American Environmental Specialists, L.L.C. · the indoor relative humidity in a building should not...

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A.E.S .S. American Environmental Specialists, L.L.C. 118 Westbury Court, Marlton, New Jersey 08053 Phone (856) 985-2885 (800) 251-6110 Fax (856) 985-9777 email: [email protected] website: www.aespecialists.com Report prepared and submitted on March 19, 2012 by M. Snyder; Environmental Consultant for A.E.S. INDOOR AIR QUALITY/ MOLD INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT Prepared for: Your name Project # AES 31512-A Your street Date of Inspection: March 15, 2012 Anytown, USA 00000 SanAir Lab Report # 00000000

Transcript of American Environmental Specialists, L.L.C. · the indoor relative humidity in a building should not...

Page 1: American Environmental Specialists, L.L.C. · the indoor relative humidity in a building should not exceed 60% or fall below 30% at any time throughout the year. Prolonged excessive

A.E.S

.S.

American Environmental Specialists, L.L.C.

118 Westbury Court, Marlton, New Jersey 08053

Phone (856) 985-2885 (800) 251-6110

Fax (856) 985-9777

email: [email protected]

website: www.aespecialists.com

Report prepared and submitted on March 19, 2012 by M. Snyder; Environmental Consultant for A.E.S.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY/ MOLD INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT

Prepared for:

Your name Project # AES 31512-A Your street Date of Inspection: March 15, 2012 Anytown, USA 00000 SanAir Lab Report # 00000000

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SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

A.E.S. conducted a complete Initial Indoor Air Quality Assessment on March 15, 2012 as per the request of Ms. Jane Doe, owner of a single family home in an over 55 community known as The Woods, located at 1 Anytown Drive, Anytown, USA 00000. A.E.S. was retained by the owner, to perform a complete IAQ inspection of the vacant property located at 1 Anytown Drive, Anytown, USA. The property at 1 Anytown Drive is a 24 year old one-story aluminum sided residence with an original composition roof. Based on a previous conversation with Ms. Doe, A.E.S. was informed that the property has been vacant and concerns regarding a prior roof leak issue along with visible discoloration were observed in both living levels of the home and a request for a complete assessment was ordered. A.E.S., was retained by Mrs. Doe to perform a complete professional on- site assessment of all living levels of the home, along with indoor air quality testing and provide a full detailed report including a Scope for Remediation, as required. A.E.S, an Indoor Environmental Professional Consulting firm, performed the complete initial assessment on March 15, 2012 at 11:00 AM. The sampling was performed by Murray Snyder, I.H., Environmental Consultant and Project Manager for A.E.S. Results of the inspection are listed below:

SCOPE OF BUILDING INSPECTION AND WORK PERFORMED

Collected and analyzed one (1) outdoor control air sample for non-cultured spore counts.

Collected and analyzed two (2) indoor air samples for non-cultured spore counts.

Collected and analyzed one (1) surface swab type lift sample for direct microscopic examination.

Prepared and submitted a written report summarizing the A.E.S. inspection, activities, findings, conclusions and recommendations.

METHODOLOGY

Air Sample Collection and Analysis:

The air sampling strategy and protocols used in this project are designed to detect total fungal spores (both living and non-living) airborne microbial spores. Air samples were collected on “MCE” Gel Impaction Slides utilizing an A.P. Buck “Bio-Slide” high volume impaction sampling pump calibrated to a flow rate of 15 liters per minute (or what the manufacturer’s literature recommends). The “MCE” Gel Impaction Slide Media employs a sticky sampling surface. The air-sampling pump draws air through an impaction slit on the A.P. Buck “Bio-Slide” unit and traps fungi particles by impaction on the slide.

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METHODOLOGY (Cont’d) Air samples were collected in the basement and first floor main living levels of the home along with one initial outdoor air sample taken directly in front of the property as a control to establish a baseline for comparison purposes. After sample collection, the slides were removed and placed into a plastic slide container and shipped Fedex overnight to SanAir Technologies Laboratory, Inc., Powhatan, Virginia for direct microscopic examination to identify the type and determine the airborne concentration of fungal spores.

SURFACE TAPE, SWAB & OR BULK SAMPLING

One (1) swab type lift sample was collected in the spare bedroom area of the residence. After sample collection, the swab was removed, re-sealed and placed into the originally supplied plastic container and shipped by Fedex overnight to, SanAir Technologies Laboratory, Powhatan Virginia for direct microscopic examination.

