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Mold Damage Evaluation/Inspection & Consulting

Mold is often referred to as a "hidden danger" because it's often unseen. When mold growth is concealed under paint, behind wallpaper, inside a wall, or behind baseboards, or cabinets, the mold can cause health complaints. Trapped spores may not escape and as a result may not show up in air samples. Microbial volatile organic compounds can escape and cause health complaints and odors even when spores remain trapped. Because mold is hidden this becomes a very consideration. In such cases DAVHENCO will have to do an inspection for subtle clues. Keep this in mind room air sampling is often useless and gives false negatives when mold is hidden. This is where a particle counter becomes vital during an inspection process.

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Particle Counters can be very useful in determining the overall quality of the air quality within the dwelling as well as getting you closer to where the source of the mold is located. The particles will increase as you get closer to the source.

If the particles increase as you get closer to the walls, there is a got possibility that there could be mold behind the wall. This is where air sampling for mold would be feasible, to determine what type of mold is within the wall. 

Another method that could be deployed is a camera with a fiber optic cable, to look inside the wall to determine what category mold is within the wall. 

Air Quality Index (AQI)

Think of the AQI as a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concerns. For example, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality.

The AQI is divided into six categories. Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern. Each category also has a specific color. The color makes it easy for people to quickly determine whether air quality is reaching unhealthy levels in their areas.

The AQI numbers are based on 2.5 microns of particle size in the air.

Numerical of 35 or less is consider clean room status.

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The IICRC S520 is considered a legal document by courts of the United States, this manual has actually been used in a court case here in North Carolina. This why when anyone who performs mold remediation should be certified and understand the IICRC S520.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Manual S520 "Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation" Conditions is the standard used to the environment of an area that has mold. 

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 normal ecology for a similar indoor environment.

Condition 2 (Settled Spores): An indoor environment which is primarily contaminated with settle spores that were dispersed directly or indirectly from Condition 3 area, and which may have traces of actual growth.

Condition 3 (Actual Growth): An indoor environment contaminated with the presence of actual growth and associated spores. Actual growth includes growth that is active or dormant, visible or hidden, 

When it comes to selling or buying a home, this is when would be the time to have the home inspected for mold. This should particularly be performed during the due diligence period. This could ensure that the home is at Condition 1 Status for mold or if the home has elevated to Condition 2 or Condition 3 mold. If a problem is having been discover, this gives time to negotiate for either repair be completed or the price on the home. 

There have been actual circumstances when a buyer purchased the home and never did the due diligence of the home prior to the purchase for mold, then seek legal actions against either the seller or the realtor.

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The infestation of mold in banked owned, vacant homes exist throughout the country. These homes are not attended to, and these homes have various moisture issues that create mold infestations. 

These homes should be checked periodically by a certified water damage restoration technician, that is also a certified mold remediation technician. The technician would know the category of water damage as well as the class of the water associated with condition of mold.

If you're a homeowner and you sense a musty smell, suffer a water damage event or experiencing flu like symptoms, this would be a good time to get your home evaluated/inspected for mold.

During our process we use particle counters, hygrometers, moisture probes & moisture meters, Flir cameras (for hidden moisture), ultra-violent light, camera and sampling equipment if needed. 

When it comes to mold remediation, we apply our experience as remediation professionals to apply to evaluation/inspection process to validate (clearance) that the project been brought to Condition 1 Status.

  • The containments have to be in placed on the day of the clearance process.

  • The equipment used for drying and cleaning the air in the remediated area.

  • The post-remediation inspection performed will be the same as pre-remediation inspection.

The clearance is the most important part of the process,​

Keep in mind the remediation contractor should not perform the validation (clearance) on their own jobs this is consider a conflict of interest.

So, if it is mold damage that you are experiencing, don't hesitate to call DAVHENCO INC,

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