafe Systems Introduces New Mold Remediation Product

BioSafe Systems LLC ofGlastonbury, Conn., has introducedthe SaniDate disinfectant to its moldremediation and restoration productline. According to the company,SaniDate disinfectant is the foundation for an effectiveremediation and clean-up program that treats and elimi-nates algae, bacteria, fungus, mold, slimes and odors. Theperoxygen chemistry utilized by the disinfectant providesa cost-effective treatment without the use of toxic, poten-tially restricted or discharge-regulated products.

SaniDate disinfectant is EPA-registered. The liquidconcentrate mixes easily in water without agitationand offers excellent coverage with and without addi-tional surfactants.


Thompson’s® Water Seal™ Keeps Concrete CleanThe Water Seal concrete care cleaner and degreaser

from Thompson Co. of Hollister, Calif., is able toremove mold, mildew and algae, as well as oil and

grease, from concrete surfaces. Suitable for use on inte-rior and exterior concrete, brick, stucco, masonry andstone, the product features little odor and is purchasedready-to-use. The cleaner covers approximately 250square feet per gallon, depending on the condition, tex-ture and porosity of the surface. For best results, itshould be applied to dry surfaces.


PARTICLE COUNTER

Lighthouse Puts New Particle Counter in Users’ HandsLighthouse Worldwide Solutions of San

Jose, Calif., is now offering a new handheldparticle counter and user interface for theindoor air quality industry.

The handheld 3016 IAQ displays 6channels of particle data in eithercumulative or differential mode, aswell as temperature and relative

humidity data. Data is easily down-loaded using the company’s LMSXChange software. The unit’s largememory makes it capable of storingdata for up to 3,000 records. Its graph-ical interface is displayed on a backlitLCD touch-screen display. Thecounter also features an ergonomi-cally designed handle and userremovable/rechargeable battery.


m March-April 06 | 19www.moldmag.com

Remediation

H


➧By Megan Headley, editor of Mold and Moisture Management magazine.

High heat mold remediation(HHMR) is not a moldremediation tool that canbe mastered through an

online course or during one or twoweekend classes. The use of heat torid a structure of mold growth is acomplex process that requires exten-sive training and a thorough knowl-edge of building science but itsadvantages are many, according toindividuals familiar with the process.

“When it’s done right, nothingelse compares,” said Michael Geyer,P.E., C.I.H., C.S.P., president ofBakersfield, Calif.-based KerntecIndustries, which employs heat asone of its remediation techniques.

Like A Heat WaveAlthough he has been engaged in

the environmental arena for morethan 20 years, David Hedman onlybegan developing heat treatmentsfor mold remediation in 2000.

“The concept of using heat instructures was really brought to meby two professors at UCLA, Dr.Walter Ebeling and Dr. CharlesForbes,” said Hedman. “They foundthat moderate temperatures, 120°to 130° Fahrenheit, were lethal tomost insects.”

The professors approachedHedman with their findings, and“they asked me if I thought therewere environmental applications,”

he recalled. “I was very excitedabout the technology.”

The use of heat had also beenevaluated by the EPA in 1996 in astudy called U.S. EPA HeatTreatment on Imported Timber.The study considers the use of heattreatments a “viable method” toreduce insects and fungi on lumber.In January 2000, Hedman and hisbusiness partners purchased thetechnology to learn how to expandthe application of heat to controlmold and insect problems in resi-dential, commercial and industrialstructures. E-Therm Inc., head-quartered in Ventura, Calif., cur-rently holds six patents on HHMR

SSoommee LLiikkee IItt HHoott How Heat Has Become a Tool

for Mold Remediation

SSoommee LLiikkee IItt HHoott

With containment barriers and heating equipment in place, hot air was ducted into theTropicana Gardens student housing facility to remediate its mold problem.

Hot&Cold

March-April 06 | 21www.moldmag.com m

techniques and about 20 trade-marks, including one for the brandname ThermaPureHeat™.

HHMR, used in conjunction withgross removal of moldy materials,is able to destroy mold growth inwall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas that otherwise may notbe remediated without extensivedestruction, according to Hedman.

Hedman said, “A lot of people askus, are we replacing gross removal?Absolutely not. We use [heat] inconjunction with gross removal. Ifwe see visible mold growth in astructure we’re removing that.”

Heating Things UpHeating a building enough to kill

mold spores isn’t a matter of turn-ing the thermostat up.

“Basically, the temperature of thestructure is increased slowly using avariety of types of equipment,”explained Larry Chase, vice presi-dent of E-Therm.

Temperatures are raised up tobetween 140° and 150° Fahrenheit forseveral hours (See Heat EradicationChart above). But it takes a lot ofwork to get to that point.

