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Mold Exposure Standard FAQs
Q&A on Standard Levels of allergenic or toxic mold & how much mold means a problem?
- POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about standards for acceptable or unacceptable toxic mold spore counts, levels, or measurements in building interiors
FAQs on Mold Standards for Exposure & Testing:
This article series describes various current & proposed mold standards as well as the very substantial shortcomings in any mold exposure standard whatsoever.
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Q&A on What mold spore levels indicate harmful contamination in buildings ?
These questions & answers about mold exposure standards or acceptable levels were posted originally
at MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS - you will want to review those guidelines.
[Click to enlarge any image]
On 2019-10-16 by (mod) - high mold counts after a mold-bleach job
Philip
"Numbers" alone as mold "counts" are difficult to interpret except in very general terms like "looks high" or "looks like a mold problem" because beyond that we don't have a shred of information about the building, its history, what problems were present, exactly what was done to correct them, and because air tests for mold have stunning variability - at least 4 orders of magnitude depending on small details of just how the test was performed.
Just having someone walk through a room during such a test can multiply the "airborne spores per cubic meter" by a factor of 10.
My opinion is that the person performing the test has an obligation to help you understand its meaning as that person, unlike me, has inspected the building and knows its history.
[Click to enlarge any image]
Beyond that and glancing at your incomplete report one can see that outdoor airborne spore counts (a very rough control number) were higher than indoor counts and that the "raw" or absolute indoor spore count numbers were indeed a bit "high" - perhaps consistent with leftover contamination after a mold contamination cleanup or more-likely in the case you describe, a remediation project that has not actually found and removed a mold reservoir.
Watch out: however, because "bleaching" or "killing" mold is a fundamentally mistaken approach to indoor mold contamination remediation. The proper objectives are
1. REMOVE the mold either by cleaning hard cleanable surfaces or removing mold contaminated materials (like drywall, wall to wall carpet, insulation) that cannot be effectively cleaned
2. CORRECT the cause of the mold contamination
The idea of "killing" mold with bleach is also a mistake because not only is it a too-superficial approach for many mold-contaminated mateirals, but also "dead" mold spores - spores that can no longer propagate or grow - may nonetheless remain toxic or allergenic.
See AIRBORNE PARTICLE & MOLD COUNT NUMBER GUIDE - home
and
See MOLD CLEANUP, BLEACH
On 2019-10-16 by Philip Patrick Brazil
The school I work for just had a test done in a classroom. Our original reading was high. We washed everything with bleach and our reading came back lower but still too high. Can anyone tell me what these numbers mean?
On 2019-08-31 by (mod) - comparison samples and tests are useful
Thanks for your added comments Yuki.
I agree that comparison samples and tests are useful but let's keep in mind that because the actual "count" of airborne spores per M3 can vary by FOUR ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE depending on test details, counts may be precise (lots of decimal places) but they are never accurate (describing actual exposure levels).
Tests without a careful inspection and history taking and occupant interviews are of limited veracity.
On 2019-08-31 by Yuki
That might make your numbers more meaningful.
The same mold inspectors using the same equipment and the same procedures measuring mold spore levels on the same day outside the home, say, versus inside the home will allow you to get rid of some of the unknown variance in your numbers, the "results can vary by a factor of 10 to 1000" that danjoefriedman was talking about.
Annie, did the mold inspectors take an air sample of any other areas for comparison? Perhaps an air sample from outside the home, or another enclosed space? Just wondering...
On 2019-05-19 by Annie
Ok - thx for your thoughts.
On 2019-05-19 by (mod) -
Sounds rather high to me, though of course we don't know the test conditions nor what a competent onsite post-cleanup remediation clearance inspector found and reported - in writing. Again, relying on air tests alone is not reliable. There are plenty of open questions here.
On 2019-05-19 by Annie
Not anonymous - Annie ! Thx again...
TY ! I should have been more clear. Massive black mild in the basement . trash room due to proper air ventilation. The result being that the moldy fiberglass insulation was ripped out of all the whalen units / mold abatemenet in the basement. These results are after the remediation.....
