indoor air quality test question - InspectionNews

Jon Wade · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2008, 06:02 PM

Does anyone know of a standard for acceptial mold in a residence? Did an air quality test and am confused about the results, also one of the occupants has an autoimmune disease, does that affect the standard?

Jerry Peck · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2008, 08:38 PM

Jon,

First, welcome to THE inspectors board.

The standard will be whatever their doctor said it is, and it will cover whatever types of mold their doctor says it does.

It will not be all inclusive of all types of mold and it will not be the same for all types of mold.

This is precisely why HIs should not do air quality or mold inspections / sampling - it varies by the individual and, if an individual is allergic to a specific mold / pollen / spore, their doctor will know and will set what is acceptable or not.

Jim Robinson · #3 (**permalink**) 01-26-2008, 10:13 PM

Check out the EPA information:

http://www.epa.gov/mold/pdfs/moldguide.pdf

Scott Patterson · #4 (**permalink**) 01-27-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Wade

Does anyone know of a standard for acceptial mold in a residence? Did an air quality test and am confused about the results, also one of the occupants has an autoimmune disease, does that affect the standard?

Jerry and Jim have provided you with some good information.

As for what you need to say? You should tell your client the truth! Tell them that all you can provide is the report from the lab and that you can not give them any additional advice. Do not start giving them medical advice. Direct them to the EPA guide.

Jerome W. Young · #5 (**permalink**) 01-28-2008, 05:32 PM

anytime you are in a situation where the buyer is requesting a mold inspection/testing be done and they tell you they have a medical predisposition with regards to mold you should direct them to consult an allergist/doctor and an industrial hygenist.

You really should only be attempting to identify if there is visible mold or residual mold spores present. After that a remediator , a IHyg, or allergist/doctor should be recommended.

Jon Wade · #6 (**permalink**) 01-28-2008, 05:54 PM

Thank you for all the responses, they were very helpful and an allergist has been contacted.