Mold Assessment / Remediation Exam Study Guide (Latest Update)
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Course
MOLD ASSESSMENT
Institution
MOLD ASSESSMENT
Mold Assessment (FL)
A process performed by a mold assessor that includes the physical sampling and detailed evaluation of data obtained from a building history and inspection to formulate an initial hypothesis about the origin, identity, location and extent of amplification of mold growth greater...
Mold Assessment / Remediation Exam Study Guide (Latest
Update) Download To Score An A
Mold Assessment (FL)
A process performed by a mold assessor that includes the physical sampling and detailed evaluation of
data obtained from a building history and inspection to formulate an initial hypothesis about the origin,
identity, location and extent of amplification of mold growth greater than 10 square feet.
Mold Remediation (FL)
The removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition or other treatment, including preventative activities, of
mold or mold-contaminated matter greater than 10 square feet that was not purposely grown at that
location.
Mold Assessment (NY)
An inspection or assessment of real property that is designed to discover mold, conditions that facilitate
mold, indicia of conditions that are likely to facilitate mold or any combination thereof.
Mold Remediation (NY)
Conducting the business of removal, cleaning, sanitizing, or surface disinfection of mold, mold
containment, and waste handling of mold and materials used to remove mold from surfaces by a
business enterprise, including but not limited to, sole proprietorships. Mold remediation for the
purposes of this article shall not include remediation of the underlying sources of moisture that may be
the cause of mold that requires expertise not specific to acts authorized under this article.
Project (NY)
Means mold remediation, mold assessment or mold abatement of areas greater than ten square feet,
but does not include (a) routine cleaning or (b) construction, maintenance, repairs or demolition of
buildings, structures or fixtures undertaken for purposes other than mold remediation or abatement.
,Sanitization
Reduction of the microbial population on an inanimate object to levels judged safe by public health
standards; usually, the object is cleaned with an antimicrobial.
Remediation
The act of removing damaged construction materials when said materials are irretrievable or
nonsalvageable. Such remediation should be done with precaution due to health concerns for the
occupants and the contractor who is doing the work.
What is Mold?
Molds are fungi which may grow on environmental surfaces, in porous materials, on/or within living
organisms and in decaying organic matter.
The Kingdoms
1. Animals
2. Plants
3. Protozoa
4. Fungi
5. Bacteria
6. Viruses
Fungi
Mold is a particular type of fungus.
Fungi are a distinct and unique group of organisms that are classified into an individual kingdom.
,Most Common Indoor Fungi
• Aspergillus
• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Asper/Pen
When Molds Grow
Most fungi are composed of microscopic filaments called HYPHAE , which branch to eventually form a
network of hyphae, called a MYCELIUM (colony). The mycelium extends over or through whatever
substrate the fungus is using as a source of food.
Digestive Systems of Molds
Fungi secrete digestive fluids that decompose the substrate, making nutrients available.
When the environmental conditions are right, molds/fungi have all the food they need to grow and
colonize.
Toxic By-Products (Mycotoxins)
• Large group of toxins produced by some fungi, located on or in the spores.
• Toxins can be cancer causing and suppress the immune system.
• "Secondary Metabolites" of mold growth are, essentially, the by-products of mold growth.
Toxic Molds
Stachybotrys Chartarum primary.
Just because it's black doesn't mean it's Stachybotrys
, Isolated primarily from water damaged building materials and cellulose contents (discard)
Mycotoxin producer, toxic to many
Requires an ongoing water source.
Secondary metabolite of this is Trichothecene, a mycotoxin. (Some other obscure molds produce this
same bi-product.) Other water damage-related molds may be toxic including Fusarium, Chaetomium,
Trichoderma and Memnoniella.
Additional molds found to have toxins include Aspergillus and Penicillium, Cladosporium and more.
Mycotoxins are not always produced.
What are VOCs?
VOCs are invisible gases that are emitted from solids and liquids found in the home, such as building
materials, cooking sources, gasoline and fuel, air fresheners, paints/varnishes, drycleaning, laser
printers, carpeting, adhesives, cleaning solutions, and many other sources. These chemicals can build up
in houses, especially in the winter and summer months when homes are generally closed up. Repeated
exposure to VOCs can cause blurred vision, headaches, nausea, dizziness, coughing, lethargy, burning
eyes, respiratory irritation, skin rashes, reduced lung function, respiratory illness, concentration
difficulties, depression, and, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness and suffocation. Higher exposure
can lead to liver damage, kidney and central nervous system irregularities. Some VOCs can cause cancer.
What are MVOCs?
MVOCs are gases (chemicals) produced by actively growing mold. Just as humans expire gases, so do
molds. These chemicals can be monitored to determine the level of actively growing mold in the house.
A Home Air Check measurement is an excellent way to determine the level of mold growing in a house -
even behind walls. This is possible because Home Air Check is a chemical analysis of the air, and
chemicals move more freely through a house than mold spores (particulates) which can be trapped by
walls and thereby go undetected. When mold levels are elevated and there is chronic exposure in the
home, some individuals can experience negative health effects, or worsening of existing illnesses, that
could run the gamut from mild to serious. These health effects could include allergies, skin irritations,
asthma, respiratory infection, and toxic poisoning. In addition, individuals with suppressed immune
systems may be particularly vulnerable to illnesses caused by mold contamination.
Volatile Organic Compounds - VOC
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