August 7, 2010
When you rented your apartment or your home and you signed your lease, you may think that means you’re stuck with the term of your lease even if you discover that your apartment or home has an indoor air quality IAQ or mold problem. That’s not always true.
Nobody has to stay in an unhealthy environment, Nobody. If you feel that you’re rented home or apartment has poor indoor air quality IAQ from mold or any other indoor contaminate the landlord has a responsibility to improve the conditions or release you from your lease. Regardless of who you are renting from, the remaining time of the lease, or what kind of property you are renting, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to provide you with a healthy place to live.
The issue contributing to your poor IAQ must be something that is out of your control and something that is not resulting from a lack of occupant maintenance. Landlords do not pay for IAQ testing to establish the indoor air quality of your rented home you do. If there is a problem, you will need to hire a qualified IAQ consultant to identify the cause and origin of your IAQ problem and show that it is resulting from something out of your control.
If the issue is determined to be outside of your area of responsibility you should provide your landlord with a copy of the report and ask your landlord to make the necessary improvements to the property. You should always give your landlord the opportunity to make the corrections necessary to provide you with a healthy place to live.
If your landlord refuses to make the necessary improvements start looking for a safe and healthy place to live for yourself and your family. Or you could always make the necessary improvements yourself and stay put. It’s always possible to negotiate an exchange of your IAQ improvement services for rent. This can be a win win for you and the landlord.
Regardless of your decision to stay or to go you will need to show that you provided the landlord the report identifying the IAQ cause and origin from a Licensed and Certified IAQ Consultant. If report is ignored by your landlord, you should send another notice via certified mail that you are going to move.
Remember the landlord is not responsible for normal maintenance of your home. If you have elevated humidity and mold growth in the summer because you aren’t running your AC enough to save a few dollars, your landlord isn’t responsible. If your AC isn’t working correctly and the home is hot and humid and growing mold the landlord is responsible for the AC repairs and the subsequent mold remediation. You should also get reimbursed for the initial IAQ report identifying the cause and origin of the issue.
Take care of your home and always remember the Seven Principles of Healthy Homes
1. Dry: Damp houses provide a nurturing environment for mites, roaches, rodents, and molds, all of which are associated with asthma.
2. Clean: Clean homes help reduce pest infestations and exposure to contaminants.
3. Pest-Free: Recent studies show a causal relationship between exposure to mice and cockroaches and asthma episodes in children; yet inappropriate treatment for pest infestations can exacerbate health problems, since pesticide residues in homes pose risks for neurological damage and cancer.
4. Safe: The majority of injuries among children occur in the home. Falls are the most frequent cause of residential injuries to children, followed by injuries from objects in the home, burns, and poisonings.
5. Contaminant-Free: Chemical exposures include lead, radon, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and environmental tobacco smoke. Exposures to asbestos particles, radon gas, carbon monoxide, and second-hand tobacco smoke are far higher indoors than outside.
6. Ventilated: Studies show that increasing the fresh air supply in a home improves respiratory health.
7. Maintained: Poorly-maintained homes are at risk for moisture and pest problems. Deteriorated lead-based paint in older housing is the primary cause of lead poisoning, which affects some 240,000 U.S. children.
•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com
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Residential IAQ | Tagged: ACAC, air quality, Apartment mold, CETC, ciec, condo mold, Florida Mold Law, healthy home, HOA, House Bill 713, iaqa, IESO, indoor air quality, john lapotaire, John P. Lapotaire, microshield, mold, mold inspection, mold pretreatment, mold prevention, mold remediation, mold removal, mold testing, new home mold, School mold | 
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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
August 7, 2010
Florida Mold Law 468.8411 Definitions.–As used in this part, the term:
“Mold remediation” means the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter of greater than 10 square feet that was not purposely grown at that location; however, such removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventive activities, may not be work that requires a license under chapter 489 unless performed by a person who is licensed under that chapter or the work complies with that chapter.
“Mold remediator” means any person who performs mold remediation. A mold remediator may not perform any work that requires a license under chapter 489 unless the mold remediator is also licensed under that chapter or complies with that chapter.
•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com
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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
August 7, 2010
Florida Mold Law
Effective July 1, 2010 Your Mold Inspector must have a Valid Florida State Mold Assessor License and Insurance.
A mold assessor shall maintain general liability and errors and omissions insurance coverage in an amount of not less than $1,000,000.
A mold remediator shall maintain a general liability insurance policy in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 that includes specific coverage for mold-related claims.
•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com
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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
August 7, 2010
The final step in the mold removal process is a post-remediation verification inspection or clearance test to verify and document that the remediation was in fact successful.
The post-remediation verification inspection or clearance test should be done before any re-construction work begins so the inspector can visually see that there is no mold left on the remediated materials.
Many mold remediation contractors offer “FREE” post-remediation clearance testing.
Clearance testing is vital to the mold remediation process. Insurance companies, mortgage lenders and prospective buyers of your property in the future will want to see written confirmation that the mold issue was resolved.
Post-remediation clearance testing should never be performed by a mold removal contractor waiting to get paid for his work. With thousands of dollars on the line, it is highly unlikely that a contractor will fail his own work.
How To Avoid It:
Have your post-remediation survey and clearance test performed by a Florida Licensed Mold Inspector who does not work for your remediation contractor.
•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com
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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
August 7, 2010
Is there really a “Free Mold Inspection?”
Usually not! This maybe a Mold Remediation Company looking to find more mold remediation business.
The word “FREE” – As most of us have learned in this life, little or nothing is FREE. Many mold remediators offer “free” mold inspections. Think about it…unless they are providing a charity, or a giveaway, they would not be in business long if they truly did free inspections. 100% of the time they will find a mold problem, whether one exists or not, and many times the unknowing individual will go along with whatever they are told out of fear and lack of knowledge.
The legitimate and knowledgeable Florida State Licensed and Insured Mold Inspectors will conduct a client interview asking a number of questions on your first call to them to qualify the situation. Many, many times we have taken calls from those who think they have a mold problem but we determined on the phone that they do not.
•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com
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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
August 7, 2010
Never hire a mold inspection company who is also in the mold repair or in the “mold remediation” business!
The company who performs the inspection and testing should be independent of any other interest in the remediation or reconstruction. This is currently the mold industry’s #1 conflict of interest, as recognized by the more respected powers in this old, but now re-born, and rapidly evolving industry. More states are finding it necessary to step in and protect their citizens by establishing Laws and licensing to prevent this serious conflict of interest.
The Florida State Mold Law Legislative purpose.–The Legislature finds it necessary in the interest of the public safety and welfare, to prevent damage to real and personal property, to avert economic injury to the residents of this state, and to regulate persons and companies that hold themselves out to the public as qualified to perform mold-related services.
As of July 1, 2010 the state of Florida Prohibits anyone from performing or offering to perform any mold remediation to a structure on which the mold assessor or the mold assessor’s company provided a mold assessment within the last 12 months. Perform or offer to perform any mold remediation unless the remediator has documented training in water, mold, and respiratory protection under s. 468.8414(2). Accept any compensation, inducement, or reward from a mold assessor or mold assessor’s company for the referral of any business from the mold assessor or the mold assessor’s company. Offer any compensation, inducement, or reward to a mold assessor or mold assessor’s company for the referral of any business from the mold assessor or the mold assessor’s company. A mold remediator shall maintain a general liability insurance policy in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 that includes specific coverage for mold-related claims.
Remember this Extremely Important Fact – There are a lot of companies out there who simply want to play on your fears and separate you from your money. Keep this in mind…a true mold problem is handled in 3 steps. These 3 steps will produce 3 separate documents that are necessary to document everything so that if in the future there is a need to disclose or defend how the mold problem was remedied.
1. An independent mold inspection by a Florida State Licensed and insured mold inspection company. This documents the problem in a written Mold Remediation Protocol that serves as a guide for the necessary repairs so you can effectively proceed to step 2. The mold remediation protocol should be written in accordance with the ANSI Approved IICRC S-520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation.
2. Professional mold remediation by a Florida State Licensed Mold Remediation Company following the Written Mold Remediation Protocol (provided by the Florida State Licensed and insured mold inspection company) IICRC standards of practice.
3. Re-inspection to determine that the repairs were properly and effectively completed. The purpose of a Post Remediation Verification Inspection (PRVI) or Mold Clearance Test is to assure that the mold cleanup has been done correctly and effectively in the work area and to confirm that the cleanup did not accidentally distribute high levels of moldy dust and debris into other building areas or into its mechanical systems such as heating or air conditioning systems.
Your Florida Licensed Mold inspection company will act as your guide during the process. After this 3 step process is complete, you will end up with the 3 documents previously mentioned representing –
1) The establishment of the problem (Mold Assessment and Mold Remediation Protocol)
2) The repair of the problem. The Mold Remediation
3) The verification that all repairs were successful. The Post remediation Verification Inspection or Clearance Test.
By adhering to the 3-step process, not only will you be comfortable that your indoor environment is safe once again, but you will also be protected from real estate devaluation.
In today’s real estate world, nobody wants to buy a mold problem. It is required by law to disclose the conditions of your home before you sell. If you have had water intrusions or leaks that have resulted in mold, by producing the three documents to the buyer and/or buyers agent, you immunize yourself from their attempt at negotiating a lower price due to a mold problem.
•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com
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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
August 7, 2010
Microshield has the first state licensed mold assessor serving all of Central Florida.
Our ACAC Council Certified Indoor Environmental Consultants have the experience, training and required insurance necessary to become among the first Licensed Mold Assessors by the State of Florida.
Our ability to identify the source of your indoor air quality contaminants is what sets us apart from un-licensed mold inspectors.
