Mold Inspection & Mold Testing Services from Mexico to Malibu, the Pacific to Palm Springs
Post-Remediation Clearance Testing
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MORE USEFUL INFORMATION:
The goal of mold remediation is NEVER to KILL mold, nor is it ever to TREAT mold, or COVER mold up with paint or other coatings. The goal of mold remediation is ALWAYS to REMOVE the mold.
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Why is it so important to REMOVE the mold? For two reasons:
1. Mold that has been killed, treated, or covered up can always begin to grow again if moisture reoccurs—even if the moisture is just high humidity.
2. Mold that is dead or dormant (nonviable) still releases mold spores into the air. When inhaled, dead mold spores can have the same effects on people and animals as alive mold spores. If mold is still in your building, dead or alive, all the health risks associated with mold are still present. For that reason, during a post-remediation inspection, all visible construction materials inside the containment area are closely examined to confirm that no visible mold growth is present.
What Is Involved In A Post-Remediation Verification?
Simply put, post-remediation verification (also known as clearance testing) involves inspecting and retesting areas in a building that have undergone remediation work. Its goal is to confirm that the remediation was successful according to remedial standards.
Success is defined as follows:
1. No visible mold growth on any construction materials.
2. All construction materials are dry according to current industry standards.
3. The cause of the original problem has been addressed.
4. Airborne mold spore levels are within acceptable limits.
5. Cross-contamination of non-work areas has not occurred.
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Note the following three images. The first picture shows a remediation job that failed a clearance test for three reasons.
1. There is still visible mold growth on the construction material in several areas, which causes it to fail the visual inspection.
2. The mold still present on the construction materials is releasing mold spores into the air, disrupting the natural balance of indoor and outdoor airborne mold spore levels, and causing the air test to fail.
3. The dark blue spot detected with the infrared camera indicates excessive moisture, thus failing another critical aspect of a clearance test: the construction materials are not thoroughly dried
Without a proper post-remediation verification survey, it would have only been a matter of time before this project faced an entirely new mold problem and required another costly mold remediation job. This photo clearly shows why it's never a good idea to let contractors perform their own clearance tests. The only way to ensure your mold remediation is successful is to hire an independent third-party inspector for final clearance.
Looking at this last image, you might never guess that the spotless framing material you see was previously covered with mold from the floor up to 3 and 5 feet high. This is a classic example of professional mold remediation work at its best.
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For more information on post remediation verification services or to schedule an inspection,