Why Post Clearance Mold Inspection and Mold Testing is Necessary After Remediation

Once Mold Remediation has been completed by a licensed remediation company, how can one be sure that they performed the work sufficiently and that the mold has been eradicated to a relevant standard?

The answer is to have a post clearance mold inspection and testing performed in the area(s) of concern. A certified mold inspector will have the knowledge and training to look for, and identify, quality assurance indicators for satisfactory remediation. The certified inspector will also perform air quality testing in the contained areas where the mold was previously an issue; the air quality testing will further reinforce the sufficiency of the remediation work performed, and also reassure the client that the air quality has been replenished to a satisfactory standard in the property via accredited lab data.
 
The quality assurance indicators observed and documented by the inspector will be photographed and noted, which will then be transcribed into a clearance report with the relevant lab data to affirm the clearance of the area from active mold growth, as well as the previously active moisture source.
 
To summarize, the following points should be concluded in the clearance report by the certified mold inspector:

• The underlying moisture issue has been identified and resolved sufficiently.
• The area of concern was sufficiently contained and isolated from the rest of the property to avoid cross contamination of areas.
• The mold removal and work-site setup were performed in line with the remediation plan drawn out by an independent inspection and testing company.
• All visible microbial growth and moisture has been eradicated upon completion of remediation.
• Air sampling results show permissible mold spore counts in the area remediated.

 
The clearance inspection and testing hold the remediation firm accountable for the work performed, as well as reassuring the occupant of the building that there is no longer a mold concern. If the clearance inspection and testing fail, then the remediation company will have to readdress the area until it has been satisfactorily passed.

If you are need of a clearance mold inspection and testing, Mold Mitigation Professionals can handle your concerns with appropriate certifications, infrared thermal imaging to assure the client that the moisture source has been eradicated, fast turn around times and air testing via the fully accredited EMLab P&K. 

The standards outlined here were based off the government standards from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
 
                                                                                 References
 
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (2008) Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments. November, 2008. https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/epi/epi-mold-guidelines.pdf