With our years of expierience and Florida State License we will provide You with a Mold Report or Indoor Air Quality Report with specific corrective action and protocol designed to quickly Improve Your Indoor Air Quality.
•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com
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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
August 7, 2010
A Remediation Protocol outlines the needed actions for any necessary mold remediation. Each plan is individually prepared based on the Indoor Environmental Consultants Mold Assessment of the property the size and area of the mold contamination.
A properly prepared Mold Remediation Protocol should be written according to the ANSI Aproved IICRC S-520 standard and reference guide for the remediation of mold damaged structures and contents.
The Remediation Protocol will specify the remediation containment strategy, decontamination areas, negative air pressure and air filtration(scrubbing), equipment utilization, personnel protective equipment, specific cleaning protocols, project completion requirements, site-specific safety plan and clearance testing that will confirm the post remediation goals have been met.
•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com
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2 Comments | Commercial IAQ, Residential IAQ | Tagged: ACAC, air quality, Apartment mold, CETC, ciec, condo mold, Florida Mold Law, healthy home, HOA, House Bill 713, iaqa, IESO, indoor air quality, john lapotaire, John P. Lapotaire, microshield, mold, mold inspection, mold pretreatment, mold prevention, mold remediation, mold removal, mold testing, new home mold, School mold | Permalink
Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
August 7, 2010
In a perfect world you could trust everyone, but it’s not a perfect world. Like every industry, the mold business has its share of scammers and con men seeking to profit from your lack of knowledge about mold.
If you hire a mold remediator to inspect for mold he will always find plenty of mold to remediate. Remember that it’s a serious conflict of interest for the mold inspection company you hire to “inspect” for mold and also profit from the “removal” of mold as your mold remediator.
Mold inspectors should never profit from what they find. The best way to avoid this mold scam is to hire a Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant who is not in the remediation business to conduct a Mold Assessment and write a specific Mold Remediation Protocol for Your home or office. That’s the only way to ensure an unbiased Mold Inspection.
•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com
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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
August 3, 2010
The five most common indoor allergens are dust mites, mold, animal dander, cigarette smoke and cockroaches. While you can’t rid your home entirely of these allergens, you can take simple steps to reduce your exposure.
Allergies are a prevalent problem for many people. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease reports that more than 500 million people suffer from allergic diseases. While many blame allergens such as ragweed, pollen, grass and other outdoor allergens, many of the biggest allergens may lie a bit closer to home. In fact, they are in our homes. Locking yourself in your home to find solace from your allergies may actually worsen your affliction.
Our homes harbor many allergens. According to http://www.emedicinehealth.com, indoor allergens can be quite problematic due to the fact that they can go year round, whereas allergens such as ragweed are seasonal. “The five most common indoor allergens are dust mites, mold, animal dander, cigarette smoke and cockroaches. While you can’t rid your home entirely of these allergens, you can take simple steps to reduce your exposure,” said Tom Kallstrom, Director of Respiratory Care and Biometrics at Fairview Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.
“Since most of us spend a majority of our time in the bedroom, it’s important to make your bedroom an allergy-free sanctuary. That means, whenever possible, removing bedroom carpet and keeping your hardwood floors dust free as much as possible. If that’s not feasible (if you live in an apartment, for instance), then frequent dusting and vacuuming are in order,” he said. Kallstrom also said,” Asthmatics and severe dust mite allergy sufferers should not vacuum carpet themselves, since vacuuming can stir up dust. So, if you’re one of these folks, have someone else do your vacuuming. And if you’re allergic to animal dander, be sure to keep pets out of your bedroom at all times.”
“Dust mites are a big cause of indoor allergies and asthma. Dust mites feed on human and animal dander. And it isn’t the dust mite that you’re allergic to. It’s the dust mite’s by-product. What happens is that the (dust mites’) excrement becomes airborne, and that’s what triggers allergy symptoms. By decreasing the level of humidity in our homes and constant cleaning we can keep their presence down to a minimum,” Kallstrom says. Familydoctor.org advises us to weekly wash bedding in water that is at least 130 degrees to rid your bed of dust mites. Mattress covers and pillow covers that will keep these dust mites from embedding into them will also make for a more allergy-free home.
Air quality in your home is vital to making your home an asthma and allergy-free refuge. By using proper air filtration you can take out a lot of the airborne particles that are to blame for some allergic reactions. These airborne particles are made up of different things. Cockroaches actually compose part of those particles. Their saliva, feces, and body parts are huge allergens and are so small they become airborne. Animal dander is also a part of the equation. People often confuse the allergen with pet hair while the allergy is sparked by the skin dander on the animal, according to medicinenet.com. Cigarette smoke also adds to the cocktail of allergens that is present in some homes. By filtering out these threats we can have homes that are much healthier.
If we can target these top five indoor allergens then we will go a long way to creating the safe havens we intend our homes to be.
•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant
•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC
•www.Microshield-ES.com www.CFL-IAQ.com
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Posted by John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
Indoor Air Quality Solutions, IAQS 