Visual Inspection vs. Testing of Mold

8/1/2017 (Permalink)

Most of our customers think a company that remediates mold would also do the testing of mold.  Well that is not the case, we only provide a visual inspection and will recommend an indoor hygienist when we feel it is necessary for all parties.  We will recommend an indoor hygienist in circumstances such as but not limited to things such as: selling the home, infants, children or elderly in the home or multiple areas impacted.

Given that we are a Cleaning and Remediation Company, we have determined that being certified to be an Industrial Hygienist (IH) is deviating too far from our profession.  Mold remediation and mold testing require different sets of skill sets of training, certifications, and professional equipment.  For remediation purposes, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) offers a course called, Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT).  In this course technicians learn how to properly remediate mold, but not test for it.  To become an IH, for testing purposes, you must have a 4 year bachelor’s degree in the particular field as well as specific IH courses.

In addition, a company that does both testing and remediation of mold could potentially appear to be skewing test results in order for their remediation to pass; it is like grading your own final exam.  To avoid this, we not only have another company do the testing but we also have the customer call in the IH rather than bringing them in ourselves as a subcontractor of our services.  We can recommend several in the area if you are in need of these services.  This ensures that the IH is working for the customer’s best interest.

So where do you start?

If you believe that you have a mold problem your first step is to find the source and stop it.  Next, we would recommend that you call in an Industrial Hygienist to come out and test the area.  A protocol will be written based off of the testing and if you do indeed have a substantial amount of mold present that needs to be remediated that is where SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge comes in.  With the protocol in hand we are able to properly assess the area and determine the extent as well as type of cleaning that will be needed to get your home or business back to preloss condition.