B08_Solicit_IAQA_Report_ATTCH_9.pdf

CMR Complete Mold Remediators, inc 305 903 8885

IAQA Report 11/08/17

Project site:

Everglades National Park Flamingo offices

Introduction:

CMR was contacted to conduct a limited building study, based on site inspection, previous reports if any and interviews with occupant s. The objective of this assessment is to inspect and collect spore trap ambient air samples and/or tape samples throughout the space.

Sampling: We sampled several areas within the building.

The temperature in the sampling areas ranged from 74.2oF to 76.7oF with relative humidity ranging from 61.4% to 72.1%.

MICROBIOLOGICAL SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS:

Samples were collected in accordance with sampling device manufacturer’s sampling guidelines and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s bioaerosol sampling methods.

Typical areas of potential spore sources include carpets, dirt and dust on floors, dry-wall, insulation, concrete block, wood studs, cabinets, furniture and clothes in closets. Indoors, general breathing zone samples are collected in the rooms listed on report.

History of Building: Water intrusion event/ Concern about Indoor Air Quality

RESULTS: Elevated mold counts found in areas/ Mold Remediation is indicated.

See recommendations below.

(See attached lab results for detail.)

Findings/Conclusions/Recommendations:

Based on the inspection and lab results the following is recommended:

• All recommendations to be accomplished using the “IICRC S520, Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation”

• Windows are leaking/ seal all windows / leak test

• Dehumidification of all affected areas of water intrusion with large dehumidifiers

• Medical center: removal of soffit above bathroom/ removal of wall adjacent to toilet / investigative removal of soffits/ duct areas / cabinet to be HEOPA vacuumed treated and encapsulated as needed.

• AC Closet: ALL ducts to be inspected/ replaced as needed by a licensed professional duct contractor: Inspection/ disinfection of ALL AC ducts by a licensed AC Duct contractor/ the ducts are leaking; some lines may need to be replaced.

• Investigative removal of drywall soffits adjacent to returns/ registers that show water intrusion

• District Naturalist: Ceiling removal / duct inspection

• Squad room: Walls under window show some elevated humidity, fix window, investigative removal indicated/ holes in wall for IT cables/ check windows for leaks / seal holes

• District Ranger: SW corner of room ceiling shows moisture intrusion/ investigative removal

• Museum: Removal of all ceilings and walls in this area/ removal of all contents, wood cases to be BIOWASHED and HEPA vacuumed to determine damage

• May need to check popcorn ceiling material for asbestos in museum.

• HEPA vacuum and bio wash ALL areas/ surfaces in the areas tested, following the IICRC S520 standard for mold remediation.

• Inspection/ cleaning of AC coils/ blower fan of ALL AC units by a licensed

AC contractor experienced in mold remediation.

• Exterior bathrooms need further wall removal/ dry out and encapsulation prior to “put back” ( see photos)

• Post remediation testing is required.

If there are any questions regarding other matters; feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely, Lisa Brang Complete Mold Remediators 305 903 8885 License # MRSR2391 License # MRSA2199 http://cmr-moldremoval.com/index.htm

Photo Documentation:

http://cmr-moldremoval.com/index.htm

Medical Center

Infrared imaging shows soffit / ceiling area may have water intrusion

Tramex moisture meter shows elevated moisture

Elevated Moisture at hose bib

Bathroom area with hose bib/ removal of at least lower 2-4 feet

Cabinet to be treated/ encapsulated

Wall/ soffit in front of AC closet shows some moisture intrusion

Elevated moisture In wall in AC closet

Ceiling in AC closet / moisture

Ducts leaking/ moisture/ condensation

AC coils appear clean

Front office

AC register

Infrared image shows some area of moisture/ leaking ducts

Relative Humidity elevated >60%

Chart is humid, duct is leaking

Readings of the concrete floor/slab slightly raised

Water intrusion in ceiling in Naturalist office / Investigative removal

Register closed/ dirty

Area above desk that shows some humidity/ investigative removal

Opening in wall/ possible moisture intrusion/ history of rat/ mice

Register/ moisture/ condensation/ duct leaking

Infrared image shows some moisture intrusion / investigative removal

Ceiling / investigative removal

Museum

Wall covered in visible mold/ to be removed

Infrared image of moisture intrusion/ walls to be removed

Walls/ ceilings to be removed

Visible mold/ wall to be removed

Slab above entry area still very wet/ Infrared image/ active roof leak

Ceiling to be removed / sagging/

Display cases / no visible water damage/ to be determined at time of cleaning

Active water leak at entry

Ceiling in entry elevated moisture >45%

Infrared image shows moisture intrusion

Entry Display cases do not show significant damage/ to be cleaned

Bathrooms/ water intrusion/ some demo has taken place more is indicated

Slab/ floor wet / studs have visible mold/ area to be dried out/ treated / more removal indicated

Soffit to be removed

Area in bathrooms that needs to be dried out/ treated/ encapsulated

SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF INSPECTION

The contents of this report are based on the visible conditions to accessible areas only on the day of inspection. This inspection is non-intrusive. No warranty is made that the conditions will not change before repairs are implemented to the building or that hidden conditions will be the same as those that were observed. This report is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but is not intended to be a substitute for detailed plans and specifications in soliciting contractors to perform the corrections noted either now or in the future. The maximum liability incurred by the Inspector/CMR for errors and omissions in the inspection shall be limited to the inspection fee only, less any lab fees.

This report is copyrighted 2013(all rights reserved) and may not be reproduced in part or in total by any means, except for internal use by the client for whom it was prepared, without prior written permission from CMR. Third party use of this report in any way is prohibited without prior written permission from Safe-Homes and payment of suitable compensation. We will not be responsible for nor accept liability for the results of any use of the contents of this report by unauthorized third parties

Sources of Recommendations:

Recommendations are based on commonly accepted guidelines and protocols like the IICRC S520, Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation (2003) and the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology, Guidelines for the Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments (April 2001). In addition, the building envelope must be evaluated to determine if any HVAC or architectural issues could be sources of moisture. It is also recommended that the HVAC system be cleaned or replaced in accordance with the procedures described in NADCA ACR 2002.

The guidelines cited above recommend that any porous or semi-porous materials that exhibit mold growth be removed and replaced. It is recommended that a licensed A/C Contractor or Building Engineer that specializes in Mold Contamination in A/C Systems or Remediation conduct an inspection to determine the operational characteristics and maintenance schedule of the HVAC system. Ceilings and roof structures should be thoroughly inspected to verify the absence of water intrusion and/or microbial growth or growth conditions. As compromised drywall is removed by the contractor, the contractor should visually determine the extent of compromised drywall and document with photos. Contractor shall remove an additional two feet beyond any visual Microbial Growth or water stains. Any studs or furring strips that exhibit visual mold growth should be HEPA vacuumed and wire brushed or sanded followed by HEPA vacuuming. Any insulation, or drywall discovered to have any visual mold growth or water damage should be removed. When this is removed, the final work is to be remediated by HEPA vacuuming; cleaning with EPA approved disinfectants that are safe for children with Asthma/Allergies, and cleaning or removing porous and semi-porous materials. All furniture, carpets, clothes that have been contaminated should also be removed and cleaned to remove spores. Please refer to the guidelines for specific procedures based on specific articles http://health.uconn.edu/occupational-environmental/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2015/12/mold_guide.pdf https://www.epa.gov/mold/molds-and-health-public-health-professionals http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-102/

Causes and growing conditions of MOLD Molds are found everywhere, and can grow on almost any substance when moisture is present. They reproduce by spores, which are carried by air currents. When spores land on a moist surface suitable for life, they begin to grow. Mold is normally found indoors at levels which do not affect most healthy individuals.

