Mold Testing in Cherry Hill, Camden County NJ
AmeriSpec provides you with services performed by a certified indoor environmentalist and certified indoor air quality specialist who have extensive backgrounds in building science, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and building envelope failure. We work with independent accredited testing laboratories. AmeriSpec does not perform remediation, therefore, there is no conflict of interest.
Do you find yourself in the middle of a mold and/or indoor air quality problem?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term which refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. IAQ can be affected by gases (including carbon monoxide, radon, volatile organic compounds), particulates, and microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria). Determination of IAQ involves the collection of air samples, monitoring human exposure to pollutants, and collection of samples on building surfaces.
Mold can present many health concerns such as watery, itchy eyes, a chronic cough, headaches or migraines, difficulty breathing, rashes, tiredness, sinus problems, nasal blockage and frequent sneezing.
Presented below are 5 steps to correcting your seemingly hopeless mold situation:
- The first step is to have a mold assessment performed by AmeriSpec, a Florida licensed mold assessor (MRSA76), to determine the extent of the mold contamination. AmeriSpec provides an extremely thorough mold inspection of your entire home, not just the areas that have obvious damage. The benefit to this is to verify the exact cause of the damage and to make sure there aren’t any other areas that have hidden leaks, not yet discovered.
- Mold spore testing. Mold testing can involve either air or surface sampling; most of the time, both are necessary. Mold spore air samples should be collected from areas of the home farthest away from the mold or water damage to verify if mold amplification has been distributed to unaffected areas of your home. Mold spore surface sampling should be conducted on household items to determine if mold spore settling has occurred. Mold testing/sampling is also beneficial if you or anyone living in the home are experiencing allergy-like symptoms, as they could be related to elevated airborne or settled mold spores.
- One of the most important steps is this one; a mold remediation protocol should be written to detail the necessary steps to remove the mold colonization from your home and prevent cross-contamination. The mold remediation protocol also guides a mold remediation company on the proper removal and cleaning of the affected areas, and if followed properly, should ensure a timely, thorough, and successful mold remediation. This will also help to cut down on expenses associated with the mold remediation by preventing unnecessary mold remediation techniques and, most importantly, you will be familiar with the mold remediation process. Being knowledgeable of the process and the areas involved will be beneficial to you as the mold remediation company explains what they are going to remove and clean inside your residence.
- Hire a Reputable mold remediation company . the state of New Jersey does not have requirements /licensed process for mold remediators at this time . AmeriSpec protocol can be submitted to mold remediators in order to obtain quotes for the removal and cleanup. The protocol will take the guesswork out of which building materials need to be removed and from which areas. The protocol is also the mold remediator’s guide to a successful mold remediation.
- The final step is the Post Remediation Inspection (PRI) sometimes referred to as a “mold clearance test”. The clearance testing should be done by a third party company, not the company that did the clean up. The post remediation inspection needs to be conducted after the removal and cleanup of the mold has been conducted, but PRIOR to the reconstruction of any building materials. AmeriSpec will re-inspect the previously affected areas to verify that all removal and cleaning procedures have been followed. Mold spore air samples will be collected in these areas to verify that the home has been returned to a normal indoor environment and is safe for re-occupancy. A successful PRI document will be issued and clearance will be granted for reconstruction. The PRI report is your legal documentation that your home has undergone a mold remediation and that it has been successfully remediated and cleaned. This document is especially beneficial for legal documentation to insurance and mortgage companies, and for you as the homeowner, should you ever decide to sell your home.
For Additional Information:
Contact Ed Mitchell (856)649-5946
Affiliations
ESA – CMA – Certified Mold Assessor – ESA Member
CMI – Certified Mold Investigator
EMSL– Testing Lab.
