The scope of services included a comprehensive visual survey of the affected areas
within the property as outlined in the report below. The survey focuses on the detection
of building deficiencies or anomalies. The observations made during this survey are
presented in the following report.
In addition to the visual survey, if any laboratory sampling was performed within the
property, the results of the completed independent laboratory analysis are included as
laboratory data at the end of this report. Also included in the report are suggestions of
preventive measures that could potentially reduce the possibility of future Indoor Air
Quality (IAQ) issues.
Inspection Background 3
Master Bathroom 6
Observations 6
Sampling Plan 7
Sampling Results 7
Kitchen 9
Observations 9
Sampling Plan 9
Sampling Results 10
Hallway Bathroom 12
Observations 12
Sampling Plan 13
Sampling Results 13
Ambient Living Areas 15
Observations 15
Additional Recommendations 16
Further Information 16
Mold Decontamination Recommendations 17
Health Effects 18
Attachments 20
Laboratory Results 20
Inspection Background
The subject property is located at 1742 W 66th St., Los Angeles, CA 90047.
MoldExperts: LA was contracted to perform a limited inspection within the
property to identify any issues present.
If any testing was recommended during the inspection process and collected per
client approval, the results will be used to supplement or validate the observations
made during the on-site inspection. Due to the limitations of any testing methods
performed, no conclusions can be made regarding the air quality or unusual
condition for areas of the property not tested.
The sampling performed are outlined in the following categories. Please note
that not all sampling methodologies described below were used as part of the
inspection process.
Microbiology
Surface Sampling
Easily removable suspect Microbial material is collected via a sampling
media with a sticky surface (Tape-lift) or cotton fibers (Swab). The media
is gently placed over a surface and carefully removing some of the
particles present to evaluate for mold contamination. The Tape-Lift and/or
Swab is then placed in a sealed container and transported to the lab.
Results of the surface sample are reported in relative density.
You may have a mold problem if the testing performed indicates mold levels that
are: (a) higher than the outdoor mold levels.
(b) mold spores present indoors but absent from the outdoors (Not
always applicable)
(c) the indoor mold is pathogenic/toxic.
(d) Any combination of the above listed items.
A normal fungal ecology is an indoor environment that may have settled spores,
fungal fragments or trace of actual growth whose identity, location and quantity
are reflective of a normal fungal ecology for a similar indoor environment.
Condition One
A normal fungal ecology which is an indoor environment that may
have settled spores, fungal fragments or trace of actual growth
whose identity, location and quantity are reflective of a normal
fungal ecology for a similar indoor environment.
(Reference IICRC S520 - Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Remediation)
Below please find a summarization of the observations, sampling, laboratory results and
recommendations for the property.
Observations
Upon assessment of the sink area area, deteriorated wall surfaces and building
components were observed within the Master Bathroom sink cabinet originating from a
separate leak within the room. Additionally, suspect Microbial growth was observed
within the cabinet.
Sampling Results
The laboratory results from the Surface Swab sample collected from the
affected area detected the presence of various mold spore types. Some of
the mold spores identified included Stachybotrys and Ulocladium, two
water damage indicator mold types, indicating a Condition 3 condition
(see Laboratory Report attached below). The laboratory results confirm
the existence of issues on the wall components. Proper remediation by a
licensed mold remediation contractor is recommended.
Due to the condition of the area, the following work plan is recommended for the
area.
I. Removal of the sink, cabinet and wall finishes behind the cabinet.
II. Removal of the wall finishes opposite to the sink cabinet. Remove
a 4x4 section adjacent to the shower enclosure.
III. Remediation/Decontamination of all exposed building
components.
IV. Resealing/replacement of shower pan and enclosure as necessary.
V. Testing of the remediated surfaces after mold removal to ensure no
contaminated surfaces remain in the affected area.
VI. Replacement of removed building components should be done
according to appropriate building components.
VII. Removal of all dust accumulation throughout the residence
including in areas not easily accessible near appliances & furniture.
Dust reservoirs can harbor harmful contaminants and harbold mold
spores and mycotoxins.
Sampling Plan
Based on the observations made, the following Sampling Plan was performed:
A surface Swab sample collected from the affected surfaces within the
area. Sample ID: 11012017-101-02.
The laboratory results from the Surface Swab sample collected from the
affected area detected the presence of various mold spore types. Some of
the mold spores identified included Stachybotrys, a water damage
indicator mold spore type, indicating a Condition 3 condition (see
Laboratory Report attached below). The laboratory results confirm the
existence of issues on the wall components. Proper remediation by a
licensed mold remediation contractor is recommended.
Due to the condition of the area, the following work plan is recommended for the
area.
Below, please find a workplan for the remediation of the contaminated surfaces within the
area.
Sampling Results
The laboratory results from the Surface Swab sample collected from the
affected area detected the presence of the mold spores identified included
settled mold spore types previously identified to be growing in other areas
of the residence. The Laboratory results indicate a Condition 2 condition
(see Laboratory Report attached below). The laboratory results confirm
the existence of issues on the wall components. Proper remediation by a
licensed mold remediation contractor is recommended.
Due to the condition of the area, the following work plan is recommended for the
area.
I. Remediation/Decontamination of all stained building components.
II. Testing of the remediated surfaces after mold removal to ensure no
contaminated surfaces remain in the affected area.
III. Replacement of removed building components should be done
according to appropriate building components.