Before the temperature is raised,the area is surrounded with a plas-tic containment barrier to confinethe mold spores and protect thestructure. HEPA-filtered negativeair machines create a vacuum thateliminates any leaks in the contain-ment and captures airborne spores.Then, visible mold is removed anddamaged building materials arereplaced by the technicians.

Next the equipment to heat the

area is put in place. Heat is forcedinto the containment through flexi-ble Mylar ducting. The heaters them-selves, according to Chase, can be assmall as a Salamander portableheater or as large as a crate-mountedunit, depending on the size of thecontaminated area. The type of heatalso varies. For fungi in high-risebuildings, a technician might choosean electric heater over propane. Fora residential setting, a hydraulic heatexchanger, where heat is transferredvia liquid, could be the best choice.

The company doesn’t manufacturethe equipment that heats the build-ings, but finds that many optionsalready on the market are suitablefor their technicians’ work. They rec-ommend heating equipment that hasbeen registered to the EPA in compli-ance with the Federal Insecticide,Fungicide, Rodenticide Act.

To keep the heat even throughout

the structure, fans are required. “If you don’t have a lot of fans to

stir up the air then all of a suddenthe ceiling is 200° and the floor is80°,” Geyer said.

In principle, the process worksmuch like a convection oven, inwhich a fan circulates the hot air sothat food is evenly heated.

Tools of the TradeAlthough the heat is clearly the

cornerstone of the process, filtra-tion is probably the most criticalstep. Hedman can’t stress thatpoint enough.

“While we’re heating, we alwaysuse filtration,” Hedman said.“Heat does give us lethal tempera-tures that will kill microorgan-isms, but one of the largest bene-fits of our company is running our


Heat Eradication ChartTarget Contaminant Mold Lethal Temp Duration Reference

Stachybotrys chartarum 140F / 60C 30 Minutes Compendium of Soil Fungi, pg., 745

Aspergillus alutaceus 144F / 62C 20 Minutes Compendium of Soil Fungi, pg., 82

Aspergillus ustus 144F / 62C 25 Minutes Compendium of Soil Fungi, pg., 119

Aspergillus niger 145F / 63C 25 Minutes Compendium of Soil Fungi, pg., 103

Alternaria alternate 145F/ 63C 25 Minutes Compendium of Soil Fungi, pg., 36

Wood Fungi (Staining Fungi) 151F / 66C 75 Minutes Compendium of Soil Fungi, pg., 106 (Chidester, 1937, 1939)

Poria – Wood Eating Fungi 151F / 66C 75 Minutes Compendium of Soil Fungi, pg., 106 (Meruliporia Incrassata) (Chidester, 1937, 1939)

Source: Precision Environmental Inc.

Thermal imaging cameras can tell heat technicians if a building is heating evenly or ifthere are pockets of cooler air that need to be fixed.


air scrubbing and negative aircomponents while running theheat treatment.”

“In fact,” Hedman continued,“the process may be dangerous if wewere not using those air scrubbers.”

Hedman warns that the desicca-tion of the fungi particulates helpsthe spores to become brittle, andthe blowing fans push those piecesinto the air, potentially spreadingthe mold contamination.

Geyer said, “I’ve seen peopleheating without the air filtration.They’re baking out the water.Without the air filtration … they’releaving behind a huge residue.”

Hedman has worked with variousmanufacturers to create air scrub-bing equipment with motors andfilter fabric able to withstand thehigh temperatures.

So that heat technicians canensure that the heat is distributedevenly and that sensitive materialsremain safe, a variety of othertools are used. One example isremote probes attached to com-puters that can relay temperaturesback to the technician. This is keywhen ensuring that no pockets ofcool air are left.

“The key to efficacy is reachinguniform temperature throughoutthe structure,” Chase said.

Thermal imaging cameras areanother tool that proves useful.

“The one thing the imaging cam-eras really provide is real-timedata so we can modify the heatdelivery equipment in a real-timebasis,” said Geyer.

He added that since every build-ing “behaves differently,” adjust-ments are made on every job.

“Buildings aren’t cookie-cutters,they behave differently, and thethermal imaging cameras allow us to… get feedback on a real-time basis.”


Mold Growth in the Gardens

Kent W. Dunn wouldagree with DavidHedman that it’s the

whole process, not just theheat, which gives heat suc-cess as a remediation tool.

Dunn was an investor inTropicana Gardens, a housingfacility in Goleta, Calif., forstudents of University ofCalifornia Santa Barbara(UCSB) and Santa Barbara CityCollege (SBCC), in 2005 whenthe university was looking topurchase the 40-year-oldbuilding. The deal nearly wentto pieces when a mold prob-lem was discovered.