Because common building materials are capable of sustaining mold growth and mold spores are ubiquitous, mold growth in an indoor environment is typically related to water or moisture and may be caused by incomplete drying of flooring materials (such as concrete). Flooding, leaky roofs, building-maintenance or indoor-plumbing problems can lead to interior mold growth. Water vapor commonly condenses on surfaces cooler than the moisture-laden air, enabling mold to flourish.[5] This moisture vapor passes through walls and ceilings, typically http://health.uconn.edu/occupational-environmental/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2015/12/mold_guide.pdf http://health.uconn.edu/occupational-environmental/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2015/12/mold_guide.pdf https://www.epa.gov/mold/molds-and-health-public-health-professionals https://www.epa.gov/mold/molds-and-health-public-health-professionals http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-102/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spore https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_current https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_material https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plumbing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold_growth,_assessment,_and_remediation#cite_note-5 condensing during the winter in climates with a long heating season. Floors over crawl spaces and basements, without vapor barriers or with dirt floors, are mold-prone. The "doormat test" detects moisture from concrete slabs without a sub-slab vapor barrier.[6] Some materials, such a polished concrete, do not support mold growth.

Significant mold growth requires moisture and food sources and a substrate capable of sustaining growth. Common building materials, such as plywood, drywall, furring strips, carpets, and carpet padding provide food for mold. In carpet, invisible dust and cellulose are food sources. After water damage to a building, mold grows in walls and then becomes dormant until subsequent high humidity; suitable conditions reactivate mold. Mycotoxin levels are higher in buildings which have had a water incident.[7]

Hidden mold

Mold is detectable by smell and signs of water damage on walls or ceiling, and can grow in places invisible to the human eye. It may be found behind wallpaper or paneling, on the inside of ceiling tiles, the back of drywall, or the underside of carpets or carpet padding. Piping in walls may also be a source of mold, since they may leak (causing moisture and condensation).[8]

Spores need three things to grow into mold:

• Nutrients: Cellulose (the cell wall of green plants) is a common food for indoor spores.

• Moisture: To begin the decaying process caused by mold

• Time: Mold growth begins from 24 hours to 10 days after the provision of growing conditions.

Mold colonies can grow inside buildings, and the chief hazard is the inhalation of mycotoxins. After a flood or major leak, mycotoxin levels are higher even after a building has dried out.[7]

Food sources for mold in buildings include cellulose-based materials such as wood, cardboard and the paper facing on drywall and organic matter such as soap, fabrics and dust-containing skin cells. If a house has mold, the moisture may originate in the basement or crawl space, a leaking roof or a leak in plumbing pipes.

Insufficient ventilation may accelerate moisture buildup. Visible mold colonies may form where ventilation is poorest and on perimeter walls (because they are nearest the dew point).

If there are mold problems in a house only during certain times of the year, the house is probably too airtight or too drafty. Mold problems occur in airtight homes more frequently in the warmer months (when humidity is high inside the house, and moisture is trapped), and occur in drafty homes more frequently in the colder months (when warm air escapes from the living area and condenses). If a house is artificially humidified during the winter, this can create conditions favorable to mold. Moving air may prevent mold from growing, since it has the same desiccating effect as low https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vapor_barrier https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Doormat_test&action=edit&redlink=1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold_growth,_assessment,_and_remediation#cite_note-6 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polished_concrete https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plywood https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drywall https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furring https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulose https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormancy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold_growth,_assessment,_and_remediation#cite_note-CMHC-7 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold_growth,_assessment,_and_remediation#cite_note-EPA_mold_guide-8 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold_growth,_assessment,_and_remediation#cite_note-CMHC-7 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_matter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dew_point https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermetic_seal https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humidifier https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humidifier https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desiccation humidity. Molds grow best in warm temperatures, 77 to 86 °F (25 to 30 °C), although growth may occur between 32 and 95 °F (0 and 35 °C).[9]

Removing one of the three requirements for mold reduces (or eliminates) new mold growth:

• Moisture

• Food for the mold spores (for example, dust or dander)

• Warmth; mold generally does not grow in cold environments.

HVAC systems can produce all three requirements for mold growth. The air conditioning system creates a difference in temperature, encouraging condensation.

The high rate of dusty air movement through an HVAC system may furnish ample food for mold. Since the air-conditioning system is not always running, warm conditions are the final component for mold growth.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold_growth,_assessment,_and_remediation#cite_note-9 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dander https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HVAC https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_conditioning https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_conditioning