Microbial Investigation and Remediation Protocols
Intuitive Environmental Solutions, LLC can inspect, sample and evaluate microbial contamination conditions and develop remediation specifications and clearance criteria along with project monitoring for the remediation of microbial contamination. The staff of IES has performed microbial investigations in a variety of residential, school, government, commercial and medical/hospital settings.
Along with the visual inspection and photographic documentation, the microbial investigation will incorporate the use of infrared thermal imaging, moisture content evaluation and mapping, along with the instantaneous measurement of various gaseous indoor air quality parameters (CO, CO2, RH, Temp., dew point and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)). The IES mycologist will perform the analysis of non-viable air and surface samples obtained for the project, and depending upon the complexity of a project, can bring a microscope into the field to provide on site analysis of microbial samples for quick turnaround evaluation. If required, IES uses EMLab P&K to perform AIHA EMPAT analysis of microbial samples.
All microbial investigations, sampling and analysis performed by IES is based on the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) publication: "Guidelines for the Assessment of Bioaerosols in the Indoor Environment" in conjunction with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA): “Field Guide for the Determination of Biological Contaminants in Environmental Samples”. Microbial remediation and clearance protocols are based on the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) “Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments”, United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) “A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace”, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings”, and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S520 “Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation.
Daniel Reid of Intuitive Environmental Solutions is now licensed as a Mold Assessor by the State of Florida Department of Professional Business Regulation (DBPR) -
License # MRSA25
If you are in need of a qualified remediation contractor to perform water extraction and mitigation, mold remediation, or possibly allergen cleaning please contact the following SW Florida remediation contractor (click on the logo and tell them that Intuitive Environmental Solution sent you, for a reduced internet rate):
Clean Source
Post Remediation Verification Investigations
IES will inspect, sample and evaluate post microbial remediation conditions. Historically, the staff of IES has overseen hundreds of microbial remediations in various schools, government, medical/health, commercial and residential settings. The goal at IES is to work with a remediation contractor to enhance the overall performance of the remediation contractor, with attention to detail in areas such as containment setup, decontamination procedures, gross removal and disposal and fine detailed cleaning.
Indoor Air/Environmental Quality
(IAQ/IEQ) Investigations
According the EPA, “Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes and buildings. Inadequate ventilation and filtration can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not efficiently filtering indoor air pollutants out of the building”.
Routinely, an indoor air quality investigation and healthy home assessment (HHA) incorporate a “process of elimination” hypothesis. Various chemical, biological and mechanical parameters are routinely investigated. The standard indoor air quality investigation will include a visual diagnosis along with the instantaneous measurement of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, dew point, relative humidity (RH) and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Depending upon the initial findings and the size and complexity of the building and its occupants, a more in depth and involved investigation may be warranted. Routinely in IEQ studies, including Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and Building Related Illness (BRI) investigations, non-specific building related problems such as pre-disposed medical conditions and occupant attributes, along with synergistic effects on the individuals (the combination of multiple chemical/particulate and environmental sources and sensitivities) can be responsible. IES can inspect, sample and evaluate overall IAQ/IEQ conditions and propose additions, corrections or changes to the building to improve the overall building air quality.
Allergen and Asthma Trigger Source Investigation
IES works with immunologists, allergists and patients that have been diagnosed with indoor allergies (such as IgE, IgG antibodies) and asthma when the source(s) of the specific or potential environmental triggers have not been identified or documented. IES will develop a site specific indoor air quality investigation to inspect, evaluate, sample and identify the potential allergen source(s) that cause, or potentially exasperate the patient’s medical condition.
A typical investigation will incorporate various biological, chemical and mechanical parameters to assist in identifying potential problematic areas affecting the indoor quality of a building or residence. An inspection will be conducted and will typically include a visual examination for microbial reservoirs in conjunction with a thermal imaging camera scan of the residence to assist in identifying areas of water leaks and moisture intrusion (further demarcated by moisture mapping), which can create and amplify sources of biological contamination. The air handling system will also be inspected and evaluated. In addition, various gaseous parameter including CO, CO2, VOC’s, along with the temperature, dew point and relative humidity will be obtained from within the residence to assist in determining the source(s).
Specific biological sampling parameters that can be included with an inspection are viable (culturable) or non-viable (spore trap) air sampling for fungal and potential allergen components, surface sampling (tape lift samples for evaluation of mold growth, insect parts and fecal material) and dust collection sampling from areas such as bedding, carpeting, kitchen cabinetry and flooring using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of insect and animal allergens: dust mite (Der f1, & Der p1), cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f1), cockroach (Bla g1), along with possibly rodent and fungal allergens. The goal at IES is to provide the medical specialist and patient with as much information as possible to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of their patients and to source out the areas of indoor air contaminants in a residence so proper remedial efforts can occur.
New Construction, Pre-Occupancy Investigations
The building industry is increasingly focused on making its buildings green, which includes using healthier, sustainable, less polluting and more resource-efficient practices. IES will evaluate the quality of the air and environment inside of buildings based on various concentrations of pollutants and conditions that can affect the health, comfort and performance of occupants. Good IEQ is an essential component of any occupied building, especially a green building.
During the construction phase, and prior to the occupancy of commercial and residential structures, IES offers its microbiological, indoor air quality and overall environmental services to investigate and determine if there any conditions present that may negatively affect the overall IAQ of the structure prior to occupancy. Investigations can be developed, depending upon the type of structure and the needs of the client, to look for problems such as moisture intrusion and leaks, the presence of microbiological reservoirs, missing insulation, off gassing of building materials and contents, along with various other environmentally related components. An investigation can be tailored to incorporate specific environmental parameters, such as those required to comply with the various Green Building Council and Coalition IEQ requirements. Building Science Forensics
Buildings are a natural mix of disciplines, professions, and physical processes where understanding buildings is a cross-disciplinary appreciation of the fundamentals that make buildings work. Building science, also known as "building physics" or "building dynamics", is the collection of scientific knowledge that focuses on the analysis and control of the physical phenomena affecting buildings. This includes the detailed forensic analysis of building materials and building envelope systems and the interaction between the various materials, products and systems used in building construction, the occupants of these buildings, and the environments in which they are located. The practical purpose of building science is to provide predictive capability to optimize building performance and understand or prevent building failures. IES will incorporate these parameters when evaluating potential air, temperature and moisture migration through a building envelope when performing an indoor air quality or water intrusion study. Many times a thorough investigation will require performing an intrusive investigation of the building envelope, which is not always feasible during a routine study.
All reports and findings ideally will be delivered to the client electronically in a pdf format. The final reports will be compiled into an easy to read document including an executive summary, site information, microbiological and indoor air quality results and parameter descriptions, links for recent related scientific health data, along with comprehensive recommendations.
