Category: Home Inspectors

Mold Remediation Certifications

Program Summary:

The Council-certified Microbial Remediator (CMR) and the Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor (CMRS) conduct mold remediation and mold removal projects in the indoor environment.  Individuals holding these mold remediation certifications design and maintain effective containments. A CMR or CMRS controls pressure relationships during a project. A CMR or CMRS safely cleans, treats or removes structures and contents affected by microbial contamination. A CMR or CMRS designs remediation protocols or follow established protocols and industry standards.

A CMR or CMRS possesses verified knowledge of the mold remediation field. The certification exams cover the most respected reference texts in the industry. Candidates must know the important industry standards. They must be familiar with scientific principles governing mold remediation and the indoor environment. They must understand the most common practices and protocols used by remediators and contractors. They must be familiar with the equipment used in mold remediation. They must be aware of legal issues affecting their work.

A CMR or CMRS possesses verified experience in mold remediation and mold removal in one or more of the following settings:

Offices and commercial buildings

Industrial structures

Government facilities

Schools and public buildings

Healthcare facilities

Residential structures

To earn the Council-certified Microbial Remediator (CMR) or Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor (CMRS) designations, candidates must:

Demonstrate verifiable field experience in microbial remediation

Pass a rigorous examination based on broad industry knowledge rather than a course curriculum

Earn the unanimous approval of the CMR or CMRS certification board

Re-certify every two years

Participate in 20 hours of professional development activities each year

Maintain the highest ethical standards

Accreditation:

The CMR and CMRS certifications are accredited by the Council for Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), a nationally recognized independent accreditation body. ACAC certifications are the ONLY designations in the indoor air quality field to earn CESB accreditation.

A Brief Guide to Mold Moisture & Your Home (EPA)

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people

Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional. You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.

How do I get rid of mold?

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

A Beginner’s Guide to Finding the Right Mold Remediation Company

Finding mold in your home can be a stressful experience for the entire family. Mold is a dangerous growth that is incredibly difficult and time-consuming to remove. Starting the process of getting rid of mold can be confusing. Let’s review what every beginner should know about mold removal and how to select the right mold remediation company.

Mold Is Dangerous

Mold is a dangerous fungus that can grow in any moist space. In many situations, mold forms after flooding or another type of standing water. One specific type of mold is black mold, the most toxic form that consistently causes problems. When mold is found, your home or business is unsafe to inhabit until all the damage has been removed. Left unresolved, mold can cause a wide variety of health issues–including breathing problems, vision issues, and skin irritations.

Mold Remediation Is a Process

At the first sign of mold, it’s critical to get rid of it. The easiest way to start the mold remediation process is to hire a company to help remove it. Professional companies will use all the tools in their arsenals to clean and sanitize the building. They will also use advanced technologies to locate and remove mold hidden behind walls and in tight spaces.

Once the mold has been located, a plan will be designed to meet the needs of the situation. It could involve removing carpets, drywall, and other surfaces that contain mold. Once the space has been cleaned, advanced HEPA vacuums and dryers will be used to remove any signs of moisture. Any remaining moisture can lead to a quick reinfection of mold. Once the damage has been removed, it’s possible to repair and replace the damaged surfaces.

Finding the Right Mold Remediation Company

Once you suspect that your home may be infected with mold, acting quickly is key to getting back to normal. Selecting a mold remediation company should provide a full-service solution to your problems. When you’re in search of a company

Mold Remediation Protocols Course

Mold Remediation Protocols continuing education course will teach you the recommended work practices that help ensure a successful large or small mold remediation project. In the absence of state or federal guidelines, it is up to the mold professional to decide which protocols to follow

PMII’s Mold Remediation Protocols course summarizes, compares and contrasts the procedures from both organizations, so that you can make an informed choice that best suits your business.

This 9-lesson course will help you gain an understanding of responsible work practices from both organizations that include:

Written contracts and project documentation

How limitations and conflicts can affect a project

Determining which party should correct moisture problems

When to engage an indoor environmental professional (IEP)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and containment

Methods of communication with affected parties

The treatment of high value and unrestorable contents

The use of disinfectants and gaseous biocides

Recommended and required types of worker training

The steps in work area preparation and containment removal

The sequence of activities for HVAC remediation

Includes a Mold Remediation Specifications Report Template to define the scope of mold remediation work to be performed by a qualified mold remediation contractor.

As you complete each lesson, you will use interactive flash cards and take practice quizzes that will test and verify your knowledge simultaneously through instant online feedback. Your results are saved in the cloud so you can easily track your progress. When you finish the course and pass the final exam, you will possess the knowledge and skills needed to determine which set of protocols your mold remediation business will follow

What You Will Master:

Writing contracts and documenting projects

The role of an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP)

Requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) and containment

Treatment methods, area preparation and removal

And much more

Removal Procedures in Accordance with EPA’s Guidelines for Mold

Level I – 10 Square Feet or Less

REMOVAL – by an adult individual, in good health, and with no compromises to their immune system

MAX AREA – 10 square feet

PERSONAL PROTECTION – wear respiratory protection, such as N-95 disposable respirator. Wear gloves and eye protection.

