Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Mold

Watterson can inspect and sample for the nearly infinite variety of potential indoor air pollutants, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), Toxic Organic Compounds (TOC’s), Mold VOC’s, Mycotoxins, Dust, E Coli, and bacteria. Although not federally regulated, concerns with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Mold are quickly becoming more and more widespread in the retail and commercial industries. These concerns arise from building occupants and visitors, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or local health departments. Watterson has the ability to quickly identify causes of symptoms; have an accurate understanding of the contributing factors of IAQ and be able to develop timely and sensible response and remediation plans in order to meet the high demands of today’s consumers. While many environmental consultants limit their involvement in IAQ/Mold to the identification of potential sources, Watterson develops remediation or preventative measure plans that are both time sensitive and cost effective. Watterson provides trained and accredited personnel to safely remove source materials or contaminated building materials with little or no impact on operations. What makes us different? Based on years of experience in environmental consulting, remediation, abatement and construction management and oversight, Watterson coordinates with building occupants, complainants, and regulating agencies (OSHA) to reach a successful outcome.

We begin by determining potential sources of poor IAQ, including:

Location, configuration, and operation of HVAC system (including supply diffusers, return air system and fresh air intake locations)
Location of stored paints, combustibles, volatile organic compounds, and other chemicals
Identification of moisture intrusion into the building envelope

Watterson can provide services of Certified Industrial Hygienists, Civil and Structural Engineers, and Architects along with environmental specialists to inspect and sample for molds by air and surface sampling.

Air samples are collected utilizing an air sampling cassette uniquely designed for the rapid collection and analysis of a wide range of airborne aerosols. These include mold spores, pollen insect parts, skin cell fragments, fibers, (e.g. asbestos, fiberglass, cellulose, clothing fibers) and inorganic particulate (e.g. ceramic, fly ash, combustion particles, copy toner). As particulate laden air enters these cassettes, it meets the sampling substrate upon which the particles become impacted. The design of the air flow pathway creates a deposition of airborne particulate (the “trace”) upon the glass or slide contained in the cassette housings. The laboratory removes the glass or slides, which is analyzed by direct microscopy.

Surface samples are collected by two methodologies, adhesive strip or cotton swab. Under the first methodology, a clear adhesive strip is applied over an area exhibiting potential mold growth. Any spores are impacted upon the adhesive strip which is then affixed to a microscope slide. The microscope slide can then be analyzed by direct microscopy. Optionally, a cotton swab may be applied over a one square inch area exhibiting potential mold growth. Any mold spores are impacted upon the cotton swab which can be analyzed further.

These air samples are collected to assess the presence of airborne fungal spores that could be an indicator of the potential for mold growth and/or the presence of mold growth within your building. Although no specific Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) have been established for mold spores, Watterson follows New York City Guidelines, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S520, and the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS).

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