On 2019-05-19 by (mod) -
Apologies Annie
But air tests for mold are fundamentally unreliable as a building screen for mold contamination - the results can vary by a factor of 10 to 1000 depending on exactly how a "test" is conducted.
That said, high mold counts, even if inaccurate, probably indicate that there's a mold problem in the building.
If your mold expert did nothing more than conduct an air test for mold and send you the lab report you ought to demand a full refund of whatever you paid.
A useful mold inspection involves a visual inspection of the building, identifying mold reservoirs, identifying areas for more-invasive inspection, occupant interviews, and a definition of the problem - if there is one - and its cause and the scope of cleanup work needed.
On 2019-05-19 by Annie
I live in a large building (55 units ) with a failed HVAC system ( Whalen Units ) Mold and decaying fiberglass insulation was discovered from the basement up.
Could you give your opinion on the following mold counts for my unit - as I believe that they are of concern and the HOA is playing this situation down ? Thank you very much ! Aspergillus/Penicillium: Raw count: 16800 / Count/m3 : 367000 / % of Total: 100% ***** Cladosporium: 4 / 90 /0 **** Pithomyces: 1* / 7* / 0 ***** Stachybotrys: 2 / 40 /0 **** Total Fungi: Raw count: 16807 / Count/m3: 367137/ % of Total: 100
On 2019-04-02 by (mod) -
Stacy
Thanks for asking what the heck "low mold" means. With an apology that I know this sounds a bit glib, it means not much that's helpful unless the "mold expert" whom you hired included a definition of "low mold" in her report.
If a mold test person can't or won't answer questions about interpreting their inspection and report I would ask for a refund of whatever they were paid.
"Low mold" in a report might mean that
- the test person didn't find evidence of a significant mold problem - but we don't know without a better definition
- the test lab agrees with my view that "mold counts" are misleading since typically consumers mistake precision (the number of digits or decimal places in a number) with accuracy (is the number accurate in describing actual mold conditions). The problem is that air counts, for example, can vary by 4 orders of magnitude depending on details of how a test was conducted.
Mold Culture tests don't even grow thus don't report about 90% of mold genera/species at all.
In sum, probably the "low mold " or "very low" mold meant that there was not much evidence of a problem.
On 2019-04-02 by (mod) - what does a mold test report of "low" mean?
Stacy
Thanks for asking what the heck "low mold" means. With an apology that I know this sounds a bit glib, it means not much that's helpful unless the "mold expert" whom you hired included a definition of "low mold" in her report.
Really? If a mold test person can't or won't answer questions about interpreting their inspection and report I would ask for a refund of whatever they were paid.
"Low mold" in a report might mean that
- the test person didn't find evidence of a significant mold problem - but we don't know without a better definition
- the test lab agrees with my view that "mold counts" are misleading since typically consumers mistake precision (the number of digits or decimal places in a number) with accuracy (is the number accurate in describing actual mold conditions). The problem is that air counts, for example, can vary by 4 orders of magnitude depending on details of how a test was conducted. And culture tests don't even grow thus don't report about 90% of mold genera/species at all.
In sum, probably the "low mold " or "very low" mold meant that there was not much evidence of a problem.
On 2019-03-18 by Stacy
What does low or very low mean. In a house mold inspection?
On 2018-10-16 by (mod) - high mold levels, even if inaccurate, indicate unsafe conditions
Reno unless your "mold test" was done very incompetently that number is high enough to be an unsafe environment.
OPINION: If your mold test consultant would not explain the result to you in clear understandable language you should get your money back.
On 2019-01-03 by reno 245,000 spore count aspergillus/pen
245000 spore count aspergillus/pen is this a toxic level that needs immediate remidiation
On 2018-10-16 by (mod) -
Since air tests for mold are fundamentally unreliable and inaccurate (results vary by up to 4 orders of magnitude depending on details of test procedures), the most useful conclusion you can make from an air test that shows high levels of and dominant presence of Penicillium/Aspergillus in the sample is that there is a mold problem somewhere in the building to be found and removed. You cannot say a single thing that's meaningful about the absolute significance of the number itself.
