1.)   What is Industrial Hygiene?
According to the American Board of Industrial Hygienists (A.B.I.H.) "Industrial hygiene" is the science and practice devoted to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of those environmental factors and stresses arising in or from the workplace that may cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort among workers and may also impact the general community.

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2.)   What is an Industrial Hygienist?
"Industrial hygienist" is a professional qualified by education, training, and experience to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and develop controls for occupational health hazards.

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3.)   What services can ENVIROCHECK, INC. provide?
    • Asbestos sampling and surveys
    • Lead surveys
    • Radon surveys
    • Microbiological Investigations (Mold & Bacteria)
    • Post Remediation Evaluations
    • Indoor Air Quality Investigations (Sick Building Syndrome)
    • Full laboratory services
    • Project monitoring and/or management
    • Training classes
    • Awareness seminars

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4.)   If I have an alleged mold problem at my house, what steps should I take to remedy it?
The first step and concern should be the health and safety of your family. Any irregular health symptoms that have not been noticed before should be addressed. The next step should be determining any potential sources of water or moisture that may be resulting in this alleged mold. The affected area should also be isolated and an attempt should be made to quantify either the water damage or suspect mold growth. If the problem is of low magnitude, it may be able to be rectified by the average homeowner. On our website you can visit links for good resources and tips to clean-up mold. If the alleged mold problem at hand appears to be larger or if there is any ambiguity, a qualified Industrial Hygienist or mold consultant should be contacted. However, it is always a good measure to consult with an Industrial Hygienist or mold consultant.

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5.)   What are the standard turn-around-times for mold samples?
For non-viable samples such as surface tape lifts and non-viable airs with Zefon cassettes the standard turn-around-time is 5 to 7 working days. Viables or culturable samples require 10 to 14 working days for results.

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6.)   Can I rush my samples?
Only non-viable samples can be rushed and have a 24 to 48 hour turn-around-time. Viables cannot be rushed because they have to culture in the laboratory.

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7.)   What is included in an initial investigation report?
In general, most initial investigation reports include a short introduction, background information, a description of the sampling methods, investigation data and visual observations, a summary of findings, general recommendations, and a detailed scope of work for remediation as necessary.

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8.)   What is the role of the remediation/abatement contractor?
Typically, prior to commencing with any remediation or abatement activity, a qualified mold remediation contractor will require some type of protocol or scope of work written by an Industrial Hygienist or mold consultant. The contractor will follow the protocol. When the protocol is completed, the contractor will notify the Industrial Hygienist or mold consultant to conduct a post remediation evaluation inspection and sampling to determine if the remediation efforts have been successful.

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9.)   Are there any laws or regulations regarding mold?
Currently, there are no state or federal laws or regulations that exist for molds and fungi in regards to the assessment, removal or exposure. However, there is the SB 732 (Toxic Mold Protection Act of 2001). This new statute charges Department of Health Services (DHS), assisted by a task force of volunteer stakeholders, to undertake a series of complex tasks. These include the development of new standards or guidelines to:
    • assess the health threat posed by the presence of indoor molds,
    • determine valid methods for fungal sampling and identification,
    • provide practical guidance for mold removal and abatement of water intrusion,
    • disclose the presence of mold growth in real property at rental or sale, and
    • assess the need for standards for mold assessment and remediation professionals.

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