Indoor Air Quality and Mold Studies

Close the Windows!

As benign as it may seem, many people fail to realize that the simple act of keeping a window open in warm weather while the AC is running indoors creates a temperature and humidity differential that can lead to condensation, and mold growth. So, if the AC is running, keep the windows and doors closed!

As clients evaluate property for acquisition or as they undertake redevelopment of property, asbestos, lead-based paint, IAQ or mold issues may arise.

Mold in indoor air is not a regulated area  of the environmental industry. However, in recent years, various industry organizations have come together to establish a set of generally accepted practices and loose standards for those providing consulting and mitigation services in the industry.

Mold spores are ubiquitous and ever-present in the air around us. Mold only requires a source of food and water to grow in air (which supplies oxygen), but in the absence of at least one of these, mold amplification conditions are mitigated. This is not to say that the problem has been solved or the threat has been minimized, as the source of a mold amplification problem must be identified, assessed and mitigated completely.

Mold grows on virtually any organic building material and the foremost reason for mold growth indoors is moisture present in those building materials. Therefore one keystone to mold control is moisture control. Moisture problems in buildings primarily stem from roof and building envelope leaks, uncontrolled interior humidity and improper HVAC balancing, and poor ventilation. Lack of a proactive facility maintenance plan also contributes to the problem.

Once an issue has been identified, an obligation to address the issue may arise to comply with various environmental regulations and for business risk management purposes.

GAIA’s IH & IAQ professionals handle practically any Industrial Hygiene or IAQ project from initial surveys through certification of completion. While prevention may not always be possible, our goal is to minimize the issue's potential impact to our client’s property transaction, development or facility. Our Certified Industrial Hygienist  (CIH) has more than 20 years consulting on industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, hazardous materials and general safety (e.g. OSHA) issues, including training services to the US Military.