On 2018-10-16 by Maureen
My home was tested for mold & the results show the "Pen/Asp" level is 7500 spores per m. This is by far the highest & is 75% of the total. Is this not a dangerously high number
On 2018-08-04 by (mod) -
If the house smells moldy then there's usually a mold reservoir to findf and removce.
Airborne mold tests are particularly inaccurate (up to 4 orders of magnitude variation based on small changes in test procedures or conditions) and are never a useful substitute for a thorough, expert, visual inspection combined with building history and occupant complaint history.
On 2018-07-31 by Shannon
I’ve had air quality testing done along with a visual inspection, inspection using moisture meters, thermal imaging, etc. the air quality testing was not elevated in any of the 6 samples taken in my home. Our highest pen/asp sample was 280 cubic meter. My inspector told me this was not a concern but it was up to me to consult my physician if I had concerns about exposure.
The thing is, another remediator told me above 200 he would want to look deeper. Yet another remidiator told me that I should have peace of mind with my results. Another told me he could re do them for me because it changes by the minute. Yet another told me he wasn’t concerned. But the reason I’ve called 5 people now, our new house smells musty to me
. It’s not a knock down smell but it’s enough that I am frustrated and suspicious of it. We replaced the roof though we are not aware of any leaks.
The windows were installed 12 years ago at the same time as th vinyl siding. Unsure if they are the moisture source (the smell is strongest on exterior walls on one side of the home - a side that gets less sunlight.) Should I pursue this or accept that I have a smelly house?
On 2018-07-09 by Dee
Is aspergillus dangerous at 7,600 per cubic meter in an apartment?
On 2018-05-16 by (mod) -
Air tests for mold contamination are fundamentally unreliable, varying up to 4 orders of magnitude depending on how a test is conducted.
But in very general terms the data at https://inspectapedia.com/mold/Airborne_Mold_Count_Number_Guide.php will help you make an interpretation of your "mold counts"
On 2018-05-16 by Anonymous
lyn30@earthlink.net
On 2018-05-16 by linda
i have tested my apartment and it show aspergillus/penicilluim in living room/kitchen 13 count, 169 spores/m3, %22, master room 10 count, 130 spores/m3, %33 total, hallway and bathroom, 9 count, 117 spores/m3, 22% total
cladosporuim, in living room/kitchen show 11 count 143 spores, 19 % total, master room8 count 104 spores/m3 27% total, hallway/bathroom 10 count 130 spores/m3 24% total
basidiospores living room/kitchen 5 count 65 spores/m3 9% master room 1 count 13 spores/m3 3% total. hallway/bathroom 2 count, 26 spores/m3 5% total
myxomycete/periconia/rust/sm livingroom/kitchen 11 count, 143 spores/m3, 19% total, master room 3 count, 39 spores/m3, 10% total, hallway bathroom 9 count, 117 spores/m3 22% total
other hyaline spores, livingroom,/kitchen 8 count. 105 spores/m3, 14% total, master room 5 count, 65 spores/m3, 17% total
other colored spores living room/kitchen 2 count, 26 spores/m3, 3% total, hallway/bathroom 1 count, 13 spores/m3, 2% total
hyphal fragments, living room/ kitchen 7 count, 91 spores/m3, 12% total, master room 2 count, 26 spores/m3, 7% total, hallway/bath room 5 count, 65 spores/m3, 12% total
insect/dust mites, parts/m3, living room/kitchen 39 spores/m3, master room 13 spores/m3, hallway.bath room, 13 spores/m3
On 2018-03-09 by (mod) -
Jad
Because its spores are very small, Penicillium in most species that might be found indoors is at risk of being inhaled deeply into the lung, thus creating a signifiant potential health risk, moreso for people who are already at extra risk: allergic, asthmatic, immune impaired, elderly, infant, &c.
