Homebuyers
should be concerned about mold problems, but they are generally just another home repair if addressed properly. Whether
your home is in Naples, Cape Coral, Orlando or Kissimmee mold problems should be identified, documented, remediated and then
checked (clearance) to ensure the home is safe for your family.
Many companies try to sell mold tests and inspections
using scare tactics. Mold can cause serious health issues but following established accepted industry standards for inspections
and remediation can solve the problem. ANSI approved National standards for mold cleanup (S-520) and water damage cleanup
(S-500) took years to develop by industry wide professionals. These standards protect the consumer when they are followed
by the remediation / clean up company. After years of development we have a ANSI approved standard for mold inspection
certifications which benefits and helps protect the consumer hiring a mold inspector.
- If your home inspector
observes signs of mold or moisture -hire a professional mold inspector such as a board Certified Indoor Environmentalist
(CIE) or a CIH.
- If you suspect a mold problem and are immune compromised or have health concerns – hire a
professional mold inspector such as a board Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE) or a CIH.
- If the home has been vacant and had the electric turn off for an extended time - hire a professional
mold inspector such as a board Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE) or a CIH.
Vacant homes
can pose many problems, if the HVAC is not maintained or operating, mold can grow in the system, even on the walls and contents
of the home if the humidity is above 55%. Lawn sprinkler heads can get turned and spray water on windows
or walls creating problems with mold on the homes interior. Since
so many IAQ problems can occur in vacant homes it is best to have them checked by IAQ professional.
Mold tests (air samples) alone can indicate problems with the air quality as it relates to mold but
should not be used solely to determine if a home has a mold problem.
If you Have a elevated mold test then you need a mold inspection to determine the source,
the extent of the problem and you need recommendations for corrections based on nationally accepted industry standards for
cleanup.
Follow these recommendations and your mold concerns should
be solved: http://www.radonmoldhelp.com/id42.html
Many states are requiring mold inspectors have a state
license; to protect consumers from unqualified inspectors preying on consumers.
Florida Mold law becomes effective July 1, 2010.
Arkansas
Mold inspector law became effective January 1, 2010
Texas mold law
became effective several years ago.
It is rare, if ever, to have a home inspector licensed as a mold
inspector in the states that have mold license.
Mold Inspector Certifications
Homebuyers should realize only a few mold certifications
for mold inspectors meet the national standard approved by the American National Standards Institute.
The new ANSI approved NOCA standard 1100 for
certifications influence the value of IAQ certifications which includes mold assessment.
The new standard confirms and codifies three groups
that have policies that qualify them as certification programs under the national Standard 1100.
1. The
American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) which offers the Certified Industrial Hygienist, CIH designation.
2. The American Council for Accredited Certification, (ACAC) www.acac.org which offers several designations including:
Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC)
Council-certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE)
3. The
Board of Certified Safety Professionals which offers the Certified Safety Professional, CSP designation.
Only a couple certification bodies meet the ANSI approved national standards, seems logical for states to use their
certifications for licensing. Many states use ANSI approved standards for all kinds of rules etc. .
Arkansas for example:
“To be licensed, mold investigators will need to be a certified industrial hygienist by the American
Board of Industrial Hygiene or a ACAC board Certified Indoor Environmentalist Consultant or a board
Certified Microbial Investigator Consultant.
Naples or Orlando homebuyers should understand
that mold need moisture to grow (food & water). Finding the source of the moisture and correcting that is the first step
and a key element in prevent future mold problems. If there is a plumbing leak, roof leak, etc. these must
be addressed at the beginning of the mold cleanup.