It should be noted that mold sampling is considered to be a “snapshot in time” and the level of spore activity in an indoor environment can greatly change depending on many factors, including activity in the dwelling and the growth cycle of the types of mold that may be present as well as moisture activity. We cannot guarantee that mold does not exist in the areas of the home that were not sampled, nor can we guarantee that conditions will not change, or that mold may/may not grow in the future somewhere else in the structure. There are no federal or governmental agencies that provide limits or “safe levels” for mold exposure. This is due to the fact that all individuals have different immune systems that can tolerate exposure to molds and other allergens differently depending upon age, genetics and pre-existing health problems. People are continuously exposed to fungi through both inhalation and ingestion with no apparent ill effects; however, certain fungi and fungal products are important agents of human disease. Populations that are listed as “high risk” are infants/children, elderly and individuals that have immune compromised health problems such as Asthma, Aids, Hepatitis, Cancer therapy, or who have taken immunosuppressive medications. It has also been documented that chronic exposure to molds can weaken the immune system of otherwise healthy individuals, allowing for opportunistic disease. American Environmental Specialists, LLC, is not a medical authority. Clients and/or occupants of a dwelling are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified medical physician to address the potential health effects of mold.

RESULTS OF ANALYSIS OF AIR, TAPE, SWAB OR BULK SAMPLES

The results of microscopic analysis of the air samples taken were conclusive, showing that the indoor fungal spore count levels in the basement and first floor main living levels of the home tested, were considered to be significantly higher at the time of inspection when compared to the initial outdoor control (Sample # ST-1), Elevated levels of Aspergillus/Penicillium airborne type fungal spores were observed in the basement at 160,000 as well as on the first floor main living level at 87,360 spores per cubic meter (spores/m³).

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RESULTS OF ANALYSIS OF AIR, TAPE, SWAB OR BULK SAMPLES (Cont’d) Elevated levels of Stachybotrys airborne type fungal spores were observed in the basement and first floor main living levels at 40 spores per cubic meter (spores/m³). Based on the direct microscopic examination of the swab type lift sample taken in the spare bedroom area of the home and confirmed by laboratory analysis, identified “Rare & Light” levels of Aspergillus/Penicillium, Stachybotrys as well as Ulocladium type fungal species present of the areas tested indoors and remediation is recommended at this time.

RESULTS, DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONS

Based on the testing performed by A.E.S., It is my professional opinion that at the time of inspection

and verified by laboratory analysis, Elevated levels of airborne fungal type spores were present throughout all living levels of the home, along with visible fungal growth observed in the basement

and first floor main living levels as well, on the building materials and remediation is recommended at this time.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

A.E.S. believes that IICRCS520 conditions # 2 & 3 exists throughout all living levels of the home as previously noted and remediation is recommended at this time.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO FUNGAL GROWTH

A.E.S. believes that the visible fungal growth observed throughout all living levels of the home tested

were due to excessive levels of moisture impaction.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

A.E.S. recommends that the homeowner could elect to have the entire HVAC unit and ductwork system professionally cleaned to reduce levels of fungal spores that may be present internally and to

minimize the possibility for cross contamination concerns.

The American Society for Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 55-1992, along with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recommends that

the indoor relative humidity in a building should not exceed 60% or fall below 30% at any time throughout the year. Prolonged excessive moisture in the building can result in microbial growth on

painted surfaces as well as wood and cellulose-based substrates. In my opinion, it should be maintained between 30% - 50% to prevent any microbial growth. This basically means you should

monitor the relative humidity and operate a de-humidifier or multiple de-humidifiers to control these levels.

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GENERAL SCOPE FOR REMEDIATION

A.E.S. recommends complete containment of the basement and first floor main living levels of the

home during the remediation process.

BASEMENT A.E.S. recommends that all salvageable personal items be cleaned and placed in a clean area of containment, covered with six (6) mil plastic and taped to the floor during the remediation process. A.E.S., recommends complete cleaning, scrubbing of all exposed cinder block walls, concrete floors, ceiling joists, decking and supporting lumber materials, with a disinfectant/biocide solution, (Sporicidin, Microban, Shockwave or equivalent) and once the surfaces are dry, complete sealing of all sanitized lumber building materials with a mildew inhibiting clear encapsulate coating. A.E.S. recommends complete HEPA vacuuming, wet wiping and final HEPA vacuuming of all horizontal surfaces throughout the entire basement area. A.E.S. recommends for the basement area of the home the employment of professional air scrubbing equipment to completely filter the air and to be operated continuously for a period of no less than 48 hours and turned off only at the time of post-remediation clearance testing by A.E.S. A.E.S. recommends for the basement area of the home, the employment of professional de-humidification equipment to be operated continuously for a period of no less than 48 hours and turned off only at the time of post-remediation clearance testing by A.E.S. A.E.S. recommends that the entire basement area of the home be placed under negative air pressure with the use of negative air machines, vented to the outdoor environment and to be operated continuously for a period of no less than 48 hours and turned off only at the time of post-remediation clearance testing by A.E.S.

