Your Toxic Mold Questions, Answered

Most certified, reputable mold remediation contractors will require you to have a mold inspection with an air sample analysis and corresponding remediation plan prior to providing you with an estimate.  The mold report will define the extent and severity of the problem and what the proper remediation plan, procedures and protocols should be from an independent, unbiased person (environmental consultant).  It gives a starting point of the environment as it relates to airborne mold spore counts so we can gauge the effectiveness of the remediation contractor at the end of the project for the post-remediation verification aka clearance.

When mold is disturbed, the spores may be released into the air.  You can then be exposed to the spores through the air you breathe.  Also, if you handle moldy materials, you can be exposed to mold and mold spores through contact with your skin.

Once spores settle in your home (every home has a "normal" amount of settled spores) they need moisture to begin growing (reproducing) and digesting whatever they are growing on. Mold can grow on almost any surface if the conditions are ideal.  When excess moisture or water builds up in your home from leaks, flooding, condensation or high humidity, conditions are often ideal for mold growth.

The American National Standards Institute / The National Organization for Competency Assurance together published the ANSI / NOCA Standard 1100 in March 2009. This carefully distinguishes training certificates (referred to as "assessments-based certificates") from professional certification programs and explains key differences between the two.  The standard clarifies an important point of confusion that has plagued the IAQ industry for years, causing considerable friction between competing industry certification programs.

According to the ANSI/NOCA Standard, a training certificate (or "assessment-based certificate") is awarded to someone who attends a particular course of instruction and passes a test based on that course. A professional certification, on the other hand, is awarded to someone who passes an examination based on broad industry knowledge that is independent of training courses or course providers.  Professional certifications require on-going continuing education and documentation to keep the credential.  There are also experience requirements that need to be documented and approved by a board to qualify for credentials

In section 8, Standard 1100 stipulates that holders of training certificates may NOT use letters or acronyms behind their names, nor may they use the word "certified" in describing their credentials. The use of letters, acronyms and the word "certified" are reserved to holders of professional certifications as defined in the standard.  This is an extremely important development for the IAQ industry. ANSI / NOCA 1100 suggests that the "certifications" offered by many IAQ organizations today are training certificates only and that those organizations are misleading their members.

•  ACAC certifications comply with ANSI / NOCA 1100 requirements and are considered professional certifications

• ACAC programs are accredited by the Council for Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB)

• ACAC examinations are compliant with standards published by AERA, APA and NCME

• ACAC is a member of the Institute of Credentialing Excellence (ICE) formally known as NOCA

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