In the process of buying the facility, the university did testing on thepremises, and found high concentrations of moisture behind a number ofthe wallboards, particularly near the bathrooms. Other problems soonbegan to emerge. A roof that hadn’t been replaced for 40 years had leaksthroughout. Previous owners had stacked layers of flooring one upon theother, with mold growing between layers of linoleum.

In March 2005, a contractor friend of Dunn’s suggested learning about heatto remediate the mold. That’s when a team from Precision Environmental Inc.,which uses the ThermaPureHeat process, was brought onto the site.

Dunn was eager to learn about the technology. Although, upon the rec-ommendations of a consultant, the investors had overseen the work of rip-ping out moldy wallboards and replacing flooring, Dunn was still concernedabout the safety and health of students in buildings that wouldn’t need tobe fully renovated. Armed with the knowledge that mold problems couldexist without any visible indication, Dunn felt that the heat treatmentwould be a good way to take care of any potential health issues in thehousing units that were not on the list for remediation.

“I wanted to be able to tell parents that we had taken care of the moldproblem everywhere we had found it because we had used the processthroughout the property,” said Dunn.

During the 2005 summer, technicians with Precision Environmentalspent at least a week applying the heat technology to each unit, workingaround summer camps and guests.

Technicians used Salamander portable engines due to the layout of the units. “Of course it was all contained,” Dunn said. “They essentially draped the

building like you see done for a termite test.”The work finished earlier than the investors had projected, with final test-

ing being done throughout August and the “all clear” given September 2. “So far we haven’t had any readings that are anything other than ambi-

ent levels,” Dunn said.Additional testing is scheduled for this summer, as part of the universi-

ty’s new mold management plan.

Technicians took approximately one week toheat each unit in the Tropicana Gardens studenthousing facility.

SSoommee LLiikkee IItt HHoott ccoonnttiinnuueedd


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www.infraredsolutions.com/fusion



Handling the HeatThrough the development of the

process—and some trial and error—technicians have learned what mate-rials can handle the heat.

“Heat can damage things in build-ings,” Hedman said. “We havelearned through sad experience thatit’s easy to damage things.”

As Kent W. Dunn pointed out, tech-nicians can’t always be sure whichitems will have pieces that can bedamaged by the process. He oversawthe remediation in the University ofSanta Barbara student housing facili-ty, for which he was an investor (SeeMold Growth in the Gardens, page22). The rooms each had heaterswith plastic pieces inside, and in afew cases where the Salamanderswere pointed directly at the heaters,the technicians ran into problems.

“Some of the pieces melted, and wedidn’t know it until November whenwe turned the heat on,” Dunn said.

For the most part, technicianshave learned to remove sensitivematerials or find ways to protectthem from the heat.

“We’re below temperatures thatyour car will achieve in a parking loton a summer day, so anything thatyou would not leave in your car …we remove,” Hedman said.

Hedman also recommended thatif a company is going to use theprocess, that they have a certifiedindustrial hygienist test for pre- andpost-verification standards.

Intensive Training Comparing the HHMR to “pasteur-

ization” or a “convection oven”makes it seem easy to understand,but proper application requires anintensive level of training.

“I think there’re some firms outthere that have thought that heat-ing is easy,” Geyer said.

Geyer added, “You have tounderstand a certain amount ofbuilding science, thermal mass,

convection and how importantthese air exchangers are.”

Training remediators to use theprocess is necessary because thereare extensive considerations to takeinto account, and they typically dif-fer with every building treated.Without using proper filtration,spores will be able to settle in newareas. Without addressing thesource of the moisture intrusion,the mold problem will begin anew.Without consistent heating, moldmay actually be encouraged to grow.

“If someone tries to heat anddoesn’t understand the technologyor building science, and has pocketssitting in 90° to 100° Fahrenheit,that is perfect for incubating mold,”said Geyer.

The cost of this investment isapproximately $3,000 per stateper month (the process is licensedon a state-by-state basis). In addi-tion, Hedman’s company receives5 percent of the gross profit. Thiscost includes training on how touse the technology and continualassistance.

The average cost to customerscurrently ranges between $1 (forbuilders looking to dry framed con-struction only) to $5 per square foot.

To Heat or Not to Heat Hedman stressed that another

significant benefit of the heat tech-nology is that it does not use chem-icals to treat the environment.

“Our job is to clean up the envi-ronment,” Hedman said. “I’m reallyexcited about bringing forth a tech-nology that can replace a significantpollution stream.”

Geyer added that the process isalso useful when it comes to remedi-ating historic structures, where build-ing materials must be preserved.

“It has a broad base of applicabil-ity,” Geyer said. “A very goodprocess for the scalability…and itdoes treat a wide type of buildingtypes,” Geyer said.

Hedman said that the trend tobuild buildings that are more resist-ant to heat, as a result of buildingcode changes, as well as new tech-nology, has allowed E-Therm tobring this process forward.

“It’s not as simple as bringing upheaters … and heating things up,”said Geyer. “It all needs to be con-trolled—but if it’s under control,boy does it deliver.” m

The size and type of heater used varies depending upon the layout of the building andscope of the problem. The only constants are the need for containment and filtration.


ccoonnttiinnuueedd

SSoommee LLiikkeeIItt HHoott

Look for “Cold” Technologies in our next issue.

Hot&Cold



The Art ofthe MoldInspectionReportHow a Strong Report Can Win You Rave Reviews

The Art ofthe MoldInspectionReportHow a Strong Report Can Win You Rave Reviews

With a keen eye, mold inspectors must be able tofind and then thoroughly document the extent of amold problem before property owners can take thenext step and have it remediated.

➧By George Jorkasky, director of global sales andmarketing for Leviticus Corp., and a certified moldinspector and certified mold remediator. For moreinformation visit George at www.leviticuscorp.comor contact him at [email protected].


T he ability to generate a greatmold inspection report canbe considered a work of art.

It is sometimes frustrating touse a lot of time and effort to col-lect a vast amount of data in thefield, compile it and then return toyour office to formulate a com-plete summary of the data so yourclient can review your work. Theproblem I see most often occurswhen people take shortcuts and,as a result, do not give our clientsthe most they deserve.

As more and more people join the growing moldindustry, our first responsibility remains giving ourcustomers the very best. This starts not by taking thepath of least resistance, but by finding a system thatallows us to become more efficient.

The Road to Good ReportingReport generation made easy, through the advent of

software tools, might be an option to explore. Suchtools can guide us in knowing exactly what a profes-sional mold inspection report or remediation scopeshould contain.

The whole idea behind compiling a report is beingable to give the customer an easy-to-read and under-standable description of what took place while wewhere in their environment. It should entail a complete

flow from A through Z, leaving out nothing. We mustremember that the information we compile is Latin tomost of our clients. It is in breaking it down and mak-ing it make sense where lies the art of report genera-tion. And after reviewing thousands of reports, be ithomemade or done with the latest software, I havecome to recognize that a well done report is truly awork of art.

It is also crucial to realize that we cannot vary thereport depending on the client; the process for everyjob must be the same. We should demand perfectionand, in return, expect this will be reflected in our over-all earnings.

Tools for Quality ReportsThere are hundreds of ways to compile a report but

the best one is what makes you most efficient. The onestatement I hear over and over is, “it is tak-ing me too much time”—and as we allknow time is money. The best solutionmight very well be a software package.There are several good options in today’smarketplace and it is important to find onethat is easy to use, has great support andwill take out the user’s computer anxiety.Built-in processes and formulation canonly enhance the professionalism of youroperations, thus allowing your business tomake time for more opportunities.

Remember, never shortchange yourclients; give them more than they havecoming and in return the satisfactiongained, dollars could never fulfill. Theopportunities are endless but only thosethat remain committed to doing this busi-ness the right way will succeed.


Documentation for a Successful Inspection Report• Credentials: let the client know why you are the best person for the job. • Background of the problem: keep documentation on why the client

requested a mold inspection. • Observations: document the complete visual mold inspection you perform. • Photographs: visual documentation can help your client and your records.• Sampling: keep documentation of bulk or air sampling as well as labora-

tory results.• Exclusions: note in writing anything not covered by the scope of work. • Works cited: list any industry guidelines cited in your inspection report or

remediation recommendations.

Good photographs can provide the most thorough documentation for a moldinspection.


Steps to a Successful Mold Inspection Report1. Background. Who is the client? Where is theproperty? Be sure to document all of their infor-mation. 2. Client Interview. Why did the client feel theneed to request a mold inspection? Does thestructure have a history of water damage? Whatare the client’s expectations of the inspection?3. Complete Visual Mold Inspection and Scopeof Work. Have ventilation systems been visuallychecked? How about ceiling tiles, gypsum wall-boards, cardboard, paper and other cellulose sur-faces? Is a moisture meter being used during theinspection to detect moisture hidden behindwalls, ceilings and floors? A visual inspection canbe the most important initial step in identifying apossible mold problem.4. Observations. In your initial inspection, doesthere appear to be any conditions that you expectwould lead to moisture intrusion? Is there visiblemold growth? 5. Methodology. If there is visible growth, havetopical samples been taken? If there is no visiblemold, has the air been sampled? • Topical Sampling. Is there visible mold growth?

