ASHRAE IAQ Guide

Review Period for ASHRAE IAQ Guide Opens July 25.

The 90% Review Draft for the Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practicesfor Design, Construction, and Commissioning will be available for reviewand feedback from July 25-Aug. 17. All remarks must be received by Aug.17. Once received, the remarks will be reviewed, compiled, and responded to in a single Summary Response document posted on www.ashrae.org.

To learn more about the IAQ Guide and the review, click here. <http://images.ashrae.biz/redirect/?url=979> Beginning Friday, July 25,the review draft will be available at this location.

NORMIPro Blog available in 13 languages

With the addition of Bablefish to this site, readers can translate postings into 12 additional languages. With NORMI gaining an International footprint, Bablefish will enable readers from other parts of the world to get up to date information on the IAQ Industry.

Con la adición de Bablefish a este sitio, los lectores pueden traducir fijaciones a 12 idiomas adicionales. Con NORMI ganando una huella internacional, Bablefish permitirá a lectores de otras partes del mundo conseguir la información hasta la fecha sobre la industria de IAQ.

Avec l'addition de Bablefish à cet emplacement, les lecteurs peuvent traduire des signalisations dans 12 langues additionnelles. Avec NORMI gagnant une empreinte de pas internationale, Bablefish permettra à des lecteurs d'autres régions du monde d'obtenir l'information à jour sur l'industrie d'IAQ.

この場所へのBablefishの付加を使うと、読者は12の付加的な言語に投稿を翻訳できる。 国際的な足跡を得ていてNORMIがBablefishは世界の他の部分からの読者がIAQ工業の最新情報を手に入れることを可能にする。

Powerful video - Death of a Health Inspector

Follow this link to watch an ABC News video about the death of a Nevada Health Inspector caused by mold. This is part one of a two part series.

http://www.ktnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8695699

LEADING EXPERTS URGE FLOOD-AFFECTED HOMEOWNERS NOT TO USE BLEACH

Proper Steps Include Using EPA-Registered Mold & Mildew Products
To Avoid Widespread Post-Katrina-Type Loss

Abita Springs, July 2008 – The National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI), a not-for-profit cooperative of mold experts and professionals, is urging owners of residential and commercial properties affected by Mississippi River flooding not to use household bleach to remove potentially harmful mold and mildew from water-damaged surfaces.

While bleach may temporarily remove the discoloration caused by mold, the organization said only EPA-registered mold and mildew products labeled as a cleaner, disinfectant, fungicide and/or mildewstat are truly effective at killing the micro-flora that can enable mold to grow, and make property potentially uninhabitable.

Rising mid-Summer temperatures and humidity, and flood-soaked materials of virtually all kinds are a perfect storm for likely rapid mold growth and its attendant effects on air quality and health. Widespread recommended use of bleach alone in post-Katrina New Orleans is believed to have had devastatingly negative effects on owners’ and renters’ abilities to reclaim their homes, because of bleach’s inability to prevent mold and mildew re-growth.

“The bottom line is this—as research and hard experience have proven, bleach does not kill the organism at its root and can promote mold growth, allowing re-growth. While bleach is effective as an everyday quick, cosmetic fix, bleach is not the thing to use in heavy-duty situations where preventing re-growth may be critical to short- and long-term habitability,” said Douglas Hoffman, Executive Director of NORMI. “No one wants to see another post-Katrina situation along the Mississippi River, so we want to leave no doubt about these facts—bleach is simply not effective for controlling mold problems.”

NORMI has devoted part of its website to information links Mississippi River-affected property owners can follow to find local mold remediation resources, and commercial- and consumer-grade products that are EPA-registered mold and mildew disinfectants effective at killing mold and preventing its re-growth. “Products like Moldex Disinfectant, Anabec, and BacShield, as examples, are strongly recommended for those who are wanting products that really work,” continued Hoffman. “We encourage consumers to become label-readers, study the ingredients, look at the testing data, and evaluate the company claims to be sure you are using safe, greener technologies.”

For information on flood clean-up, how and where to access federal disaster assistance and on mold cleaning or remediation information, please visit http://www.normi.org/ or call 877.251.2296

Certified Formaldehyde Screening program

The Certified Formaldehyde Screening program is an online or self-study course that trains the IAQ Professional in techniques to screen for and then reduce formaldehyde contamination levels in indoor environments. The class covers the sources of formaldehyde, the deleterious health affects, and the solutions recommended to lower levels and manage the indoor air quality environments. This class is based on information provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services and other resources that are included in the class online or on CD.

Once the student completes this class, he is expected to pass a test evidencing his complete understanding of the issues surrounding formaldehyde and the techniques used to reduce formaldehyde levels on a permanent basis. After the student has completed the online quiz, he is encouraged to activate his membership so he can take advantage of the benefits offered by NORMI to ACTIVE Members.

The NORMI CFS is given direction on how to research more information and, included in the CD or online course, is provided a 468 page document as a reference guide from the US
Department of Health and Human Services. Online resources for this course include equipment spec sheets, a formaldehyde/ozone formula for calculating ozone levels to reduce formaldehyde, and the class handouts in color and black/white for the student to make class notes during the class.

The goal of the CFS is to provide an ongoing IAQ Management program that will insure that levels of formaldehyde have been substantially reduced to levels below the acceptable limits established by the EPA, NIOSH, OSHA, the World Health Organization and the American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists.

