Lynnwood Indoor Air Quality Testing Inspection Reports

Project Type > Indoor Air Quality Testing for a Home in Lynnwood

PROJECT SUMMARY

REASON FOR INSPECTION:

• Client found mold growth on the ceiling of their bathroom and had concerns about the source of the problem and the potential effects it may have to indoor air quality.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:

• This single family 3 story residential property was built in 2009 and is 2,261 ft².

CAUSE OF MOLD:

• Condensation forming on the ceiling due to poor ventilation of the bathroom. This in turn led to mold growth on the ceiling.

LABORATORY RESULTS

ANALYSIS OF YOUR RESULTS:

• Moderate Amplification: Mold spores were detected at levels above the threshold, indicating a site of probable mold amplification and growth. Please refer to the attached report for more detailed information.

The most likely contributor of the elevated mold spores is:

• Surface mold growth being disturbed.

Recommendations:

• Although your indoor mold spore count is moderately elevated, following the recommended remediation procedure noted below will bring the indoor air quality back down to typical levels quickly.

JOBSITE PHOTOS

Moderate Mold Growth on Ceiling Above Shower

No Signs of Elevated Moisture Noted Around Mold Growth

RELATIVE HUMIDITY, CO2. & TEMPERATURE READINGS:

VENTILATION:

OBSERVATIONS:

• Relative humidity levels are elevated. Generally, indoor RH levels should remain under 55% or under 50% in homes with poorly insulated exterior walls.
• CO2 levels are normal. While not a direct health problem, elevated CO2 levels are an indication of stale indoor air and poor ventilation. This can lead to a buildup of pollutants and humidity, which can cause mold growth. Following the ventilation recommendations listed below will lower the CO2 levels in the home.
• Home suffers from insufficient ventilation. This leads to a buildup of indoor pollutants and increases the relative humidity, creating conditions conducive to mold growth and dust mites.

LOCATION: Bathroom

OBSERVATIONS:

•  The bathroom fan is insufficient to exhaust the humidify generated by normal bathroom use.

CEILING & WALLS:

• Moderate amount of mold growth noted on bathroom ceiling & walls above the shower. This occurs when the warm, moist air generated by shower usage interacts with the cool surface of the ceiling and walls. Without adequate ventilation, this causes condensation and subsequent mold growth.
• Bathroom is painted with a flat sheen. Paints with little or no sheen are more susceptible to attracting condensation and/or mold growth due to the rougher surface.

SHOWER:

• Grout and caulking is in good condition and shows no signs of recent water intrusion.

Recommendations:

• Professional mold remediation is recommended due to the elevated mold spore count. To properly address the existing mold growth and to prevent cross contamination HEPA filtration, negative air pressurization and proper personal protective equipment will be utilized. Please see included pricing.
• Recommend repainting the bathroom after remediation is performed. Bathroom should be painted with a high quality, latex based paint with a moderate to high sheen such as eggshell or a gloss.
• See ventilation section above for recommendations to eliminate condensation.