Was a visual inspection unclear (e.g. discol-oration or staining)?

• Air Monitoring. Is there evidence that the ven-tilation systems may be contaminated? Is the

presence of mold suspected in a particular areaof the structure even through a visual inspec-tion did not show mold growth? Are the build-ing inhabitants suffering from health problemsassociated with fungal exposure?

6. Interpreting Laboratory Results. Are the labo-ratory results easy to understand? Interpretinglaboratory results may be confusing to someoneunfamiliar with the industry, so any informationthat could help the home or building owner orfacility manager better understand will make thereport more valuable. 7. Laboratory Results. Do you have the labora-tory results of air or bulk samples? Be sure todocument them.8. Mold Definitions. You’ve already explainedwhat the laboratory results are, but what doesthat mean to the client? If the client is not famil-iar with mold, definitions of where certain typesare found and their associated potential healtheffects may help make the client understand whyremediation is or is not needed. 9. Conclusions. Has the problem that initiatedthe first call to the inspector to come to thepremises been solved? Should further action betaken?10. Property Specific Mold DecontaminationRecommendation. Was a mold problem discov-

Samples from a mold inspection report


ered? A professional rec-ommendation should bemade to help the clientunderstand the next stepin fixing the problem.General recommenda-tions would explain whyremediation is importantin the event of a moldproblem. 11. Limitations andExclusions. Do you wishto include any exclusionsor limitations to yourreport? Be sure to docu-ment what the reportdoes and does not cover,in the event that thereport is referred to in the future. State clearlywhat was not covered by the scope of work. 12. Credentials. What makes you qualified toinspect the property? List the professional certifi-cations or training that qualify you as the bestmold inspector for the job.

13. Photos. Were pho-tos taken throughout theinspection? Be sure toinclude them, with expla-nations as to why andhow the areas wereinspected, and what wasfound. 14. Mold remediationprotocol. Knowing theproblem, can you offer arecommendation as tothe solution? 15. Works Cited. Whatindustry guidelinesinformed your recom-mendations?

Only Online at Moldmag.comTo view a full sample mold inspection

report, visit www.moldmag.com and click on Only Online. m

Before the remediation can take place, a thorough moldinspection should pinpoint the problem and may even beexpected to offer remediation recommendations.



Industrial hygienists andoccupational and environ-mental health and safety(OEHS) professionals from

across the globe are gearing up tomeet at McCormick Place inChicago, May 13-18, to learn moreabout what it will take to be a suc-cessful professional in the comingyears. They will all be part of the2006 American Industrial HygieneConference and Expo (AIHce), co-sponsored by the AmericanIndustrial Hygiene Association(AIHA) and the AmericanConference of GovernmentalIndustrial Hygienists (ACGIH).

In addition to a trade show featur-ing nearly 300 exhibitors, includinglaboratories, product manufacturersand remediation companies, a spe-cial table-top pavilion will spotlightthe services of independent practi-tioners and small consulting firms.

AIHce has added a host of new programming to the2006 conference schedule. Extensive educational pro-grams take place throughout the week, Ask the Expertsessions will follow each keynote and late-breaking ses-sions will discuss the response to and recovery fromthe devastating 2005 hurricanes in the Gulf Coast. Inaddition, the conference will feature the first-everweekday science symposium, with top-level speakersincluding John Howard, MD, director of the NationalInstitute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH),and Mort Lippmann, PhD, CIH, of the New York CitySchool of Medicine.

Happening concurrently with AIHce, May 15-17, isthe 8th International VENT conference, PracticalApplications of Ventilation for Emission and ExposureControl. The expo will feature displays and demonstra-tions of all types of ventilation-related equipment.VENT 2006 will also take place at McCormick Place. AllAIHce attendees will be able to attend VENT educationsessions at no extra cost.

For more information about AIHce, including aschedule of planned professional development coursesand education sessions, call 800/424-5249 or visitwww.aiha.org/aihce.htm.

AIHce Products PreviewHere are just some of the products you’ll see at the

show.

Booth #356: Foster® Features Ready-to-Use Disinfectant

Foster 40-80™ disinfectantand sanitizer from SpecialtyConstruction Brands Inc. ofArlington Heights, Ill., is an EPA-registered, ready-to-use formula-tion that inhibits the growth ofmold and mildew on a wide rangeof surfaces and materials inhomes, hospitals, institutions andcommercial properties.