About the count, I have not a shred of information on who did what test nor how it was conducted, so I'm not able to make a confident comment on the "count" shown. It looks high but really if that were my test result I would insist that the person who I paid to conduct the test give me a clear explanation of its result - after all that person knows your building, interviewed you, took a health history, has an idea of the building's leak history and extent of mold contamination and general risks: or else I"d get my money back.
On 2018-03-09 by Jad
how much more dangerous is Penicillium to someone who is allergic to mold in general especially Penicillium VS. someone who is not allergic. I had an Air Quality Test done and it showed 3500/m3. Is that enough to cause harm to the person living there who is allergic? and is it enough to want to find the source and would remediation be necessary and in california, who enforces proper procedure if the management company doesnt do anything about it
Please see AIRBORNE MOLD COUNT NUMBER FAQs-2
...
Continue reading at MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Or see these
Mold Standards Articles
- MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS - home
- ASTM Mold Standards
- AUSTRALIAN Mould Guidelines [PDF]
- CALIFORNIA Mold Disclosure Law
- MOULD STANDARDS CANADA
- EUROPEAN Union Mold Standards
- NEW YORK CITY Mold Guidelines [PDF]
- OSHA Guide to Workplace Mold
- WHO WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION Mold Bulletin
Or see these
Recommended Articles
- ACCURACY OF AIR TESTS for MOLD - home
- ACCURACY of MOLD TESTS - all types of mold tests
- AIRBORNE MOLD SPORE COUNT GUIDE - home
- AIRBORNE PARTICLE LEVELS vs IAQ - home
- AIRBORNE MOLD COUNT VALIDITY
- AIRBORNE PARTICLE COUNT VARIATION CAUSES
- AIRBORNE PARTICLE COUNT VARIATION EXTENT
- AIRBORNE PARTICLE COUNT VARIATION EXTENT
- AIRBORNE PARTICLE COUNTS in DUCTWORK
- AIRBORNE PARTICLE COUNTS vs SAMPLER HEIGHT
- AIRBORNE PARTICLE COUNTS vs WINDOWS, DOORS
- MOLD CULTURE TEST KIT VALIDITY
- MOLD EXPOSURE RISK LEVELS
- MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS - home
- MOLD INVESTIGATION REPORTS
- MOLD LEVEL REPORTING
- MOLD TESTING METHOD VALIDITY
- MOLD TESTING & SAMPLING MISTAKES
- USES of AIRBORNE PARTICLE SAMPLING
- VISUAL INSPECTION & HISTORY of MOLD
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MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to MOLD CONTAMINATION & REMEDIATION
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Citations & References
In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
- [1] AAAAI - Asthma and Immunology's Aeroallergen Network is a national U.S. network of data gatherers that is responsible for reporting current pollen and mold spore levels to the public. American Academy of Allergy,
Asthma and Immunology, 555 East Wells Street, Suite 110, Milwaukee, WI 53202. AAAAI can be contacted also by their website at www.aaaai.org
AAAAI provides a table of interpretations of mold and pollen counts (of airborne particles/M3 of air) at http://www.aaaai.org/nab/index.cfm?p=reading_charts - [2] Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control. Janet Macher, ScD., M.P.H. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, OH. 1999
- [3] Brazil: Occurrence of airborne bacteria and fungi in bayside offices in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by Brickus, L. S. R., Siqueira, L. F. G., Neto, F. R. D. and Cardoso, J. N., 1998)
- [4] Building Biology Evaluation Guidelines, available in English Language Translation, provided by the German government, original citation: www.baubiologie.de/downloads/english/richtwerte_2008_englisch.pdf
BAUBIOLOGIE MAES Schorlemerstr. 87 41464 Neuss Telefon 02131/43741 Fax 44127 www.maes.de - [5] Canada: Canadian National Toxic Mold Centre, and also see Moldy Houses: Why They Are and Why We Care & Additional Analysis of Wallaceburg Data: the Wallaceburg Health and Housing Studies)
Fungal Contamination in Buildings: Health Effects & Investigation Methods, Health Canada, Minister of Health, original citation: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/alt_formats/hecs-sesc/pdf/pubs/air/fungal-fongique/fungal-fongique-eng.pdf - [6] California: California Department of Health Service / Environmental Health Investigations Branch report on whether it is feasible to adopt permissible exposure limits (PELs) for indoor mold - see SB 732 (Toxic Mold Protection Act of 2001, Implementation Update (August 2006)
