Attachment E - IAQ Assessment Report.pdf

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

ASSESSMENT REPORT

STOF HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

Environmental Health Program

952 NE 42nd Terrace

Okeechobee, FL 34972

July 14, 2025

Brighton Housing Department

Executive Summary

The Environmental Health Program conducted an environmental assessment of the residence on July 3, 2025. The purpose of the inspection was to address concerns about mold growth in the bathroom. Microbial sampling was conducted, and recommendations were made based on our findings.

Visual Observations

• The environmental conditions identified were photo documented (photos # 1-7).

Temperature/humidity

The measured temperature inside the home was 74°F and the relative humidity was 42%. These are favorable conditions.

Lab results

The lab results indicated a compromised air quality inside the home.

The surface sample procured from the affected surfaces indicated the presence of mold spores.

What do the lab results mean?

The type and quantities of mold spores identified in the air do cause significant IAQ concerns.

The affected surfaces have mold growth, and they should be addressed.

Occupant Exposure

Based on the inspection and the condition of the A/C unit, it is our professional opinion that the home should not be occupied until the recommendations are completed. Any occupants that may have health concerns should seek the medical advice of a Physician.

Conclusions

The indoor air quality inside the home was compromised due to the significant presence of mold growth.

The A/C system appears contaminated with mold spores.

The affected bathroom ceiling was consistent with exposure to moisture intrusion from an active roof leak. The roof appears to be leaking around the bathroom exhaust fan.

The affected lower kitchen walls (photo # 7) appear to have been affected by a leak from the refrigerator water supply line.

Recommendations

General

• All sources of moisture intrusion should be properly identified and repaired.

• All removal should extend two feet beyond all visible traces of damage.

• All discolored A/C supply air vents/adjacent ceiling area can be damp wiped clean with a detergent solution.

• Install two (2) air scrubbers in the home and operate to help clean the air for a minimum of 48 hours post remediation.

• Consider replacement of the entire A/C ducts.

• Clearance Testing is required.

Bathroom

• Remove the toilet.

• Remove the entire walls from floor to ceiling.

• Remove the entire ceiling.

• Replace the exhaust fan.

Water heater closet

• Repair the faulty plumbing.

• Remove the lower four feet of the entire walls

A/C closet

• The A/C unit should be removed and replaced with a new unit.

• Remove the entire A/C plenum box.

• Remove the entire walls from floor to ceiling.

• Remove the entire ceiling.

Kitchen

• Repair the refrigerator water supply line.

• Remove the lower two feet of the affected walls (photo # 7).

Mold Sampling

Is sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary.

Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results. Wallboard material that maintains moisture content of 20% or greater after 48 hours of the moisture intrusion event should be removed due to concerns of mold growth as well as structural integrity; microbial sampling in not necessary. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

The presence of water damage, dampness, visible mold/mushrooms, or mold odor in residences, and other indoor environments is unhealthy. We recommend against measuring indoor mold or other microorganisms or using the presence of specific microorganisms to determine the level of health hazard or the need for urgent remediation. Rather, we strongly recommend addressing water damage, dampness, visible fungal growth, and mold odor by (a) identification and correction of the source of water that may allow microbial growth or contribute to other problems, (b) the rapid drying or removal of damp materials, and (c) the cleaning or removal of mold, mushrooms and moldy materials, as rapidly and safely as possible, to protect the health and well-being of building occupants.

Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and the CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of disease most often associated with molds. Since the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly either because of the amount or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk. If you are susceptible to mold and mold is seen or smelled, there is a potential health risk;

therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal. Furthermore, reliable sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable or tolerable quantity of mold have not been established.

Limitations & Exclusions

• The mold inspection is not a warranty, guarantee, or insurance policy of the conditions that may exist.

• The mold inspection is not ultimately conclusive.

• The mold inspection will not identify concealed or latent conditions or defects.

• The mold inspection will not identify mold growth not readily visible at the time of the inspection.

• The scope of a mold inspection does not include hidden mold growth or future mold growth.

The EPA does not warranty the use of biocides in mold remediation.

Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the undersigned.

Sincerely, Photographs of the residence

1. View of the water damage/mold growth on the bathroom ceiling.

2. View of the wet conditions measured in the affected bathroom ceiling.

5. View of the water damage/mold growth on the A/C return air plenum box and walls.

6. View of the discolorations associated with certain A/C supply air vents.