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Understanding IEQ and Mould Concerns
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and mould issues have become increasingly common concerns. Yet, many people don’t know where to begin when facing these problems—or even what questions to ask. To make matters worse, online information often either stokes unnecessary fear or provides inaccurate advice.
Stay Calm and Informed
If you’re dealing with mould, IEQ concerns, water intrusion, or even funky odors, don’t panic. Buzzwords like “killer mould,” “black mould,” or “toxic mould” can cause unnecessary alarm. Instead, keep a level head and use the following guidance to approach the situation logically and effectively.
Step 1: Understand the Limitations of Mould Testing
One of the most frequent requests we receive from clients is for mould testing. While sampling can be helpful in very specific situations, the EPA guidelines clearly state that clean-up decisions should be based on the extent of visible mould, not the type of mould present.
(EPA publication “Mold Remediation in Schools & Commercial Buildings,” page 25)
EPA Mold Remediation in Schools & Commercial Buildings
In fact, mould testing has several limitations:
- It won’t show where mould is growing
- It won’t indicate how widespread the contamination is
- It won’t explain the cause, such as a water intrusion source
- And it won’t tell you how to clean it up
Lab reports simply identify the types of mould and spore counts in a sample—not the whole picture.
Step 2: Take a Common-Sense Approach
If something looks like mould, smells like mould, and there’s moisture present, do you really need a test to confirm what it is? Mould is mould—no matter the color or species—and any indoor growth should be addressed, not just the so-called “toxic” kinds.
Step 3: Hire an Independent, Qualified Environmental Consultant
Next, reach out to an independent environmental consultant or inspection company to conduct a proper IEQ or mould investigation. It’s important to ask about:
- Certifications
- Experience
- References
Because mould investigations are not government-regulated (unlike asbestos), there is currently no formal licensing requirement. At a minimum, your inspector should have one of the following certifications:
- Certified Mold Inspector (CMI)
- Council-Certified Residential Indoor Environmentalist (CRIE)
- Council-Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC)
Hiring someone independent and certified ensures they’re working for you, not a contractor with a potential conflict of interest.
Step 4: Know What a Good Inspection Should Answer
A professional CMI or CIEC will provide a comprehensive report that answers key questions:
- What issues were found, and where?
- What’s causing the water intrusion?
- How extensive is the mould contamination?
- Which materials should be removed or cleaned?
- What steps are needed for safe, effective mould removal?
- What can be done to prevent mould from returning?
Step 5: Choose a Certified Remediation Company
Based on your consultant’s findings, the next step is mould remediation. This involves safely removing contaminated materials, cleaning salvageable items, and returning indoor mould levels to normal or below outdoor levels.
When selecting a remediation contractor:
- Ask about their certifications and experience
- Avoid companies that don’t use containment barriers or HEPA filtration
- Consult with your independent inspector for trusted recommendations
Improper removal can cause mould spores to spread, making the situation worse and potentially impacting the health of mould-sensitive individuals.
Step 6: Always Get a Post-Remediation Inspection
Once the clean-up is complete, a post-remediation inspection by your independent environmental consultant is strongly recommended. Be wary of remediation companies that offer to inspect their own work—it’s difficult to be truly objective in such cases.
Independent consultants provide an unbiased evaluation because they work for you, not the remediation crew.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Indoor Environment
With accurate information, a certified environmental consultant, and a qualified remediation team, you can resolve IEQ and mould issues effectively and confidently. Don’t let fear or misinformation guide your decisions—choose a logical, informed approach to safeguard your health and property.
Resources:
- American Industrial Hygienists Association at AIHA
- Environmental Protection Agency EPA Indoor Air Quality
- New York City’s Guidelines on Assessment & Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments NY City Mold Guidelines.pdf
- “The Facts About Mold”, a free consumer brochure with the basics on mold prevention, detection & health effects. AIHA Publications Facts-About-Mold
- Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) at IICRC
- American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) at ACAC