Why We Do Not Test For Mold – We Only Remediate

7/6/2017 (Permalink)

You would think a company that remediates mold would also do the testing of mold right?  Well we do not and here are our reasons why. 

Given that we are a Cleaning and Remediation Company, we have determined that being certified to be an Industrial Hygienist(IH) is veering too far from our profession.  Mold remediation and mold testing require different sets of training, certifications, and professional equipment.  For remediation purposes, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) offers a course called, Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT).  In this course technicians learn how to properly remediate mold, but not test for it.  For testing purposes, you must have a 4 year bachelor’s degree in the particular field as well as specific IH courses. Click here for more about becoming an Industrial Hygienist.

In addition, a company that does both testing and remediation of mold could potentially appear to be skewing test results in order for their remediation to pass.  To avoid this, we not only have another company do the testing but we also have the customer call in the IH rather than bringing them in ourselves as a subcontractor of our services.  This ensures that the IH is working for the customer’s best interest.

So where do you start?

If you believe that you have a mold problem your first step is to find the source and stop it.  Next, we would recommend that you call in an Industrial Hygienist to come out and test the area.  A protocol will be written based off of the testing and if you do indeed have a substantial amount of mold present that needs to be remediated that is where SERVPRO of Charlottesville comes in.  With the protocol in hand we are able to properly assess the area and determine the extent as well as type of cleaning that will be needed to get your home or business back to preloss condition.

If you have more questions give us a call 434-977-5850