OCCUPIED – the work area should be unoccupied. Removing people from spaces next to the work area is not necessary. However, infants and the elderly do need to be removed. Also, those with compromised immune systems.

DISPOSAL – remove contaminated materials from the building in a sealed trash bag and dispose of.

CLEANING – clean all surfaces in contaminated areas thoroughly with soap & water. Finally, dispose of all rags or sponges used. Also, the area is to be dry and visibly free of contamination and debris.

Level II – 10 to 30 Square Feet

REMOVAL – by a professional, certified remediation company

PERSONAL PROTECTION – wear respiratory protection, such as N-95 disposable respirator. Wear gloves and eye protection.

OCCUPIED – the work area should be unoccupied. Removing people from spaces next to the work area is not necessary. However, infants and the elderly do need to be removed. Also, those with compromised immune systems.

DISPOSAL – remove contaminated materials from the building in a sealed trash bag and dispose of.

CLEANING – Cover surfaces in work area with sheets of plastic and tape in place. Do this prior to any remediation process to prevent further contamination. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surface before remediation. Clean all small debris with the use of a specialty HEPA vacuum. Also, the area is to be dry and visibly free of contamination and debris.

Level III – 30 to 100 Square Feet

REMOVAL – by a professional, certified remediation company with experience and good reviews. Acknowledges and adheres to EPA guidelines for mold removal

PERSONAL PROTECTION – professional-grade half-face respirators with P100 particulate filters. Wear a hazmat suit, gloves, and eye protection.

OCCUPIED – the work area and surrounding areas should be unoccupied.

DISPOSAL – remove contaminated materials from the building in a sealed trash bag and dispose of.

CLEANING – Cover surfaces in work area with sheets of plastic and tape in place. Do this prior to any remediation process to prevent further contamination. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surface before remediation. Clean all small debris with a specialty HEPA vacuum. Clean all small debris with the use of a specialty HEPA vacuum. Also, the area is to be dry and visibly free of contamination and debris.

Level IV – 100+ Square Feet *EPA Compliance Required

REMOVAL – by a professional, certified remediation company with experience and good reviews. Project managed by an on-site supervisor who is certified and experienced in mold removal. Professionals who follow these EPA guidelines and IICRC standards.

PERSONAL PROTECTION – professional-grade full-face respirators with P100 particulate filters. Hazmat, disposable protective suits, covering the entire body including the head, shoes, and hands. Tape the ankle and wrist to prevent any skin exposure.

CONTAINMENT – containment Barrier built around the affected area. Complete isolation of the work area. Seal off any vents or openings. The containment barrier must be under negative pressure. The use of air scrubbers with professional-grade HEPA filtration for a minimum of 24 hours.

OCCUPIED – the work area and surrounding areas should be unoccupied for a minimum of 3 days to allow for thorough air cleaning.

DISPOSAL – remove contaminated materials from the building in a sealed trash bag and dispose of.

CLEANING – Cover surfaces in work area with sheets of plastic and tape in place. Do this prior to any remediation process to prevent further contamination. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surface before remediation. Clean all small debris with the use of a specialty HEPA vacuum. Also, the area is to be dry and visibly free of contamination and debris.

Mold Remediation

Mold Inspection & Remediation

“Mold” is a substance that strikes fear in the hearts of many individuals. Mold isn’t just unsightly and foul smelling. It’s also something that can potentially interfere greatly with human health and ease. It can be especially alarming for individuals who have preexisting health concerns that relate to their respiratory systems. If you suffer from allergies, asthma or anything else along those lines, you may be particularly concerned about the development of mold.

Indications That You Have a Case of Mold on Your Hands

Cases of mold are sometimes hard to miss. That doesn’t mean that they’re never “sneaky” in nature, however. If you want to defend yourself and the members of your household from all kinds of concerns that involve mold growth, then you need to be aware of typical indications of the substance. If you have mold anywhere on your property, then you may notice an unusual degree of condensation

Your nose may pick up on an odor that’s dank and fusty. Other clues that should be on your radar are inordinate humidity levels, issues with wood, issues with drywall and rusting. If you notice a strange degree of rust development throughout your home, it could be the result of condensation. Remember, too, that the presence of mold can in many cases make human beings experience malaise. If you feel unwell but simply cannot explain why, the growth of mold could be behind things. Mold may make you sneeze a lot. It may make your throat feel strangely sore all of the time. It may contribute to shortness of breath, splitting headaches, eye watering and stubborn itchiness, too. Mold removal is no joke.