According to information provided by the company,Foster 40-80 is suitable for water damage restorationprojects and designed to help clean and remove floodwater residue. The all-in-one disinfectant, sanitizer andcleaner, may be used on porous, semi-porous and non-porous materials, including carpets, wood and drywall.It can also be used to disinfect the coils and drain pansof air conditioning equipment.

RReeaaddyy,, SSeett …… SShhooww!!Industrial Hygienists Prepare for AIHce 2006

AIHce’s Educational Events on MoldMonday, May 1510:30 a.m. - Noon. CR 303 Post-Remediation Verification and

Clearance Testing for Mold and Bacteria—FiveLevels of Cleanliness Assurance

2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. RT 205 Mold Components Impact on Health:Spores, mVOCs, and Mycotoxins and IAQ—The Human Factor

Tuesday, May 1610:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PO 109 Environmental Microbiology 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. PO 116 Mold: What is Normal?2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m RT 215 Mock Trial—Homeowner vs.

Builder, et al

Wednesday, May 17 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. RT 218 Post Remediation Clearance: What

Does it Mean for Lead, Asbestos, Mold andMethamphetamines?

1:00 p.m. - 4:40 p.m. PO 123 Mold: Dirth to Disaster


The product is packaged in a 5-gallon container.Because it requires no mixing, users may chooseamong several application methods.


Booth #1158: New Psychrometer Available from Extech

Extech Instruments of Waltham, Mass., asupplier of test and measurement equipmentfor the industrial marketplace, has announcedthe availability of its new precision hygro-thermometer psychrometer, Model RH390.Suitable for mold inspections and remedia-tion, the RH 390 can measure 0 to 100 per-cent relative humidity and features a fastresponse time of less than 30 seconds.

The dual backlit display allows for the simultaneousdisplay of humidity and temperature; humidity anddew point; or humidity and wet bulb. The tool’s slimdesign and rubberized sides allow for better grip or one-hand operation for hard-to-reach measurements. Theunit features data hold and min/max functions as wellas an auto power-off function.


Booth #201: SKC Introduces VersaTrap® Spore Trap Cassette

SKC Inc. of Eighty Four,Pa., has introduced

its VersaTrapspore trapcassette fore f f e c t i ve l yc o l l e c t i n g

mold spores,fungi, pollen,

dust and other contaminants using bioaerosol samplingpumps such as the QuickTake® 15 or QuickTake 30.

The narrow slit inlet focuses particles in theairstream toward a clear glass slide coated with a stickycollection substrate that holds targeted size particles ina well-defined rectangular-shaped footprint for analy-sis. Each slide is encased in a SURE-SEAL™ certifiedleak-free cassette to ensure sample integrity. Slides areeasily removed from the cassettes and feature position-ing marks to ensure easy reading. Analysis is per-

formed using routine microscopic techniques.


Booth #745: Sceptor Showcases Portable Aerosol Collector

Sceptor Industries of KansasCity, Mo., will showcase itsOmni 3000 portable aerosolcollector. The Omni 3000quickly and effectively cap-tures and concentrates sam-ples of air to test for thepresence of molds in build-ings, in addition to otherpotential environmentalhazards or biothreats.

According to informationfrom the company, theOmni 3000 provides an effi-cient collection of particlesand vapors in a large air volume.The collector can concentrate samples atover 13,000 times the level of the particles in the air,allowing users to detect and evaluate even small tracesamples of contaminants. Sample collection can be per-formed over a variable time interval to assess discreet ortime-weighted average exposures and will operate effi-ciently in a wide range of ambient temperature andhumidity conditions.


Booth #851: Scentaur™ Seeks Hidden Mold

Hamilton Thorne Biosciences of Beverly, Mass.,offers the Scentaur for the instant detection andmeasurement of mold and microbial volatile organiccompounds (MVOCs). According to information fromthe company, the Scentaur allows for the detection ofmold without ripping apart walls, ceilings or floors.

The hand-held sensor features built-in controls foreasy monitoring of buildings. It allows users to com-pare current and previous months’ results, and alsooffers remote transmission and storage of data foreach building area. A physical data record of proac-tive steps aims to prevent health hazards.


SILLS AND FLASHING

EZ Pan Protects Vulnerable Areas

Carlisle Coatings and Waterproof-ing (CCW), a manufacturer of water-proofing products headquartered inWylie, Texas, has introduced its EZPan sill pan flashing. Used primarilyfor residential window construction,EZ Pan protects the building enclo-sure from water damage in one of themost vulnerable areas—the areabeneath doors and windows. Thisspecialized pan flashing system pro-vides a continuous water barrier anddrainage plane over the sill and espe-cially in the sill corners. EZ Pan isdesigned to collect and drain waterthat leaks into the rough opening tothe exterior.