- [7] Connecticut: "Guidelines for Mold Abatement Contractors", Connecticut Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, 410 Capitol Ave M.S. #11EOH, POB 340308., Hartford CT 06134, Web search 3/31/12, original source: xxx, [copy on file as Connecticut_Mold_Remediation_Guidelines.pdf/]
- [8] Canada: Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry - original source www.cca-acc.com/documents/electronic/cca82/cca82.pdf
- [9] IICRC S520: Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation 2nd Edition. Institution of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Vancouver, WA. 2008 IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for. Professional Mold Remediation, S520 (first ed. 2003),
- [10] IICRC S500: Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration 3rd Edition. Institution of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Vancouver, WA. 2006
- [11] J.R. Tucker, EMS-sales, presented data at
the NC/SC Environmental Information Association 2005 Conference, Myrtle Beach,
SC citing mold exposure standards from Brazil, mold exposure standards for Czechoslovakia, Mold exposure guidelines for Finland, Mold exposure standards set by the Nordic Council, mold standards cited by the World Health Organization WHO, and mold exposure standards for the Netherlands and lastly, mold exposure standards
for Poland.
Those figures were quoted in this article from the material provided at that conference. Mold exposure standard numbers were expressed spores per cubic meter of air and did not consider individual or viable/non-viable or genera-species specific levels. [This is a serious limitation of the standards since the spores of different genera and species vary widely in total size, mass, and toxicity. -DF]
On 3/16/09 we received follow up correspondence from Dr. Robert Brandys who indicated that Mr. Tucker obtained the data from Brandys' book Worldwide exposure standards for Mold and Bacteria. Dr. Brandys requested that we remove the data from this web article out of respect for his © protected book. - [12] Larry Syzdek, Albany, NY. personal communication at PAAA aerobiology conferences.
- [13] Listeriosis, Discussion of, Penn State University,, Oct 27, 2002. "Listeriosis is a bacterial infection usually of the brain.
Listeriosis is common in ruminants, pigs, dogs, and cats, some wild
animals, and humans. Animals infected with Listeria can show
clinical signs of abortions or nervous system disorders." Cooperative Extension
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 FAX (814) 863-6140. See this US CDC article on Listeriosis for more information. - [14] National Allergy Bureau, is hosted by the AAAAI and can be contacted at www.aaaai.org/nab. "The National Allergy Bureau™ (NAB™) is the section of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's (AAAAI) Aeroallergen Network that is responsible for reporting current pollen and mold spore levels to the public."
- OSHA - see OSHA's Policies Regarding Mold which includes the the original citations
- [15] OSHA: Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace, original citation: http://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib101003.html
- Post-Remediation Verification and Clearance Testing for Mold and Bacteria – Risk Based Levels of Cleanliness Assurance 1st Edition. Robert C. Brandys, PhD, MPH, PE, CIH, CSP, CMR and Gail M. Brandys, MS, CSP, CMR, CIEC. OEHCS Publications. Hinsdale, IL. 2003
- [16] Recognition, Evaluation and Control of Indoor Mold, American Industrial Hygiene Association. Fairfax, Va. 2008
Fungal Contamination: A Manual for Investigation, Remediation and Control. Hollace S. Bailey, PE, CIAQP, CIE, CMR. Building Environment Consultants, Inc. Jupiter, FL. 2005 - University of Minnesota - Department of Environmental Health and Safety can be contacted at http://www.dehs.umn.edu/ The University Department's advice on mold in buildings can be found at www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/mold/index.html
- [17] U.S. CDC - Mold Questions and Answers: Questions and Answers on Stachybotrys chartarum and other molds - original source: www.cdc.gov/mold/pdfs/stachy.pdf, Questions and Answers on Stachybotrys Chartarum and Other Molds. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health. March 9, 2000.