Matchless Mold Removal Company

Mold isn’t exactly the safest substance. In many cases, it can contribute to significant respiratory hazards. There have actually been many people who have passed away due to being around the substance for significant spans of time.

Commercial Mold Removal Services

The Signs of Commercial Mold

In a commercial environment, mold is typically caused by a recent roof leak or plumbing leak. The most common signs of mold include:

Recent flooding or water damage.

Burst pipe, leaking air conditioning, or plumbing leaks.

Musty odors.

Discoloration or water stains.

Commercial Mold Remediation Process

While each mold damage ordeal is unique, there’s a common solution. The commercial mold remediation process is key in reversing mold damage and re-opening your business to the public sooner.

Understanding Commercial Mold

Your business runs smoothly with you at the helm, but even your best abilities cannot always prevent mold or water damage. Disasters happen when you least expect them.

When it comes to mold, there are a few helpful things to understand:

Mold is found in every environment — indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic and may enter your business through an open door, window or via the HVAC system.

For mold to form a colony, water or moisture must be present.

To fully treat commercial mold damage, the source of the problem must be dealt with promptly.

Mold produces a strong, musty odor that worsens the closer you are to the mold infestation.

Mold Remediation & Inspection Services

How Do You Get Rid of Mold?

Mold can be costly, difficult to remove, and dangerous for your health. Improperly handled water damage can lead to mold. If the mold is left unchecked, it could further result in reduced indoor air quality and an unsafe environment. If your home or commercial building has a mold problem

experts have been thoroughly trained in the most advanced mold remediation techniques. Their training includes safety measures, engineering controls, containment methods and how to use standard approved work practices and professionalism. Needless to say

Causes & Risks of Mold

Moisture and mold go hand in hand. To get mold out of the home, you have to address the moisture problem as well. Any of water damage services will immediately address mold issues and attempt to prevent mold before it appears. However, in the case that mold does appear, team of specialists certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) can remediate the problem.

Those with asthma may be especially sensitive to the presence of mold. If you are not sure whether you have mold in your home, professionals can use a simple machine to test the mold count in the air. Even if you haven’t experienced significant water damage, a problem as simple as a leaky window could lead to mold damage

Residential Mold Remediation

Mold found in residential homes can lead to respiratory issues, long-term illness, and even death. Though these conditions are rare, it is not a risk worth taking. If you spot even the smallest sign of mold in your home – whether in the attic, basement, or elsewhere

Mold Remediation-What is it?

People often ask the question, what is mold remediation? Those who do not work in the mold industry may not know what mold remediation is or the procedures needed to properly get rid of mold.

It is first important to know that mold spores exist naturally just about everywhere. If you have an industrial hygienist come to your property to complete mold testing, they will test the air outside and in different areas inside your property. When the hygienist performs testing, they are looking to see what the spore count is in certain areas and what types of mold are present. Based on the testing, it can be determined what exactly needs to be done in order to remediate the mold in your home or business.

When performing remediation, it is important to follow proper procedures. First, you want to make sure the underlying problem causing the mold growth has been stopped. If your property has a moisture problem, you can remove the areas of mold that are currently present. However, the mold will continue to grow and further remediation will be necessary.

The affected area should be contained. Often to contain an affected area we set up a plastic containment barrier specially created to keep mold spores from exiting the affected area. Containment barriers should be set up around any openings in the room such as closets, hallways and doorways that lead to unaffected areas. Vents should be covered so that the spores to not get into your duct system.

What type of materials the mold is growing on determines the methods taken to remediate the mold. Some of the methods used for remediation are:

Removal of the material

Dry ice blasting

Mold stain remover

Mechanical steel grinding

What Happens When the Home You Want to Buy Has Mold?

Spring has sprung and as temperatures rise, so do the temperatures in VACANT homes that are closed up and listed for sale. The presence of a water source, warm temperatures and stagnant air make perfect conditions for the quick growth of mold

Mold Policy for when home buyers are considering a renovation loan and the need for remediation or the abatement of MOLD is warranted. This is not a legally binding document. It’s a set of guidelines for our mortgage consultants. However, it’s full of great information for home buyers who fund a house where mold is present.

You’ll explore a house that’s quite the nightmare with mold. As you’ll hear the expert tell you, even with mold this bad there are things you can do get rid of it – but it’s going to be a huge project. So hope may not be lost when there’s mold (but sometimes it might be best to move on to the next house, too).

“Excessive Mold” – Determining whether or not mold is excessive can be subjective, open to interpretation and often times will require a “common sense” approach.  The following guidelines will be used in determining what is excessive.

The use of a home inspection with photographs and commentary and/or the use of a HUD Consultant acting in the capacity of an inspector in performing a property review to determine the requirements for the property to meet HUD Minimum Property Standards can be helpful in the determination process of the extent of the mold when this is in question. It is wise to have them break out the mold clean-up to be completed and provide photos for review prior to ordering the appraisal so the full extent of the mold issue is known.