The pan assembly incorporates asill wedge, CCW door and windowflashing, WillFlash pre-moldedHDPE corner accessory pieces andCCW EZ Flash door and windowself-adhered flashing.


Flashing Tape Available with Custom Serration

Protecto Wrap of Denver, Colo.,now offers its 9-inch BT20XL win-dow sealing tape with a serration forcustomized installations. BT20XL isa tough-faced, self-adheringair/vapor barrier and waterproofingmembrane for vertical and horizon-

tal above-grade substrates. It sealswindow perimeters to building sub-strates to create an impenetrablebarrier that stops air leakage andmoisture intrusion.

The new tape includes a built-inserration at the 4-inch mark. Whensealing the bottom sill of a window,installers can peel and stick the 4-inch portion of the tape so that itcovers the sill, as well as the exteriorsubstrate material. This helps pre-vent water intrusion. With the bot-tom 5 inches of the tape still hangingoff the sill, installers can tuck theirhousewrap underneath and then sealthe remaining tape to the wall.

According to company informa-tion, the strong sealing tape can be

installed and left exposed for 180days without any UV degradation,and has passed hurricane level wind-driven rain test ASTM E331-90.BT20XL seals itself around nails,screws and staples. It can be appliedto vinyl, plywood, OSB, concrete,metal, aluminum, polyethylene,building wrap products and blockand masonry surfaces.


P r o d u c t P a r a d e


Anabec Presents Mold Prevention ProductThe Anabec Systems, from

Anabec Inc. of Clarence, N.Y., area science-based product linedeveloped to reduce indoor aller-gens and remove strains of moldand bacteria in porous buildingmaterials such as wood, brick,block, concrete, ceiling tile, insula-tion and flooring.

Anabec’s premier preventionproduct, New-Build 30, is basedon nanotechnology for new con-struction. This product provides aone-step solution for mold andbacteria protection. After applica-tion, this product does not lie dor-mant but continues to provide longterm surface protection frommicrobial and bacterial growth for30 years.

All of the company’s productsystems average 1,000 square feet per gallon and when applied by atrained Anabec applicator come with written warranties for up to 30 years.

According to the company, the systems have been used in schools,office buildings, homes and healthcare facilities across the country.


COATINGS

MOLD-RAM™ Delivers Long-Term Protection

MOLD-RAM is the new surfacemold and mildew prevention prod-

uct from SostramCorp. of Roswell,Ga. Suitable foruse on wood, wall-board, concreteand masonry con-struction materi-als, it can beapplied duringconstruction or toexisting structures.

EPA-registeredMOLD-RAM con-

tains the activeingredient chlorothalonil, a contactfungicide, which prevents surfacemold and mildew by interruptingthe metabolic activity of the fungalpathogens commonly associatedwith building materials. Accordingto the company, it offers tank-mixflexibility when mixed with borateproducts used for termite controland fungal decay. It is applied bylicensed pest control professionalsor certified mold remediators usingan airless or backpack sprayer orpaintbrush. If desired, a spray dyeindicator or permanent dye can beadded to the solution to track thespray pattern.


Coating’s Film Creates Barrierfor Saturated Surfaces

UltraBan™ from Rhino Hide LLCof Eaton Park, Fla., creates a vapor-permeable film that controls mois-ture and prevents mold growth onits film, even on saturated surfaces.

Penetrating into absorbent mate-rials, UltraBan creates cross-linkingpolymerization to control moisture.With a perm rating of 1.25 to 2.25perms, the water-repellant filmmeets Federal Specification TT-W-

572B and produces a mildew-resist-ant coating. The encapsulating,moisture-controlling film allowsmoisture to escape through its driedfilm surface.

UltraBan does not support thegrowth of mold or fungi on its driedfilm. It can be applied to all species ofwood, wood composites, millwork,wall coverings, drywall, natural fibersand other materials. According to the

company, the product contains noharmful bleach, acids or solvents.




