Mold Assessments and Mitigation

Mold: A Silent Disruptor

Factors Impacting Mold Growth

Mold needs a food source in order to live and multiply. Unfortunately, food sources are plentiful and found in common building materials such as wood, drywall, and paper, as well as plants and organic matter. Below are other common building materials where mold can grow:

• Carpet,
• Ceiling tile,
• Insulation,
• Wallboard,
• Wood,
• Paper,
• Surfaces behind wallpaper,
• or in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

In order for mold to grow, the conditions must be just right. They thrive in warm and wet environments with a continuous water source such as roof or water leaks, HVAC condensate pans or cooling towers, damp basements, and areas with high humidity such as shower areas and non-conditioned spaces. The more favorable the conditions, the faster mold will grow.

The most common sources of moisture within a building are those where moisture is most prevalent: plumbing, roofing, window leaks, flooding, condensation on cold surfaces like pipe sweating, poorly maintained drain pans from the HVAC system, and wet foundations due to landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under a building.

In schools, mold can most likely be found in roofs, walls, locker rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and any other area where moisture collects. Since schools are often sealed during the summer months, excess humidity can also lead to mold growth during this time.

Why Building Owners and Facility Managers Should Be Concerned

Structural damage to buildings from mold growth, odors, and health effects in occupants or workers are all concerns when mold is present. Structural damage is caused when moisture is not controlled and fuels the growth of mold on building materials, finishes, and furnishings. Mold is ever present and will only need the perfect conditions for a short period of time to grow.

If there is a large amount of mold present in a building, odors and allergic reactions can also be present. Good indoor air quality is crucial to the health and well-being of building occupants, especially children who spend a majority of their time in school buildings. In fact, providing good indoor air quality (absent from odors caused by mold and particulate matter) falls under the general duty clause from the Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA) which states employers are required to provide a safe and healthy work environment.

Health Effects from Mold

While most people are familiar with mold growing on surfaces, mold is ever present in the air as it releases countless tiny, lightweight spores which travel through the air and help it multiply. These microscopic organisms are present both indoors and outdoors. Extensive indoor mold contamination can cause high and persistent airborne spore exposures leading to allergies, respiratory illnesses, and other health problems.

Though all individuals act differently to indoor mold exposure, the most common health effects and symptoms according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) include:

• Asthma
• Wheezing
• Allergic reactions
• Nasal stuffiness
• Eye irritation
• Skin irritation

For some building occupants, a relatively small number of mold spores can trigger a respiratory episode while others take an infestation to show symptoms.

Choosing the Right Environmental Health Consultant

Most people decide to test for mold after smelling an unusual odor, seeing discolored spots, or becoming sick for no apparent reason. Since mold growth is often caused and accelerated by moisture, many businesses test after a significant water-related property issue: heavy rain, pipe burst, flooding, and in the heat of summer with poor moisture control. Testing before remediation helps establish a baseline while testing after ensures mold has been properly mitigated.

CMI is one of the premiere mold testing companies for commercial, educational, and industrial clients, and can help property managers, facility managers, and school administrators determine the best course of action for mold remediation including preventive measures before the mold has a chance to become a problem.

We have over 25 years of experience assisting architects, developers, building owners, school administrators, and property managers with ensuring Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is conducive to a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment. Our experienced technical team of Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) and Industrial Hygiene field staff work closely with clients to assess, mitigate, and develop remediation plans for IAQ concerns, including mold.

We assist commercial and industrial clients to proactively manage occupational health and illness prevention programs. At CMI, we strive to eliminate workplace hazards through integrated risk management, communication, and engineering controls. We provide the following indoor air quality and mold assessment services: 

• Air Sampling
• Moisture Sampling
• Moisture Intrusion Investigation and Management
• Water Intrusion
• IAQ Management Programs
• Odor Identification and Control
• Water Quality Management Programs
• Training for Facility Staff

Our Expertise

Compliance Management International (CMI) is a leading global provider of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) services. During our twenty-five year history, CMI has been retained by thousands of organizations of all sizes. We work closely with our clients to enhance performance by providing integrated support that allows them to focus on productivity and growth rather than risks and regulatory compliance. This results in a highly sustainable program that reduces operating costs and liabilities. Our highly skilled technical team hold a wide variety of qualifications and experience consisting of Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH), Professional Geologists (PG), Professional Engineers (PE), Certified Safety Professionals (CSP), Environmental Specialists (ES), and trained technical professionals. All are committed to providing quality services on a consistent and professional basis to create value for our clients. We offer the following EHS services: