Chinese Drywall - 06/26/10 09:41 AM
The Centers for Disease Control CDC, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC, U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency EPA, and th U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD have established guidelines for the identification of Chinese Drywall which include;
Scientific Findings:
Drywall from some, but not all, Chinese manufacturers emits elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide gas which cause metal corrosion.
Identification Guidance:
A two-step process that compiles corroborating evidence can identify a home with the specific problem drywall.
Remediation Guidance:
Replacement of drywall, electrical components and wiring, fire and CO safety alarm devices, piping for gas service and fire suppression systems will eliminate the … (0 comments)

The New Florida Mold Law "What can I do now to prepare myself for licensure?" - 06/25/10 08:01 AM
What can I do now to prepare myself for licensure?
 
The department will either be implementing Chapter 468, Part XVI, Florida Statutes enacted on June 27, 2007 or our recommended changes provided in Senate Bill 1330 and House Bill 713 proposed during this Fiscal Year 2010/2011 Legislative Session.
Because Chapter 468, Part XVI, Florida Statutes providing for licensure and grandfathering does not go into effect until July1, 2010, the department does not have authority at this time to approve any courses or examinations prior to that date.
Therefore, there are currently no courses of study or examinations approved by the … (1 comments)

Florida Mold Law Licensing Requierments - 06/25/10 07:59 AM
Initial Licensing
Initial Licensure under the current law,Chapter 468, Part XVI, Florida Statutes - Mold Assessors and Remediators Mold remediators must have (a) 2 year degree in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, or a related field of science from an accredited institution and a minimum of one year of field experience, or (b) a high school diploma or equivalent with 4 years of documented field experience.
Mold assessors must have (a) 2 year degree in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, or a related field of science from an accredited institution and a minimum of one year of … (1 comments)

Florida Mold Law Enforcement - 06/25/10 07:57 AM
Enforcement under Chapter 468, Part XVI, Florida Statutes - Mold Assessors and Remediators Under the current law, anyone operating as a mold assessor or remediator is required to be licensed on July 1, 2010, which is the effective date of the current law. Technically, any work performed on or after July 1 without a license would be unlicensed activity and subject to prosecution. However, the department lacks the authority to approve applications prior to July 1, 2010. On July 1, 2010 the department is required to receive and review any complaints filed for unlicensed activity. The department's goal is to give … (0 comments)

Florida Mold Law What happens on July 1, 2010 - 06/25/10 07:50 AM
The question, "What happens on July 1, 2010" is dependent upon whether or not the department will be implementing Chapter 468, Part XVI, Florida Statutes, enacted on June 27, 2007 or whether the department will be implementing our recommended changes provided in Senate Bill 1330 and House Bill 713 proposed during this Fiscal Year 2010/2011 Legislative Session.
Grandfathering Clause
Grandfathering under current law, Chapter 468, Part XVI, Florida Statutes - Mold Assessors and Remediators Mold remediators must pass an examination and have (a) 2 year degree in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, or a related field of science from … (0 comments)

Florida Mold Law Update - 06/25/10 07:48 AM
Current law requires licensure of mold related services on July 1, 2010. As proposed under Senate Bill 1330 and House Bill 713 enforcement of unlicensed activity would not begin until July 1, 2011. This would provide an opportunity for those parties who are currently providing mold remediation or mold assessment services to become licensed or grandfathered.
… (1 comments)

Post Remediation Verification Inspection (PRVI) aka. Mold Remediation Clearance Test - 06/21/10 05:13 PM
The purpose of a Post Remediation Verification Inspection (PRVI) or Mold Clearance Test is to assure that the mold cleanup has been done correctly and effectively in the work area and to confirm that the cleanup did not accidentally distribute high levels of moldy dust and debris into other building areas or into its mechanical systems such as heating or air conditioning systems. To avoid conflicts of interest, Post Remediation Verification Inspection (PRVI) or Mold Clearance Test should never be performed by the mold remediation contractor.ThePRVI should provide a visual inspection of both the cleaned area and any adjoining building areas. In the clean-up area we will … (0 comments)

Lead-Rule Delay - 06/21/10 05:11 PM
After much anticipation/trepidation/confusion, enforcement of the EPA's Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, which officially went into effect April 22, is being put on hold, at least temporarily. EPA Assistant Administrator Cynthia Giles stated in a memo that  "...concerns have been raised by the regulated community regarding difficulties experienced in obtaining the rule required firm certification and renovation worker training..." and says the agency will delay enforcement of the Rule until Oct. 1.
… (0 comments)

Post Remediation Verification Inspection (PRVI) aka. Mold Remediation Clearance Test - 06/20/10 12:13 PM
The purpose of a Post Remediation Verification Inspection (PRVI) or Mold Clearance Test is to assure that the mold cleanup has been done correctly and effectively in the work area and to confirm that the cleanup did not accidentally distribute high levels of moldy dust and debris into other building areas or into its mechanical systems such as heating or air conditioning systems. To avoid conflicts of interest, Post Remediation Verification Inspection (PRVI) or Mold Clearance Test should never be performed by the mold remediation contractor.ThePRVI should provide a visual inspection of both the cleaned area and any adjoining building areas. In the clean-up area we will … (0 comments)

