More important info on Mold!!

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21

Originally Posted By: jmorrison
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(not regulations) established by New York City.


http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.html#intro.

Most mold training companys including my own utilize and/or reference these guidelines when conducting mold training.

The majority of my mold training seminars are conducted free of charge at local NAHI & MAHI meetings in MD, PA, VA, & WVA. Our goal has always been to provide basic awareness of mold related issues including litigation to home inspectors. I actually have an attorney speak at most of our seminars in order to answer students questions regarding litigation and the risks involved.

I am a safety and health professional as well as a home inspector. I continually work with many lawyers perofrming expert witness investigation and testimony regarding a variety of issues. Ninety percent of the cases that I work on are against general contractors who have performed substandard home improvements. Never have I personally been involved or even heard of a case involving a home inspector and mold. Im sure there are instances where someone was deceptive in their efforts and litigation was persued. However I am not aware of any home inspector cases involving mold.

I believe that home inspectors can benefit from basic mold training just the same as radon, termites, lead, asbestos, etc.

Our six day home inspection course includes four hours of environmental traning which includes mold issues. Most if not all home inspector training companies cover environmental issues including mold.

--
www.mainspect.com

22

Originally Posted By: rbracklow
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Guys,


Again we are getting into a subject which is going in the wrong direction!!

Jerry, you made a statement that everyone should stay away from Mold Testing, etc. for litigious reasons.

1) We are NOT doing the TESTING, only the sampling!

2) I'm not about to do the TESTING which I leave to the professionals.

3) If you read your EPA guidelines, this is for airborne testing and remediation, which we are not doing!!

Again, may I remind you of what I and it sounds like Jimmy is doing - when I spot mold (particularly black mold) I advise my client of the presence of the mold. I then ask that person if they would like a mold test, performed by a reputable laboratory and if they say yes, I take a swab, sample it, send to EMSL, they send the report back notifying me, and the client of whether it is toxic or not. If it is not toxic, I refer them to several mold remediation sites, including the EPA Site, and they can do what they want. If it is toxic mold, I then tell them and a professional mold remediation service needs to be contacted for further evaluation and remediation.

That's it, finish, end, no mas!! So guys, instead of pontificating on what is your ideas, please read our intent, and let's stay on the subject. Now, if you feel totally against this procedure, state your reason, but please don't brow beat me just because you disagree!!

One of the things I notice on this BB and others, is that all of a sudden out of the clear blue sky, we change subjects, or never respond in effect to the original message. So please Gentlemen, a little more diligence!!

Thank you,

Ron.

23

Originally Posted By: Guest
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I’m thinkin that if you’re adequately trained and fail to take a sample from an active area, that you’re going to be in trouble.


If you're adequately trained and aren't careful about how you explain in writing what the situation is and the impact it could have on your client, you're going to be in trouble.

If I was the person who hired you to do a sampling and the results were positive and then you referred me to a specialist in abatement and they wanted to do their own sampling, I'd want my money back from you.

If the specialist told me that there really wasn't any problem and he had no idea why he'd been referred, I'd want my money back.

If the specialist took his own sample and only charged me 75.00 for the sample, I'd be mad that you overcharged me AND I'd be mad that I had to pay a specialist AGAIN to do what I'd already paid you to do.

We're generalists in building science. Don't lose track of our job description.

Jerry Peck, Joe Farsetta and Chad Fabry...all on the same side of an issue. I'm playing lotto tonight.

24

Originally Posted By: jonofrey
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rbracklow wrote:
If it is not toxic, I refer them to several mold remediation sites, including the EPA Site, and they can do what they want. If it is toxic mold, I then tell them and a professional mold remediation service needs to be contacted for further evaluation and remediation. .


Okay Ronbo, explain the difference!

--
Inspection Nirvana!

We're NACHI. Get over it.
25

Originally Posted By: rbracklow
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John,


Again, let me reiterate, I am not the expert, nor do I profess to be! Now that being said, when I see black mold I always think it to be the toxic or stachy mold. Not being an expert, I couldn't and wouldn't care to debate which variety is toxic, or not. I am an Engineer, not a Chemist, period.

Again John, all I do is assume the worst, tell the client of he/she chooses to have it sampled - they make the decision, and I take the sample and let EMSL tell the client, what is, and is not!!

I don't tell them that this is doomsday, I just merely tell my client of the possibility that it is, they make the choice to sample or not. Most of the time, it is not the stachy mold and everyone is relieved. If it is, I direct them accordingly.


End of subject!!

Ron.

26

Originally Posted By: jpeck
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Ron,


For someone who is promoting that they DO mold testing, you sure seem to be in a hurry to end this discussion.

Is that because there is something to be afraid of?

End of story!

End of discussion!

Me thinks you doth protest too much.

?????????

If you are not the expert you put yourself out to be, why are you doing any testing (yes, sampling is a part of testing, whether it is air sampling, swab sampling, tape sampling, etc., it is ALL testing).

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida

27

Originally Posted By: rbracklow
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Jerry,


You test what you want to test, and I'll test what I want to test!! Quite frankly Jerry, "it ain't none of your business, how or why I do things"!!

The reason I am ending this, because as usual people don't read what was said and just give opinions - do you know what opinions are Jerry??

I certainly do not have to explain on what I do or why, if you don't like the way I do it, tuff s#!t!! Instead of criticizing, help and suggest as to the proper and correct way way to do things, in your opinion, instead of blatant negative remarks. I just love your sarcasm!!

Have a good evening. ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)

Ron.

28

Originally Posted By: jfarsetta
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I was asked by a friend to temper my comments regarding this thread. I therefore removed most of my posts regarding this subject.


My point in all of this was not a swipe at responsible inspectors who send a swatch or sample to a lab for identification purposes. It was aimed at a professional opinion, rendered by an individual with a stake in the mold testing business; that is one of training inspectors for a profit.

My personal beliefs are to be very wary of performing mold testing of any kind. Let the client know what you are doing, precisely, and what qualifications you are lacking. If you are not a health care professional, let them know. Always refer them to the EPA and CDC sites. Outline what services you are performing in specifics. Let them sign off that they understand and acknowledge what you are doing, and that they understand that there are no true standards for sampling, not are there standards for acceptable or unacceptable levels of mold in the home.

Make sure your butt is covered from a liability standpoint. Check out your E&O insurance. Seek the counsel of a competent lawyer.

In short, do your homework. Try and stay out of the process, and charge for collection and shipment of the sample. Have them cut a separate check to the lab. Distance yourself from the potential liability.

Above all, go into this with your eyes wide open. Dont take the advice of folks who's livlihoods depend upon providing training in these areas. Those views are skewed, and are most dangerous.

Be honest in your advertising, and dont play up to peoples fears, ot start asking if they haven't been feeling well lately. Once you do that, your opening yourself up as a health expert.

I'm done for now.

--
Joe Farsetta

Illigitimi Non Carborundum
"Dont let the bastards grind you down..."

29

Originally Posted By: rbracklow
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Joe,


Good advice and I aggree with you 100%. ![icon_smile.gif](upload://b6iczyK1ETUUqRUc4PAkX83GF2O.gif) ![icon_smile.gif](upload://b6iczyK1ETUUqRUc4PAkX83GF2O.gif)

Ron.

30

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


rbracklow wrote:
Jerry,

You test what you want to test, and I'll test what I want to test!! Quite frankly Jerry, "it ain't none of your business, how or why I do things"!!

The reason I am ending this, because as usual people don't read what was said and just give opinions - do you know what opinions are Jerry??

I certainly do not have to explain on what I do or why, if you don't like the way I do it, tuff <b>s#!t</b>!!


As I said, you doth protest too much.

rbracklow wrote:
Instead of criticizing, help and suggest as to the proper and correct way way to do things, in your opinion, instead of blatant negative remarks. I just love your sarcasm!!


Sure seems strange that you criticize another for their opinions, then go off the deep end bleep, bleeping yours.

Anyway, what you asked for is exactly what I have been doing, and am doing here.

"Instead of criticizing, help and suggest as to the proper and correct way way to do things"

As I've said before, HIs should not be doing mold testing. THAT is the "proper and correct way way" for HIs. Leave that to the professionals.

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida
31

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


jmorrison wrote:
I agree with you that there are currently no regulations regarding these mold issues. Thats why my earlier posts refer to guidelines (not regulations) established by New York City.


Actually, you said "and are providing professional mold services that are consistent with EPA & New York City guidlines." and the EPA does not really have any guidelines, other than what I posted.

jmorrison wrote:
I believe that home inspectors can benefit from basic mold training just the same as radon, termites, lead, asbestos, etc.


I agree. However, I do not think that then makes the HI a "qualified or trained" professional or expert to go out and do mold sampling. Knowledge is a good thing, and you will notice that I am always promoting learning and attaining more knowledge. Using that knowledge properly is key.

