What Consumers Need To Know About Mold

​Molds are abundant in the environment and are found everywhere.  There is no practical way to eliminate all mold spores in the indoor environment, but there are ways to control mold growth.  

What Consumers Need To Know About Mold
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

The most common health effects or symptoms of mold are:

• Aggravation of Asthma
• Allergic Reactions Similar to Cat Allergies
• Chronic Clearing of the Throat
• Congestion
• Cough
• Eye Irritation
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Runny Nose

 
Does The Federal Or My State Government Establish Safety Standards For Mold?
Currently, federal or state-established standards or safety thresholds for mold exposure are nonexistent.  Scientifically, an agreement has not been reached on whether molds or various types are hazardous or injurious to health.  
The EPA website (https://www.epa.gov/mold/are-there-federal-regulations-or-standards-regarding-mold) states: ‘Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set.  Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.’
 
Mold Remediation
Is the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter that was not purposely grown at that location.  The terms mold abatement and mold removal are used interchangeably with mold remediation.  The remediation process entails using specialized equipment and methods to ensure complete removal while preventing the new growth of mold.
In addition to remediation, some states regulate mold assessment.  Mold assessment contractors are mold testing companies that detect and prevent microbial pollutants in indoor environments.  They provide professional services for mold inspection, mold and allergen testing, and preventative maintenance.
Some states that require licensing also require that two separate companies complete the mold remediation and mold assessment.  Currently, only a handful of states require licensure to remediate mold.
The CRMI, CCMI, and CMR certifications from Professional Mold Inspection Institute are industry accepted in almost every state in the US and every province in Canada.  Mold inspection and mold remediation do not have a particular licensing program in most states. 
Currently, the Professional Mold Inspection Institute certification from MoldTraining.com is recognized and accepted in every state and province except Texas and Florida, which require special state-based certificates for mold inspection and remediation.
 

• CRMICertified Residential Mold Inspector Course (CRMI)
  The Residential Mold Inspector Course is the prerequisite for the CMR and CCMI certification. The CRMI course contains lessons that teach mold terminology, health effects of mold, mold sampling equipment, and techniques, how to do a mold inspection, and write up a professional mold inspection report for clients.
  
  
• CMRCertified Mold Remediator Course (CMR)
  The Mold Remediation Course teaches mold remediation based on EPA guidelines for Mold. Mold remediation is "the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter that was not purposely grown at that location."  Mold remediation jobs most typically require a mold certification.
  
  
• CCMICertified Commercial Mold Inspector Course (CCMI)
  The Commercial Mold Inspector Course covers the differences between residential and commercial properties.  For mold inspection, the differences are mainly in HVAC systems.  However, other essential differences include typical room size, commercial ventilation, and more.  The Commercial Mold Inspector Course will get you the CCMI certification to offer commercial mold inspections.
  
  
• CMR 2Mold Remediation Protocols Course (CMR)
  Without state or federal guidelines, it is up to the mold professional to decide which protocols to follow.  Most remediation companies will follow procedures from one of two respected organizations: The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments or The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Mold Remediation. This course summarizes, compares, and contrasts the procedures of both organizations.

Note:  Professional Mold Inspection Institute certification from MoldTraining.com is recognized and accepted by insurance companies that require mold certification.  For more information, call or see their website.
Professional Mold Inspection Institute
101 Egan Ave N, Madison, SD 57042
800-679-4381
https://www.moldinspectioninstitute.com/contact.php
 
American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC)
The ACAC sets the most stringent standards for any mold company.   Before you hire a mold testing company, verify their license by going to https://www.acac.org/find/database.aspx
The ACAC offers independent, accredited certifications to experienced professionals.  Council certificate holders have demonstrated their knowledge and experience in building sciences, industrial hygiene, indoor environmental risk assessment, microbial investigation, remediation, and consulting.  Council certification programs are the most rigorous in their fields and maintain the highest professional standards.
The ACAC is the only indoor air quality organization whose certifications have achieved CESB accreditation.  Council programs employ psychometrically rated examinations that test industry knowledge and require verified field experience of each certification candidate.  Council certifications are board-awarded by a nationwide panel of industry peers for two years, after which each certificate must undergo a rigorous re-certification process. CESB accreditation is the latest evidence that ACAC certifications continue to set the standard in the industry for integrity, credibility, and independence
 
The ACAC has set forth recommended legislation language stating that:

1. Mold testing and microbial investigation, assessment, remediation, abatement, and consulting services are to be performed by individuals who are certified by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) or another national, non-profit certifying body which:
   
   • is accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) or the American National Standards Institute under ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024, and 
     
   • is wholly independent of training organizations, membership organizations, and industry trade associations.
2. Individuals shall not conduct mold or microbial investigations, assessments, or consultations for one year on projects for which they have conducted remediation or abatement services.
   
   
3. Individuals shall not conduct mold or microbial remediation or abatement activities for a period of one year on projects for which they have completed investigations or assessments

 
Note:  The CESB is the recognized accreditation body for engineering and scientific and specialty certification programs.  CESB is an independent, voluntary membership body created for its member organizations that recognize, through specialty certification, the expertise of individuals practicing in engineering and related fields.