Do It Yourself Mold Test Kits Earn a Not Recommended Rating from Consumer Reports. - 06/20/10 12:06 PM
Do It Yourself Mold Test Kits "Not Recommended"
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 enough to earn each a "Not Recommended" … (2 comments)

Indoor Air Quality Testing - 06/20/10 12:04 PM
Microshield offers an extensive assortment of highly detailed Indoor Air Quality Mold Inspection & Testing services to isolate and identify Indoor Air Quality IAQ concerns before they become major health issues. Microshield's consultants can quickly conduct an Indoor Air Quality or Mold Inspection with minimal disruption to the occupants, utilizing the most effective investigative, diagnostic, or sampling techniques available and applying a full range of analytical methods utilizing state of the art procedures, techniques, and equipment. After our Indoor Air Quality and Mold Inspection consultants have gathered the IAQ Indoor Air Quality data, they will then share the results with you, … (0 comments)

U.S. Senate Votes to Delay Lead Paint Regulation - 06/20/10 12:02 PM
The U.S. Senate voted May 27 to delay the implementation of an Environmental Protection Agency regulation on lead paint, in order to provide small contractors with more time to receive mandated training.
The vote was for an amendment to a supplemental spending bill, which now must be reconciled with a similar bill passed by the House of Representatives.
If the amendment survives the reconciliation process, the bill would then go to the White House. It could be vetoed by President Obama, but it is unclear whether he would want to block a major spending bill - which includes funding for troops … (0 comments)

Chinese Drywall - 06/20/10 12:01 PM
The Centers for Disease Control CDC, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC, U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency EPA, and th U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD have established guidelines for the identification of Chinese Drywall which include;
 
Scientific Findings: Drywall from some, but not all, Chinese manufacturers emits elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide gas which cause metal corrosion.
 
Identification Guidance: A two-step process that compiles corroborating evidence can identify a home with the specific problem drywall.
 
Remediation Guidance: Replacement of drywall, electrical components and wiring, fire and CO safety alarm devices, piping for gas service and fire suppression … (0 comments)

The Visual Inspection - 06/20/10 11:58 AM
A visual inspection is the most important initial step in identifying a possible contamination problem. The extent of any water damage and mold growth should be visually assessed. This assessment is important in determining remedial strategies. Ventilation systems should also be visually checked, particularly for damp filters but also for damp conditions elsewhere in the system and overall cleanliness. The use of a boroscope, (fiber optics) to view space inside ductwork or behind walls is used along with the use of a radio moisture meter to detect moisture "inside" building materials, identifying hidden sources of fungal growth and the extent of … (0 comments)

Whats in a GREAT IAQ or Mold Report? - 06/20/10 11:57 AM
What does a Mold Report Include and What makes for a Great Mold Report? Click to see a Microshield Mold Report Outline. What does an Indoor Door Environmental (IEQ) Report or Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Report Contain? Click to see a what Microshield IEQ and IAQ Report Contains. Should You have Your Home or Your Office Tested for mold or Inspected for mold?  Click to read more.
… (0 comments)

Air Sampling - 06/20/10 11:56 AM
Air sampling for fungi should not be part of a routine assessment. This is because decisions about appropriate remediation strategies can usually be made on the basis of a visual inspection.  It is preferable to conduct sampling while ventilation systems are operating. Air Sampling may be necessary if the presence of mold is suspected (e.g., musty odors) but cannot be identified by a visual inspection or bulk sampling (e.g., mold growth behind walls). The purpose of such air sampling is to determine the location and/or extent of contamination. Personnel conducting the sampling must be trained in proper air sampling methods for microbial contaminants. … (0 comments)

The Benefits of IAQ Inspections - 06/20/10 11:55 AM
The Benefits of Our Inspections
Identify Allergens in your home or office. Identify Asthma Triggers in your home or office. Identify the presence and source of elevated mold spores in your home or office Identify the source of unusual Odors or VOC's in your home or office. Identify the possible elevation of Particulate Matter in your home. Employers increase productivity. Property owners protect their investment. Doctors find assistance with their diagnosis. Lawyers can show an association between mold and an illness. Real estate brokers can present properties with a documented Healthy Indoor Environment. Most Importantly you'll have a Specific Plan of … (0 comments)

Seven Principles of Healthy Homes - 06/20/10 11:54 AM
1.  Dry: Damp houses provide a nurturing environment for mites, roaches, rodents, and molds, all of which are associated with asthma.
2.  Clean: Clean homes help reduce pest infestations and exposure to contaminants. 
3.  Pest-Free: Recent studies show a causal relationship between exposure to mice and cockroaches and asthma episodes in children; yet inappropriate treatment for pest infestations can exacerbate health problems, since pesticide residues in homes pose risks for neurological damage and cancer.
4.  Safe: The majority of injuries among children occur in the home. Falls are the most frequent cause of residential injuries to children, followed by injuries from … (5 comments)

Hurricane Season Important Storm Terms - 06/17/10 09:57 AM
It's that time of year again so I wanted to post a reminder that we are at the begining of Hurricane Season which is June 1 - November 30.
I wanted to remind everyone of the Hurricane Terms that we may be hearing on the news:
· Tropical Depression - an organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.
· Tropical Storm - an organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34-63 knots).
· Hurricane - a warm-core … (1 comments)