Boston Mold Inspection

Metro Boston Property Inspections Boston Mold Inspectors are fully Certified by the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2). Our inspectors provide Mold Screenings performed in conjunction with a home inspection or Initial Mold Assessments. We also provide ongoing support during remediation and Post Remediation Verification (clearance testing) after any remediation has been completed.

 

Mold Screening

Today, many buyers are concerned about the potential of mold in their potential new home. Our mold screenings performed in conjunction with a home inspection are intended to provide our client with information about the levels of mold present in the home. Mold screenings include air samples on each level of the home and surface samples of areas of suspect mold.

A mold screening will determine one of 4 outcomes:

1. Neither mold nor conditions associated with mold growth were readily observable;
2. Mold was not readily observable, but conditions associated with mold growth were readily observable;
3. Mold was readily observed but conditions associated with mold growth were not readily observable; or
4. Both mold and conditions associated with mold growth were readily observable.

Let our trained Boston Mold Inspectors provide you with the best information about your potential purchase.

Mold Assessment

It is important to identify not just any mold that may be present but also the potential causes of the mold growth. Thanks to our experience in building science our inspectors do just that. Our first step is to perform a visual inspection of the property, both interior and exterior to determine if mold and/or conditions associated with mold growth are present and to determine what the potential moisture sources may be. In most cases we will also perform air and surface sampling to provide support to the visual assessment through documentation.

The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation, has identified levels of contamination based on conditions 1, 2 or 3:

• Condition 1 (normal fungal ecology): An indoor environment that may have settled spores , fungal fragments, or traces of actual growth whose identity, location and quantity are reflective of a normal fungal ecology for a similar indoor environment.
• Condition 2 (settled spores): an indoor environment which is primarily contaminated with settled spores that were dispersed directly or indirectly from a condition 3 area and which may have traces of actual growth.
• Condition 3 (actual growth): an indoor environment contaminated with the presence of actual mold growth and associated spores. Actual growth includes growth that is active or dormant, visible or hidden. Our visual assessment will help identify not only the actual growth but also the source of the mold growth and the pathways through which the mold may contaminate other areas of the building.

In all situations, the underlying moisture problem must be corrected to prevent recurring mold growth. Indoor moisture can result from numerous causes, such as: siding, trim and roof leaks, plumbing leaks, ground water seepage and floods, vapor intrusion, condensation; and high relative humidity.

If needed, we are able to provide a scope of work for the remediation of the affected area

Our inspectors are trained to identify not only the mold growth but also those conditions which, if not corrected, could lead to a return of mold growth. Any mold remediation plan should include repairing those conditions causing the mold growth.

Remediation Support

The goal of remediation is to remove or clean mold-damaged materials using work practices that protect occupants by controlling the dispersion of mold from the work area and protect remediation workers from exposures to mold.

Metro Boston Property Inspections Building Inspection can provide ongoing remediation support for your situation such as the scope of work and remediation plans for any project. As independent indoor environmental professionals and experts in building sciences, we can work with contractors to establish a strategy to properly eliminate the mold and to correct the underlying causes of mold growth.

Post Remediation Clearance

Following a detailed plan, Metro Boston Property Inspections Building Inspection is able to determine if the remediation project has been properly completed in accordance with industry standards using our expertise and advanced sampling techniques. We work to protect our clients from incomplete work.

Measures to ensure the quality and effectiveness of remediation should be undertaken regardless of the project size. Evaluations during, as well as after remediation, should be conducted to confirm the effectiveness of remedial work, particularly for large-scale remediation.

At a minimum, these quality assurance indicators should be followed and documented:

• The underlying moisture problem was identified and eliminated Isolation of the work area was appropriate and effective.
• Mold removal and worksite cleanup were performed according to the site-specific plan.
• Any additional moisture or mold damage discovered during remediation was properly addressed
• Upon completion of the remediation, surfaces are free from visible dust and debris.
• If environmental sampling was performed, the results of such sampling were evaluated by a trained building or environmental health professional.

Health Effects of Mold

The presence of certain mold and mold spores in a building can result in adverse health effects ranging from mild to severe. Some molds can deteriorate the structure of a residence. Health effects may include, but are not limited to; asthma, allergy symptoms, watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, blurry vision, sinus congestion, sore throat, dry cough, aches, and pains, skin irritation, headaches, memory loss, and fever. As humans vary greatly in their chemical make-up, so does the individual’s reaction to mold exposure. For some people a small number of spores from certain molds can cause ill effects, in others, it may take many more before effects are noticed.

According to the American Air Quality Council, the following is a synopsis of an EPA statement regarding the effects of hazardous and toxic substances; the effects of hazardous materials on an individual are subject to the duration and intensity of the exposure as well as the individual’s health and personal habits. Whether or not symptoms develop in people exposed to fungi depends on the nature of the fungal material, the amount of exposure, and the susceptibility of exposed persons. Susceptibility varies with the genetic predisposition (e.g. allergic reactions do not always occur in all individuals), age, state of health, and concurrent exposures.

For these reasons, and because measurements of exposure are not standardized and biological markers of exposure to fungi are largely unknown, it is not possible to determine “safe” or “unsafe” levels of exposure for people in general. To date EPA, CDC, or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to date have not established any PEL (permissible exposure limit) for mold.

Metro Boston Property Inspections Building Inspection indoor environmental professionals are certified by the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2). Our consultants are trained in the latest methodology with advanced technology for mold testing and mold assessments.

If you have a mold concern, give us a call at (617) 202-3919 or Schedule Online right here on our website 24/7!

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Ask any person at Metro Boston Property Inspections for more information about mold inspections, Call us today.

 

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