"Why Just treat the symtoms, when we need to eliminate the sources."

I. Complete Visual Mold Inspection

 A visual inspection is the most important initial step in identifying a possible mold contamination problem. The extent of any water damage and mold growth shall be visually assessed by a certified mold inspector/remediator. This assessment is important to determine remedial strategies. Using hygrometers and a protimeter (moisture meter), where necessary, to detect hidden mold behind the walls, ceilings and floors and to determine the areas of potential mold growth and continuing moisture penetration.

 II. Bulk/Surface Sampling

Bulk/Surface sampling is necessary if the building inhabitants are suffering from health problems, which are or may be associated with fungal exposure. Bulk/Surface sampling is also necessary to identify the presence or absence of mold if a visual inspection is equivocal (e.g. discoloration and staining). Bulk samples are collected from visibly moldy surfaces by scraping or cutting materials with a clean tool into a clean plastic bag. Surface samples are collected by wiping a measured area with a sterile swab or by stripping the suspect surface with clear tape. The surface sample is then transferred to a potato dextrose agar petri dish. The dish is then incubated in a special incubator that is high in humidity and void of all ambient light at a temperature suitable for fungal growth. The most accurate mold identification is only possible after seven (7) days of live culturing for the mold cultures to reach their maximum identification growth. After seven (7) days of incubation, the fungal samples are removed and identified down to genus and to species where possible through visual identification under the microscope. 



Protocol for Remediation

Protocol is established in accordance with the policies established in 1993 by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOH) to address stachybotrys contamination. The NYCDOH expanded the policies in 2002 to include all mold types.

Light Remediation is considered Level I, which is under 100 ft2

Level II: Large Area of Over 100 ft2 is addressed by the following:

Personnel trained on proper clean up methods should conduct remediation, personal protection, and potential health hazards to comply with requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) Respiratory protection in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134) is recommended. Gloves and eye protection should be worn. Vacating people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary but is recommended in the presence of infants (less than 12 months old), persons having undergone recent surgery, immunizes suppressed people, or people with inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies) The work area should be covered in plastic sheets and sealed with tape prior to remediation to contain dust/debris. Use an exhaust fan with a HEPA filter to generate negative pressurization. Run HEPA filtration devices inside the home for a minimum of two days to remove mold spores. Be sure the air conditioning blower is running so that all circulating air is treated by HEPA filtration. All materials within the work area that may have been exposed to airborne particulates need to be cleaned using HEPA filtration or a biocide. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in sealed plastic bags. Remove the existing vapor barrier and replace with a new, non-contaminated barrier following remediation. The work area should be left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris. Recommend that the building owner schedule regular, periodic inspections of the areas affected. We also recommend that the owner be sure humidity levels are kept below 50% at all times. Testing using petri dishes, air cell and particulate meter testing equipment, and moisture meter.  Equipment used: Particle Scan Pro, Protimeter MMS Plus, Hygromaster, Boro Scope, Pro Mag I, Pro View 45, Pro Lite, Video Air 3500 Pkg., Dash 20 GHP, MX-1400 Carpet Extractor, ARMCO vac, Phoenix 300 dehumidifier.