IV. Improving the ventilation and natural light of the residence will
also significantly improve the indoor air quality, as evaporation of
humidity and sunlight will prevent the proliferation of microbial
agents including mold spores.
V. Removal of all dust accumulation throughout the residence
including in areas not easily accessible near appliances & furniture.
Dust reservoirs can harbor harmful contaminants and harbold mold
spores and mycotoxins.
Below, please find a workplan for the remediation of the contaminated surfaces within
the area.
Due to the roof design, proper evaluation the affected surfaces was not possible without
destructive methods being employed, causing damage to the building and a greater
exposure hazard to the dwelling occupants. It is strongly recommended that the roofing
components be evaluated by a roofing professional.
Further Information
For more detailed information, refer to the appropriate guidelines from the
Environmental Protection Agency and OSHA-Occupational Safety and Health
Administration. Additionally, consult with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning
and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S500, S520 & American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) Guidelines. Further information can be found in the
California Department of Health Services indoor air quality www.cal-iaq.org
Books
Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control. Janet Macher, Ed., American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Cincinnati, OH 1999.
IICRC: S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water
Damage Restoration. 3rd Edition, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and
Restoration Certification, Vancouver, WA, 2006
IICRC: S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold
Remediation. 1st Edition, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and
Restoration Certification, Vancouver, WA, 2004
Field Guide for the Determination of Biological Contaminants in
Environmental Samples. 2nd Edition, American Industrial Hygiene
Association, 2005.
Consumer Links
AIHAs "The Facts About Mold" Consumer Brochure
<http://www.aiha.org/get-involved/>
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/molds/index.html
CDC Mold Facts
http://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm
CDC Stachybotrys - Questions and answers on Stachybotrys
http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm
EPA
"Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?"
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html>
http://www.epa.gov/asthma/molds.html>
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html
http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html
MoldExperts: LA 2017 www.MoldExpertsLA.com Page 17 of 21
Mold Decontamination Recommendations
Dust is a naturally occurring element that is generated through air and/or water
erosion and will settle on surfaces not readily accessible within the residence.
Whenever water damage and/or suspect Microbial growth is present within the
residence, the Microbial byproducts such as mold spores, hyphal fragments,
toxins, microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC's), odors and other
contaminants become airborne and settle on surfaces throughout the home. In
buildings where there is water damage or mold growth, everyday maintenance of
the dust particles will not be sufficient for proper cleaning. Furthermore, dust
reservoirs which are not readily accessible provide pathways for the contaminants
including the HVAC system and Ducts to circulate throughout the home. These
contaminants will harbor in the dust and may even proliferate within dust
reservoirs depending on the organic composition of the dust. Upon settlement on
surfaces within the residence, the dust and all the contaminants within it will
impact the contents, furniture and hard surfaces of the residence where settlement
occurs. For this reason, it is imperative that all source areas of molds be removed
in order to prevent ongoing contamination and the cause of the moisture be
corrected to avoid recurrence.
Due to this natural occurrence, there is a high probability that contents within the
residence are impacted and your contents may require professional restoration to
fully eliminate any settled contaminants. We recommend further sampling to
evaluate the extent of the settlement and if your belongings have been impacted.
Contents should be cleaned and/or restored following IICRC S520 guidelines.
Illnesses can result from both high levels with short-term exposure and low levels,
with long-term exposures. The most common symptoms reported from exposures
in indoor environments are runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, and
aggravation of asthma, headache, and fatigue.
All the professional opinions presented in this report are based solely on the scope of
work conducted and sources referred to in our report. The data presented by
MoldExperts: LA. in this report was collected and analyzed using generally accepted
industry methods and practices at the time the report was generated. Based on the best
available investigative technologies, no amount of assessment can guarantee that the
subject property does not contain indoor biological contaminants in concentrations that
can impair human health. Given the limited scope of services for this assessment, all
potential areas of moisture problems and mold growth may not have been assessed. This
report represents the conditions, locations and materials that were observed at the time
the fieldwork was conducted. The scope of work for this project did not include a
complete visual inspection or an assessment of other environmental conditions, which
might exist on the property. No inference regarding other conditions, locations or
materials at a later or earlier time may be made based on the contents of the report. No
warranty is made. Fungi / mold will grow back if the water problem is not corrected and
or high relative humidity exists and is not controlled. A non-destructive assessment of
indoor air quality and moisture conditions was conducted at the site. Therefore, it is
possible that mold spore growth inside enclosed wall cavities, insulation, attic spaces, or
other areas could exist beyond the inquiry of the activities conducted during this site
assessment. In addition, environmental changes, either naturally occurring or artificially
induced, may cause changes or alterations (which can be significant) to the property as
compared to the conditions present at the time that this assessment was conducted.
MoldExperts: LA. liability and that of its contractors and subcontractors arising from any
services rendered hereunder shall not exceed the fee paid by the client to MoldExperts:
LA. This report was prepared for the sole use of our client. The use of this report by
anyone other than our client or MoldExperts: LA. is strictly prohibited without the
expressed written consent of MoldExperts: LA. Portions of this report may not be used
independently of the entire report. The service contract and the limitations standards
specified therein are an integral part of this report.
Laboratory Results
Test Report: Microscopic Examination of Fungal Spores, Fungal Structures, Hyphae, and Other
Particulates from Swab Samples (JLAS Method: JL41)
This report has been prepared by J&L Analytical Services at the request of and for the exclusive use of the client
named in this report. 2017 All rights reserved. Test Report Printed: 11/4/2017 12:47:11PM