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida
32

Originally Posted By: dplummer
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Hi Guys! In addition to my earlier post, please don’t confuse us who do mold sampling with the mold scam artists. I know down in Texas they had a bad time of it. We EDUCATE our customers about mold, we don’t SCARE. By sampling & having a proper analyses done at an accredited lab we are helping our customers to make decisions on facts & not hype. Any mold remediation co I’ve worked with use the lab results I’ve obtained to start & obtain their own air analyses at the end of their job to determine they were successful in their remediation. This is a valuable service being performed. Don’t knock it unless you’ve tried it. DOUG

33

Originally Posted By: jmorrison
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Some people are very hypocritical of others regardless of what you do or say.


I personally have a safety & environmental degree and have been involved with indoor air quality issues for many years.

My company puts forth great effort during our training seminars to provide the best training possible for those who choose to enter the mold inspection field.

I don't critisize others for their practices or efforts as some people do on this message board. I believe in promoting harmony and good relations with every individual, regardless of my personal beliefs.

Anyone in a NACHI leadership position should also promote harmony and good relations and not critisize others.

Everything you said was right on target with what I have said as well.

Good luck to you.

--
www.mainspect.com

34

Originally Posted By: rreedy
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Ron,


Your beating your head against a wall I tried to explain to jerry. I do about 4 to 5 Air samples a day. The sampling with lab reports company findings and moisture test and digital photos goes for $275.00. for a total of $1,375 per day. I carry E&O and liability and have insurance for my fungal testing also; several (Fungal) inspections a week are done for insurance companies. I do enjoy doing the fungal inspections that is why I have spent my money and time on all the training it seems like you are not in favor of the testing. Now you are right if you have an inspector that does not know what he or she is doing or saying on the topic of fungal growths you could loose more than your pride!

35

Originally Posted By: John Bowman
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Mr. Reedy.


Nice post but your responding to something that was said or done back in March 2004. ![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)

36

Originally Posted By: rbracklow
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Hi Ron,


Yeah I know, it's kind of like the Mule Theory, the only way to get him to listen or pay attention is to hit him over the head with a 2X4!! ![icon_smile.gif](upload://b6iczyK1ETUUqRUc4PAkX83GF2O.gif)

Ron, I never implied that I do not believe in testing. I am very much in favor of testing. In my humble opinion I feel that is the only way to know for certain, and then let the experts do their thing, agreed??

Take care,

Ron.

--
The highest compliment my clients can give me, is the referral of their Friends, Family and Business Associates!

NorCal NACHI Chapter Founder and Chairman.

37

Originally Posted By: rreedy
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Jerry,


I am sure you will remember me...

Ronnie I am the one with the degree in Immunology and Protein Chemistry and have the IH that works for my company.

For all the rest of you HI's, stay away from confining your selves to a box... I sample for Allergens along with MVOC?s, Endotoxins, Cryptococcus neoformans and every so often do some police department testing. Clearance testing on homes that us to be METH labs.

38

Originally Posted By: ladams
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Sorry to intrude here BUT I do Mold Inspections and I have never had any problems with any of my clients. They are actually very satisfied with the results Good bad or indifferent. I am Certified by E.S.A. and I am also a preferred Inspector for Pro Labs. Mold testing is a really big deal here In Florida. And Now the Lenders are getting in on it as well. I had an Emergency inspection to do for a Mortgage Broker because the lender would not do the financing with out a mold test. And for the Insurance if you are certified through E.S.A. then you can get E & O, bonded and GL. and for what it’s worth it is not that much.


Personally I belive you are doing your Clients a BIG in justice if you do not provide Mold testing. Think about it would YOU like to live in a home with mold? I know I wouldn’t. My allergies wouldn’t let me icon_wink.gif


Well just my 2 cents.

–
Lind Adams


727-233-1038


MDA Group Inc. Home & Mold Inspections


www.mdagroupinc.com

39

Originally Posted By: rbracklow
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Hi Lind,


I aggree with you 100%, actually 150%. People don't know what they are missing out on. I make significantly more money each year with mold work than without it.

Good for you!!

Ron.

--
The highest compliment my clients can give me, is the referral of their Friends, Family and Business Associates!

NorCal NACHI Chapter Founder and Chairman.

40

Originally Posted By: dplummer
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Hi Lind!, How is the new Florida mold licensing going to affect you all there? Doug