- [18] US EPA: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings: original EPA source - www.epa.gov/mold/pdfs/moldremediation.pdf
- [19] USP 797 Guidebook to Pharmaceutical Compounding - Sterile Preparations, U.S. Pharmacopeai, Web search 01/23/2012 and available online at usp.org/products/797Guidebook/
- [20] USP 797 Standards and Guidelines with USP 797 Testing Lab Services, EMLab P&K, web search 12/1/2011, original source emlab.com/s/services/USP_797.html - EMLab discusses USP 797 as it pertains to mold testing, bacteria testing, and other environmental and health related tests. For mold testing using surface cultures (swabs) that and other testing laboratories typically use broad-spectrum mold culture media such as Malt Extract Agar (MEA) or Cormeal Agar (CMA) - these media do well culturing Penicillium. Aspergillus, and Cladosporium, but beware: in our OPINION other important molds may be present, even dominant in the building but may not show up in culture tests.
- [22]World Health Organization bulletin: Human eases Caused by Mold - https://inspectapedia.com/mold/WHO_Mold_Bulletin.php
- [22] Mold Exposure Standards - levels of allergenic & toxic mold: how much mold means a problem? - https://inspectapedia.com/mold/Mold-Exposure-Standards.php
- [23] Guidance for Clinicians on the Recognition and Management of Health Effects Related to Mold Exposure and Moisture Indoors, [on file as /mold/Mold_Guide_UConn.pdf] - Eileen Storey, MD MPH, Kenneth H. Dangman, MD PhD MPH, Paula Schenck MPH, Robert L DeBernardo MD MPH, Chin S Yang PhD, Anne Bracker CIH MPH, Michael J Hodgson MD MPH, University of Connecticut Health Center, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Center for Indoor Environments and Health, 266 Farmington Ave., Farmington CT 06030-6210, 30 September 2004. [We have edited this file to remove blank pages in order to speed its load-time and to add a link back to this website.] This document was designed to help the healthcare provider address patients with illnesses related to mold in the indoor environment by providing background understanding of how mold may be affecting patients. The guidance was published in 2004, with support from a grant by the U.S. EPA, by the Center for Indoor Environments and Health, or CIEH at the University of Connecticut Health Center. " -- original source: oehc.uchc.edu/images/PDFs/MOLD%20GUIDE.pdf (1.13MB PDF file, slow loading)
- [24] History of major mold outbreaks: see the WHO bulletin above, also see a nice summary of the history of major mold related illness outbreaks is at moldbacteria.com/newsletters/2005/sep2005.html provided by Dr. Jackson Kung'U, a microbiologist, mycologist, writing for that website.