NOTE: A.E.S. recommends that the remediation contractor use concentrated high pressure air throughout the basement area of the home to aerosolize possible reservoirs of hidden growth. A.E.S. recommends that the remediation contractor perform air exchanges by introducing and exhausting

high volumes of outside air into the basement area of the home during the remediation process.

FIRST FLOOR MAIN LEVEL

A.E.S. recommends complete removal of all existing furniture, carpet, padding, and vinyl floor coverings as well as all impacted wood interior doors and cove base materials throughout. A.E.S. recommends the removal of all impacted sheetrock and insulating materials and to extend beyond two (2) feet in all directions past all areas of discoloration. (See photo section of this report for obvious areas of concern). A.E.S. recommends for all salvageable wood cabinets in the kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom areas of the home, complete HEPA vacuuming, wet wiping and final HEPA vacuuming throughout.

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GENERAL SCOPE FOR REMEDIATION (Cont’d) A.E.S. recommends complete HEPA vacuuming, wet wiping and final HEPA vacuuming of all horizontal surfaces throughout the entire first floor main living level of the home. A.E.S. recommends complete HEPA vacuuming, wet wiping and final HEPA vacuuming of all solid exterior door surfaces. A.E.S. recommends for the first floor living level of the home the employment of professional air scrubbing equipment to completely filter the air and to be operated continuously for a period of no less than 48 hours and turned off only at the time of post-remediation clearance testing by A.E.S. A.E.S. recommends for the first floor main living level of the home, the employment of professional de-humidification equipment to be operated continuously for a period of no less than 48 hours and turned off only at the time of post-remediation clearance testing by A.E.S.

A.E.S. recommends that the entire first floor living area of the home be placed under negative air pressure with the use of negative air machines, vented to the outdoor environment and to be operated continuously for a period of no less than 48 hours and turned off only at the time of post-remediation clearance testing by A.E.S.

NOTE: A.E.S. recommends that the remediation contractor use concentrated high pressure air throughout the first floor area of the home to aerosolize possible reservoirs of hidden growth. A.E.S. recommends that the remediation contractor perform air exchanges by introducing and exhausting

high volumes of outside air into the first floor area of the home during the remediation process.

NOTE: Due to varied opinions regarding early shut down of air scrubbing/dehumidification equipment prior to post remediation clearance testing, it is at the sole discretion of the remediation contractor. A.E.S. expresses no opinion either way in regards to early shut down of equipment.

Work area(s) for this project should be contained utilizing negative air pressure along with HEPA filtered equipped exhaust systems and critical barriers to minimize

the potential of airborne particulates entering the occupied living space(s).

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STANDARDS FOR REMEDIATION

(RECOMMENDED FOR THIS PROJECT)

This project should only be completed by a certified professional mold remediation firm that will adhere to the IICRC-S520 mold remediation standard and the NYC Department of Health Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments, in addition to any other local, state or federal guidelines or laws that exist at the time the work commences.

Please inform A.E.S. upon completion of all remediation work for scheduling of the Post Remediation Clearance Inspection.

STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY

A.E.S. has been retained to represent only the client in this report. All and any information contained

in this report may not be discussed, duplicated or distributed in any form without the expressed written permission of the client.

LIMITATIONS

This report was prepared for the sole use of the client. The use of this report by anyone other than the client or American Environmental Specialists, LLC, is strictly prohibited without the express written

consent of American Environmental Specialists, LLC. All or any portion of this report may not be modified in any manner without the express written permission of American Environmental

Specialists, LLC.

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Please contact American Environmental Specialists with any questions or concerns.

Respectively submitted,

Murray S. Snyder I.H. (CIE, CBIE, CRIE, CMIR, CESA) A.E.S. Environmental Consultant/Senior Industrial Hygienist Approved IAQ/IEQ Consultant / State of New Jersey (NJDHSS) IESO Standards Organization IICRC-520 Remediation Standards & Guidelines New York City Dept. of Health Guidelines (NYCDOH) Member IAQA (Indoor Air Quality Association) Member ESA (Environmental Solutions Association)

EPA/AHERA/Building Inspector Cert: # ACC-1011-6-003

References: 1. Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control, Janet Macher, Ed., American Conference of Governmental Industrial

Hygienists, Cincinnati, Ohio (1999). 2. Standards of Practice for the Assessment of Indoor Environmental Quality, volume 1: Mold Sampling;

Assessment of Mold Contamination, Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (2002). 3. Institute of Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S520 Standards for Professional Mold

Remediation (2008) 4. Mycotoxins, Risks to Human and Animal Systems (CAST) Council for Agricultural Science and Technology 5. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology National Bureau (AAAAI-NAB) 6. U.S. Department of Health and Senior Services 7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 8. U.S. Center for Disease Control

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“POST REMEDIATION CLEARANCE INSPECTION & TESTING”

American Environmental Specialists, LLC.

