Mold
1. Microbial & Moisture Survey
The initial investigation into potential mold concerns begins with a comprehensive visual inspection and a moisture survey. Southern Sciences uses state-of-the-art techniques to identify and investigate the sources of moisture in building systems. The initial investigation typically consists of one or more of the following:
- Visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the building
- Visual examination of the HVAC system for evidence of mold growth
- Moisture survey (using a penetrating moisture meter) of targeted building materials
- Temperature, relative humidity, dew point, and wet bulb temperatures
- Photographic documentation of the visual observations
- Report preparation, including recommendations for additional investigation or remediation
Mold requires a moisture source to proliferate in an indoor environment. Whether the moisture source is a roof leak, plumbing leak, problems with the exterior building envelope or problems associated with the mechanical system (i.e. air conditioning drain pan leak or excessive humidity), a critical step in the mold identification and remediation process is to identify and remove the source of the moisture before replacement of water-damaged or mold-contaminated materials. Southern Sciences works with professionals from many trades to accomplish this critical task.
2. Microbial Laboratory Testing
Visual identification of mold is often sufficient to determine the need for remediation. However, in many circumstances, mold sampling and analysis is used to:
- Identify the amplification of airborne mold spores migrating from inaccessible areas
- Identify the presence of mold in carpet or settled dust
- Wall cavities can be sampled to determine airborne mold within wall. A small pencil-size hole is made and after sample collected is filled in so the sampling location is virtually indetectable.
- Identify areas of mold spore amplification within a building
- Identify the species of mold to compare to the findings of a physician or health care professional in connection with a patient suffering from allergic reactions
- Measure the effectiveness of techniques used to control and clean up contamination during a remediation project.
Southern Sciences personnel are trained, experienced and licensed in State of Florida in the use of state-of-the-art technologies for the collection of representative mold samples, including air sampling, surface dust sampling, Cell-O-Tape, vacuum dust, swab or wipe, bulk material sampling, and MVOC sampling. Samples are submitted to an American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Environmental Microbiology Accredited laboratory for analysis.
3. Mold Remediation Oversight
The removal of mold-contaminated material may cause an airborne release of mold spores that can contaminate adjacent areas and cause impacts to human health.A properly designed mold remediation plan and oversight by an Southern Sciences project manager will document that sufficient engineering controls were put in place to prevent contamination of non-affected areas, that all targeted areas were removed, and that professional post-abatement cleaning procedures (including HEPA-vacuuming and wet wiping procedures) were performed to remove microscopic (invisible) mold spores from surfaces within the impacted area. Southern Sciences develops mold remediation specifications in accordance with the latest in industry standards developed by the American Industrial Hygiene Association, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.