- [25] ASTM Mold Standards,
web search 4/15/2012, original source: begin at http://www.astm.org/Standards/E2418.htm
- ASTM D3273 - 12 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber, Quoting:
An accelerated test for determining the resistance of interior coatings to mold growth is useful in estimating the performance of coatings designed for use in interior environments that promote mold growth and in evaluating compounds that may inhibit such growth and the aggregate levels for their use (see also Note 1). This test method should preferably be used by persons who have had basic microbiological training. - ASTM D6008 - 96(2005) Standard Practice for Conducting Environmental Baseline Surveys, Quoting:
The purpose of this practice is to define good commercial and customary practice in the United States for conducting an environmental baseline survey (EBS) in order to determine certain elements of the environmental condition of federal real property, including excess and surplus property at closing and realigning military installations. This effort is conducted to fulfill certain requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) section 120(h), as amended by the Community Environmental Response Facilitation Act of 1992 (CERFA). As such, this practice is intended to help a user to gather and analyze data and information in order to classify property into seven environmental condition of property area types (in accordance with the Standard Classification of Environmental Condition of Property Area Types). Once documented, the EBS is used to support Findings of Suitability to Transfer (FOSTs), Findings of Suitability to Lease (FOSLs), or uncontaminated property determinations, or a combination thereof, pursuant to the requirements of CERFA. Users of this practice should note that it does not address (except where explicitly noted) requirements for appropriate and timely regulatory consultation or concurrence, or both, during the conduct of the EBS or during the identification and use of the standard environmental condition of property area types. - ASTM E 1527-00 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process (Phase I ESA). [reflects US EPA rules for environmental due diligence as of 11/1/2005, Federal Reference: 40 CFR Part 312]
- ASTM E 1528-00 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Transaction Screen Process (Transaction Screen) [reflects US EPA rules for environmental due diligence as of 11/1/2005, Federal Reference: 40 CFR Part 312]
- ASTM E2018 - 08 Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process,
This guide is intended for use on a voluntary basis by parties who desire to obtain a baseline PCA of commercial real estate. This guide also recognizes that there are varying levels of property condition assessment and due diligence that can be exercised that are both more and less comprehensive than this guide, and that may be appropriate to meet the objectives of the user. Users should consider their requirements, the purpose that the PCA is to serve, and their risk tolerance level before selecting the consultant and the level of due diligence to be exercised by the consultant. The user should also review or establish the qualifications, or both, of the proposed field observer and PCR reviewer prior to engagement. A PCR should identify any deviations or exceptions to this guide. Furthermore, no implication is intended that use of this guide be required in order to have conducted a property condition assessment in a commercially prudent and reasonable manner. Nevertheless, this guide is intended to reflect a reasonable approach for the preparation of a baseline PCA. - ASTM E2418 - 06 Standard Guide for Readily Observable Mold and Conditions Conducive to Mold in Commercial Buildings: Baseline Survey Process, Quoting:
The purpose of this guide is to define good commercial and customary practice in the United States of America for conducting a baseline survey for readily observable mold and conditions conducive to mold in a commercial building related to a commercial real estate transaction by conducting: a walk-through survey, document reviews, and interviews as outlined within this guide. This guide is intended to identify observable mold and physical deficiencies conducive to mold as a result of moisture and water infiltration through the commercial buildings envelope or substructure, or generated within the building as a result of processes or mechanical systems, excluding de minimis observable mold and physical deficiencies conducive to mold. This guide is to allow a user to assess the potential need for further assessment or other actions that may be appropriate that are beyond the scope of this guide. - ASTM E2722 - 09 Standard Test Method for Using Seeded-Agar for the Screening Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity in Fabric and Air Filter Media, Quoting:
This test method provides for rapid screening of antimicrobial treatments located in or on fabrics and air filter media.
This test method simulates actual use conditions that may occur on fabrics, for example, food and beverage spills; soiling from body contact, that is, body oils, skin cells; prolonged moisture exposure.
This test method provides a means to screen for activity and durability of an antimicrobial treatment under conditions of organic loading.
This test method provides for the simultaneous assessment of multiple fabric components, for example, fabric, component fibers with polymer incorporated treatments, and back coating if present, for antimicrobial activity.
Fabrics or filter media may be cleaned prior to testing with this method in order to assess the durability of the antimicrobial effect.
- ASTM D3273 - 12 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber, Quoting:
- Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
- Kansas State University, department of plant pathology, extension plant pathology web page on wheat rust fungus: see http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/path-ext/factSheets/Wheat/Wheat%20Leaf%20Rust.asp
- A BRIEF GUIDE to MOLD, MOISTURE, and YOUR HOME, [PDF] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency US EPA - includes basic advice for building owners, occupants, and mold cleanup operations. See http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.htm
- In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
CONTINUE READING or RECOMMENDED ARTICLES.
- Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes and to use illustrations from The ILLUSTRATED HOME .
Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.
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