FL HB 713 Summary for Mold Retated Services - 03/10/10 05:44 PM
FL Mold Related Services Summary 
John Lapotaire
  
Mold Services Requirements
   
652 Mold Related Services
656 (2) The Legislature finds it necessary in the interest of
657 the public safety and welfare, to prevent damage to real and
658 personal property, to avert economic injury to the residents of
659 this state, and to regulate persons and companies that hold
660 themselves out to the public as qualified to perform mold
661related services.
 
672 Examinations
 673 (1) A person desiring to be licensed as a mold assessor or
674 mold remediator must shall apply to the department after
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13TH ANNUAL MEETING & INDOOR AIR EXPO - 03/05/10 10:40 AM
All eyes are turning to Tampa, Florida for what promises to be the best IAQA Annual Meeting ever held. Takingplace March 7‐9, 2010 at the Embassy Suites Tampa and the Tampa Convention center, this year’s meetingoffers big name speakers, collaboration from universities and scientific organizations, and an expo hall packedwith the latest innovations in IAQ and HVAC products and services.
The meeting program includes sessions sponsored by the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate(ISIAQ), the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO), and the University of Tulsa. The president ofISIAQ, Dr. Richard Shaughnessy, and the IESO Consensus Body Chairman, Dr. Robert … (0 comments)

Status of the "Florida Mold Law" HB 713 - 03/05/10 08:44 AM
The Bill has made its way through committee and is well on its way to becoming a Law.  Below is the documented progress and committee vote.
 
HB 713 - Regulation of Professions
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Is a Free Mold Inspection really Free? - 03/04/10 03:42 PM
Is a "Free Mold Inspection" really Free?

Like any other industry, the mold remediation and inspection business has its share of scams, cons, and rip off artists who seek to profit from your lack of knowledge about mold.  
The worst perpetrators of mold scams are mold removal/remediation contractors who also offer mold inspections and mold testing services.  Their scam is creating non-existent mold problems and charging you thousands of dollars to fix them.
If you encounter a mold inspector who also does mold removal/remediation, (or visa-versa) Just Say NO! There are plenty of quality contractors available that don't do both.
And … (1 comments)

What to look for when hiring an IAQ Professional - 03/04/10 03:04 PM
Most of us spend 90% of our time in indoor environments. Indoor air quality (IAQ) issues impact the lives of people across the globe. Problems with poor air quality in buildings and homes can result in health concerns, liability issue, lost productivity, and decreased property values.
IAQ problems in non-industrial buildings such as homes, schools and offices are often caused by complex, inter-related issues. Diagnosing and fixing the sources of poor IAQ may require the professional expertise of one or more consultants or contractors. It is important that individuals be highly qualified to fully investigate, identify and/or mitigate the total problem according to recognized industry … (0 comments)

The Florida Mold Law; Senate Bill 2234 - 03/04/10 03:01 PM
Florida Senate Bill 2234 was. This law will prevent conflicts of interest; require education and licensing amongst other requirements for mold inspectors and removal companies alike.   This law was designed to protect the consumers.    The law will be effective in 2010; until then there are no requirements.  "Caveat Emptor"  "Let the Buyer Beware" when hiring a mold inspection company.
These few basic tips and information can help you avoid getting scammed and ensure that your mold issues are handled ethically, honestly and professionally. Take the time to read it. If you have any questions, please call us.
1.    Make sure your … (0 comments)

What is Indoor Air Quality IAQ? - 03/04/10 02:59 PM
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term referring to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.
IAQ can be affected by microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), gases (including carbon monoxide, radon, volatile organic compounds), particulates, or any mass or energy stressor that can induce adverse health conditions. Indoor air is becoming an increasingly more concerning health hazard than outdoor air. Using ventilation to dilute contaminants, filtration, and source control are the primary methods for improving indoor air quality in most buildings.
Determination of IAQ involves the collection of … (0 comments)

What is a Professional and Informative Mold Report? - 03/04/10 02:54 PM
A professionally prepared Mold Report should clearly answer the following questions:
1.Is there a mold or IAQ problem?2.What was the cause?3.Where is the problem source?4.What containment and cleaning are needed?5.What building repairs are needed to prevent future problems?6.How will we assure that the field investigation work is properly done?7.How will we assure that the mold test lab work was actually collected by an expert?A mold test lab report can produce a lot of information but it does not answer any of those questions.
A true mold inspector should have the ability to do more than hit the on switch of the … (2 comments)

ASHRAE Technology Awards Highlight Outstanding Building Projects - 03/04/10 01:07 PM
ORLANDO, Fla.–Designers of systems for two office buildings, a warehouse and college library are recognized by ASHRAE for incorporating elements of innovative building design.
First place recipients of the ASHRAE Technology Awards were recognized at the Society’s 2010 Winter Conference, held this week in Orlando, Fla. The recipients have applied ASHRAE standards for effective energy management.
The first place winners in their respective categories are:
1.    The Terry Thomas (Michael Hedrick, Thomas Marseille, P.E. and Long Lam; Stantec Consulting; Seattle, Wash)
2.    Sobey’s Warehouse (Martin Roy, P.Eng.; Martin Roy et Associés, Inc.; Deux-Montagnes, Québec, Canada)
3.    IDeAs Design … (0 comments)

National Nonprofits Plan to Combine Forces to Advance Healthy Homes and Communities - 03/04/10 01:06 PM
 
Washington, DC -The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) and the Alliance for Healthy Homes (Alliance) today announced their plans to join forces. The consolidated organization will continue to operate as the National Center for Healthy Housing, led by Rebecca Morley, with offices in Columbia, Maryland and Washington, DC. Patrick MacRoy, former executive director of the Alliance, will lead NCHH's Community-Based Initiatives. The merger will consolidate all aspects of healthy homes within a single organization - research and evaluation, policy advocacy, consumer education, training, and assistance to local governments and community-based organizations. Nearly 5.7 million families live in substandard housing … (0 comments)

Do It Yourself Mold Test Kits, Use Them or Lose Them? - 03/04/10 12:43 PM
Do It Yourself Mold Test Kits Earn a Not Recommended Rating from Consumer Reports.
 
If you see or smell mold, you don't need a test kit to tell you it's there. Generally, it's not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in your home, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If mold covers an area less than 10 square feet, you may be able to eliminate the problem yourself. Larger areas require a pro. When we tested the kits below for our report, we found significant shortcomings in all of them, flaws that were serious … (0 comments)

Should I have my home tested for mold? - 03/03/10 09:38 AM
This is a question I get asked alot and I find myself often posting about the subject.  To clairify its not that I dont feel that mold should be adressed, its just that I dont believe that the flavor of the mold will change anything that takes place regarding the removal of the mold and the necessary repairs to stop the mold from growing.
I believe you should have the mold in your home assessed to determine what steps should be taken to safley remove the mold to ensure thit it wont return.  When the mold inspector has completed his inspection … (0 comments)