DO YOU SUSPECT A MOLD-RELATED PROBLEM?

ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) testing and air quality sampling are two different methods of testing for mold in a building.

ERMI testing involves collecting dust samples from a building and analyzing them for the presence of mold DNA. The results are used to calculate an ERMI score, which indicates the relative amount and types of mold species present in the building. ERMI testing is often used to provide a broad assessment of mold in a building and to identify potential health risks associated with mold exposure.

Air quality sampling, on the other hand, involves collecting air samples from a building and analyzing them for the presence of mold spores. The results provide information about the concentration and types of mold spores present in the air. Air quality sampling is often used to assess the current level of mold spores in a building and to determine if remediation efforts have been effective in reducing mold spore levels.

Both ERMI testing and air quality sampling can be useful in assessing mold problems in a building, but they have different strengths and limitations. ERMI testing provides a more comprehensive assessment of mold species present in a building, while air quality sampling provides information about the current level of mold spores in the air. Both methods can be useful in developing an effective remediation plan and monitoring the effectiveness of remediation efforts.

It's recommended to work with a qualified mold inspector or remediation professional to determine the most appropriate testing method for a specific building and to interpret the results accurately.

Samples are generally best taken if visual, non-invasive examination reveals apparent mold growth or conditions that could lead to growth, such as moisture intrusion or water damage. Musty odors can also be a sign of mold growth. If no sign of mold or potential for mold is apparent, one or two indoor air samples can still be taken, at the discretion of the inspector and client, in the most lived-in room of the house and at the HVAC unit. 

Outdoor air samples are also typically taken as a control for comparison to indoor samples. It is best to take the outdoor samples as close together in time as possible to the indoor samples that they will be compared with. Two samples -- one from the windward side and one from the leeward side of the house -- will help provide a complete picture of what is in the air that may be entering the home through windows and doors at times when they are open.

After the mold samples arrive at the mold testing laboratory, there are many ways to analyze these mold samples. The most common methods involve transferring relevant sections (or all) of the submitted mold sample onto a glass microscope slide, adding a stain that mold spores can absorb, and then evaluating the sample for evidence of mold growth.

It's important to note that mold air sampling has limitations and should not be the sole method used to determine the presence of mold in a building. Mold spore levels can vary over time and from location to location within a building, and mold air sampling may not detect all types of mold spores that are present. Therefore, it's important to use a combination of testing methods and work with a qualified mold inspector or remediation professional to accurately identify and address mold problems in a building.

Post-Remediation Clearance Testing - Besides preliminary air quality testing to determine if mold is present, it is equally as important to retest after any mold remediation work is performed to remove the mold. It is critical to confirm that the mold remediation was correctly performed and contained so it did not impact other building areas. If a real estate transaction is involved, the buyer will want documentation that the mold problem has been resolved.

Get a clearance inspection. 

But not from the company that did the work! For this article, post-abatement, post-remediation, and clearance are synonymous terms. Essentially, it means checking the work after it has been done. As a general rule, owners can solve a mold problem in-house if the total repair cost is $500 or less and the affected area is less than ten (10) square feet. Otherwise, all post-remediation verification in Florida should be done by a mold inspection company that is licensed and insured. In either case, a clearance inspection should be done to verify the mold has been adequately removed before reconstruction. It will also satisfy buyers' disclosure requirements in case of a sale or transfer. The clearance inspection will demonstrate your due diligence in properly handling the problem in case of a formal complaint or lawsuit. The purpose of a mold clearance inspection is to provide a limited investigation report based on the remediation activity performed at the site by an independent mold remediation contractor. A post-remediation check, both visual and analytical, is committed to ensuring a return to a pre-mold contaminated environment. The post-remediation inspection is based on the following four (4) criteria:

• Absence of visible dust, debris, and moisture within the containment area(s):
• Absence of visible fungal growth within the containment area(s);
• The moisture content of lumber and other construction materials is within normal limits inside the containment area(s); and
• Balance of the airborne fungal spores found inside the containment area(s) when compared to fungal spores found outside the containment area(s), based on total spore count and/or hierarchy of spores detected.

If all four (4) of these criteria are met, then the mold remediation efforts are considered to be acceptable (PASS), and no further remediation is recommended. If any four (4) criteria are not met, then the mold remediation efforts are considered unacceptable (FAIL), and further remediation is recommended. 

Not getting Post Remediation Verification means: you cannot guarantee that the mold remediation company completed their job, that you have not eliminated the owner's liability exposure, and that you are potentially leaving the resident or other occupants at risk of getting sick. Paying mold remediation contractors thousands of dollars is for the expertise and release of liability. Mold remediation contractors who are not testing, are not following the IICRC's standard, and doing any property manager, asset manager, owner, and residents a disservice.