CORRECTIONThe January-March MMoollddmmaagg mis-

takenly characterized DP 2545 (seeShow Preview, page 27). The coat-ing features an EPA-registered pre-servative, but is not itself EPA-regis-tered. We regret the error. m


MARKETPLACE

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SolutionsLegal Support800-811-5991IAQsurveys.com

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Handling Mold-Related Casesthroughout the State of Florida

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TIERRA CONSULTING GROUP, INC.ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING & CONSULTING

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TELEPHONE (954) 941-9837 TOLL FREE (877) 941-9837 FAX (954) 946-6556

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Page Company Phone Fax Web Address29 Abatement Technology Inc. 678/889-4200 678/889-4201 www.predator-pas.com

7 Advanced Building Products 800/252-2306 207/490-2998 www.advancedflashing.com

17 Aerobiology Laboratory 877/646-9150 703/648-3919 www.aerobiology.net Associates Inc.

3a Anabec Inc. 800/369-8463 716/759-7829 www.anabec.com

11 Armacell Inc. 800/866/5638 919/304-3720 www.armacell.com

33 Carlisle Coatings 800/527-7092 972/442-0076 www.carlisle-ccw.com& Waterproofing Inc.

9 ColdJet 800/337-9423 513/831-1209 www.coldjet.com

15 DRC Trade Show 905/564-8218 905/564-1161 www.drctradeshow.com

25 Environmental 877/349-6653 480/659-9456 www.enviro-ed.orgEducation Foundation

5 Fiberlock Technologies 800/342-3755 978/475-6205 www.fiberlock.com

38 G-P Gypsum Corp. 800/284-5347 404/230-5624 www.gp.com

23 Infared Solutions 800/760-4523 763/551-0038 www.infaredsolutions.com

11 Microban Systems Inc. 800/332-6037 412/262-7150 www.microbansystems.com

37 National Gypsum 800/628-4662 704/552-1972 www.nationalgypsum.com

3 Protective Coatings Group 877/729-6553 904/378-8697 www.4pcg.com

1 Pureair Control Services Inc. 800-422-7873 727-572-5859 www.pureaircontrols.com

C2 Valeron Strength Films 800/825-3766 713/254-2338 www.valeronvortec.com

Advertiser Index

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A ❏1-4 B ❏5-9 C ❏ 10-19 D ❏ 20-49 E ❏50-99 F ❏ 100+

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April-June 2005 | Volume 2 | Issue 2April-June 2005 | Volume 2 | Issue 2

& M O I S T U R E M A N A G E M E N T M A G A Z I N EThe Magazine for Moisture Prevention and Remediation

The Glamorous Life of … Mold?

SSome restoration companies focus solely on removing mold and other dangers from worksof art and antique books. But consumers are more likely to hear about how mold affectsthe arts in a different way, as when we hear about the astronomical lawsuits involving

celebrities and the mold growth in their homes. These items from the consumer press show somebizarre ways in which the dangers of mold have touched the art, television and music industries.

Dry

Ey

e

Mold & Moisture Managementm

Fox News Employees Sue over Mold Growth

According to a January arti-

cle from The Mercury News,

two Fox News employees have

filed a lawsuit alleging they

were sickened by mold growth

in a building where some of the

network’s top shows are pro-

duced. The lawsuit, filed in February in the New York

Supreme Court by graphics technician Laurette

DeRosairo and makeup artist Madronicia Clarke,

seeks unspecified damages from Fox News and the

building’s management company.

According to the article, the employees have

claimed that the mold growth and the “inappropriate”

use of cleaning agents caused them to have headaches,

dizziness, weakness, anxiety and blurred vision.

A Fox News spokesperson told the Associated Press

that the Occupational, Safety and Health

Administration had declined to investigate and an

onsite probe by New York’s Department of

Environmental Conservation had resolved the matter.

36 | March-April 06

Mold Threat is a Cruel JokeJust the threat of “black” mold was enough to distress singer

Macy Gray during a December episode of MTV’s prank realityshow “Punk’d,” according to an article in The Repository.

Gray was informed that the building in Los Angeles whereshe operates the M. Gray Music Academy was filled with moldgrowth. In reality, as the singer soon discovered via paper-work, the mold problem was at a different address, accordingto the article.

Getty Trust Finds Reporton Mold Not TrustworthyA $3.5 million homebought in October by the J.Paul Getty museum by themuseum trust for its newdirector has been found tobe uninhabitable due tomold growth, according toan article in the LosAngeles Times. Representatives of thetrust said they had reliedon a 2004 report that saidthere was no mold growthin the 70-year-old, 4,900-square-foot West Los

Angeles home that they purchased for director

Michael Brand.Valerie Fitzgerald, a Coldwell Banker agent in

Beverly Hills, told the Times that she was sur-

prised the trust didn’t have a basic mold

inspection done to verify that information.According to the article, trust officials have

considered the possibility of a lawsuit. m


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©2006 G-P Gypsum Corporation. All rights reserved. DENSARMOR is a registered trademark of G-P Gypsum Corporation.


Documents

Remediation Scope - Bio, Disaster & Mold Recovery...mold removal regulations to likewise follow that example (see page 12). As Adler notes, mold is a much more complex problem, however,