(800) 251 - 6110

*NOTE: Post Remediation Clearance Inspection & Testing is a recommended option and not part of

the initial assessment.

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CERTIFICATES OF LABORATORY ANALYSIS Click to view certified laboratory analysis report.

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American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology National Allergy Bureau

(AAAAI-NAB)

Mold Spore Concentrations (Spores/m³) Ranking Symptoms Absent Zero No Symptoms >1 - 4,244 Low Only individuals extremely sensitive to mold spores will experience symptoms. 4,225 – 7,799 Moderate Many individuals extremely sensitive to mold spores will experience symptoms. 7,800 – 24,999 High Most individuals extremely sensitive to mold spores will experience symptoms. >25,000 Very High Almost all individuals with any sensitivity at all to mold spores will experience symptoms. Extremely sensitive people could have severe symptoms.

IICRC S520 Fungal Environmental Indoor Condition Levels

Condition 1

(Normal fungal ecology): An indoor environment that may have settled spores, fungal fragments or traces of actual

growth whose identity; location and quantity are reflective of a normal fungal ecology for a similar indoor environment.

Condition 2

(Settled Spores): An indoor environment which is primarily contaminated with settled spores that dispersed directly or

indirectly from a Condition 3 area and which may have traces of actual growth present.

Condition 3

(Actual growth): An indoor environment contaminated with the presence of actual mold growth and associated spores.

Actual growth includes growth that is active or dormant, visible or hidden.

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DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES

Photo # 1 View in front of residence at 1 Anytown Drive, Anytown, USA.

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Photo # 2 View of front of home during initial outdoor control baseline air sampling procedure.

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Photo # 3 View of central basement area of home during initial air sampling procedure.

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Photo # 4 View of first floor central hallway area of home during initial air sampling procedure.

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Photo # 5 View of roof leak impacted spare bedroom damaged sheetrock ceiling area of home.

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Photo # 6 View of impacted carpet, sheetrock and baseboard materials in spare bedroom area of home.

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Photo # 7 View of visible fungal fruiting bodies observed growing out of carpeting in spare bedroom area.

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Photo # 8 View of discoloration and fungal growth observed on the ceiling support lumber and personal contents in the basement area.

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Photo # 9 View of impacted personal contents in the basement area.

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Photo # 10 View of impacted personal contents in the basement area

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Photo #11 View of first floor living room area.

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Photo #12 View of first floor living room area.

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Photo #13 View of kitchen area of home.

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Photo # 14 View of sprayed over sheetrock ceiling and soffit area in kitchen. Note: Hidden mold may be concealed.

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Photo # 15 View of moisture stained sheetrock wall in dining room area.

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Photo # 16 View of master bedroom area.

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Photo # 17 View of light discoloration observed in master bedroom interior sink cabinet.

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Photo # 18 View of main attic area visually inspected. Note: Batt insulation blocking soffit eave area. Insulation should be pulled back to allow proper airflow through main attic.

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Photo # 19 View of main attic area visually inspected.

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Photo # 20 View of downspout gutters. Gutter extensions should be installed to prevent moisture from impacting the foundation area of the home. Note: Aluminum siding section needs to be secured.

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Photo # 21 View of downspout gutter. Gutter extension should be installed to prevent moisture from impacting the foundation area of the home.

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Photo # 22 View of downspout gutter. Gutter extension should be installed to prevent moisture from impacting the foundation area of the home.

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Photo # 23 View of downspout gutters. Gutter extensions should be installed to prevent moisture from impacting the foundation area of the home.

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Photo # 24 View of exterior hot tub room inspected. Note: Room not considered part of interior living environment of home.

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Photo # 25 View of exterior hot tub room inspected. Note: Room not considered part of interior living environment of home. Moisture staining and discoloration was observed on framing lumber throughout and complete demolition of room should be considered.

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Photo # 26 View of rear of home at 1 Anytown Drive, Anytown, USA. Note: Rotted fascia boards have been removed. A concern for more moisture impaction of that room now exists.

END OF REPORT

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