NORMI is in the process of establishing a VOC Certificate of Sanitization to use in conjunction with this training so the NORMI CFS can provide documentation and proof that the techniques and services offered are actually effective in reducing formaldehyde and other VOCs. Special logging equipment is discussed that will record and document pre and postscreening formaldehyde.

The NORMI CFS course is available in a Self-Study CD Version ($149) or an ONLINE version ($99) at http://www.besttrainingschool.com/cfs.php

NEW “BRAG” BLOG OPEN TO NORMI MEMBERS

The newest feature added to the www.NORMI.org website is a blog managed by its own administration and contributed by members. “This is an opportunity for our members to tell the world about the problems they have solved in their client’s homes and office,” announced Douglas Hoffman, Executive Director of NORMI. “Our solution-based mold training is becoming the standard in our industry and we want the world to know that our recommended solutions work every time. Our IAQ and mold professionals are proud of what they do, as they should be, and we want to give them a public forum where everyone can know of their successes.”

The new webpage, www.NORMIPro.blogspot.com, will help potential clients understand the value of utilizing a NORMI trained professional and evaluate the effectiveness of the solutions they may offer. Mold problems, indoor air quality concerns, and other environmental issues in the construction industry are often indentified by seldom solved to the satisfaction of the client. NORMI is setting a new standard of excellence in these areas. “It doesn’t do any good to find a problem then neglect to offer the solutions,” commented Della White, NORMI Board of Directors. “Our members take great care to provide solutions that are wholistic and, where possible, environmentally safe. We are proud of their efforts and whether they are Mold Inspectors, Remediators, IAQ Specialists, or other NORMI Trained Professional, we want the whole world to know of their success.”

NORMI, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, is an approved training provider for several states including Louisiana and Florida, states that have enormous mold problems that need to be dealt with professionals and effectively. NORMI holds classes throughout the United States and, through its online courses, have trained professionals in Spain, UK, and Brazil. Registration for all classes, whether online, onsite, or self-study courses, can be found at www.BestTrainingSchool.com or for more information call 1.888.856.4803.

ENVIROSCREENING LAB CERTIFIED BY TEXAS

ENVIROSCREENING LAB CERTIFIED BY TEXAS

PRESS RELEASE
Austin, TX December 5, 2007- The EnviroScreening lab has been certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services in the State of Texas to perform as a Mold Analysis Laboratory capable of processing environmental samples for Texas licensed Mold Inspectors, Mold Assessors, and Mold Remediators. "This is a giant step in the right direction toward legitimacy in the field of environmental sampling because the State of Texas is the first and, so far, the ONLY state that certifies mold analysis labs," said Glenn Moore, Micro-Supervisor for EnviroScreening.

"The field of laboratory analysis is very competitive," reports Doug Hoffman, NORMI Executive Director, "and we have tried to provide our members with a less-expensive alternative to laboratories that require more extensive and expensive certifications from AIHA and its competitors. In the screening process and where litigation is not a consideration, the EnviroScreening lab provides a cost-effective alternative for our clients."
EnviroScreening, LLC was founded seven years ago and provides a variety of sample processing dealing with environmental issues including, but not limited to, mold, fungus, bacteria, particulate, and water sampling. EnviroScreening has recently expanded its services and sampling kits to include MRSA and provides these services to the public at www.EnviroScreening.com

Lance Eisen, COO of NORMI, stated, "One of NORMI's goals for 2008 is to provide training courses in the State of Texas that meet their licensing requirements. Being able to provide this lab resource is a step closer to that goal. We are proud of Glenn and the work he has done to achieve this great certification."

For more information regarding EnviroScreening and the services they offer, you may contact 1-888-845-3029 ext 1000 and for more information on NORMI, contact 877.251.2296

EnviroScreening,LLC Texas License Number LAB1001 Control Number 6331

NORMI ANNOUNCES NEW DESIGNATION AAA (ADVANCED ANABEC APPLICATOR)

NORMI ANNOUNCES NEW DESIGNATION AAA (ADVANCED ANABEC APPLICATOR)
03/01/08 Abita Springs, LA

NORMI announces the completion of a new designation entitled AAA (Advanced Anabec Applicator). "By partnering with Anabec Systems," reported Lance Eisen, COO of NORMI, "NORMI takes its training of mold professionals to a new level. Never before has there been such a powerful training program specifically designed for applicators within the indoor air quality industry. The Anabec Systems provides long term protection against mold and bacteria up to 30 years, and we are honored that they have chosen us to facilitate this practical training program. By utilizing on-site, hands-on training, the student will learn the practical side of this industry from estimating to closing."

This training program is a 2-Day class and provides a comprehensive look at the fastest-growing area of the mold prevention industry. The focus of this class is targeted to train professionals in the applications of warranted products on both New Construction and Mold Remediation projects.

"Anabec Systems currently has online training and on site training opportunities available with their systems, as well as marketing and sales guidance. The NORMI AAA Training takes the training to a new level," said Stephen Meyers, President of Anabec Systems. "NORMI brings training skills and learning techniques to the table that will enhance what we are already doing and we believe the synergy will be good for the industry."

The NORMI AAA Training is now available for registration at http://www.besttrainingschool.com/ and seating is limited to 20 people because this is a "hands-on" learning environment. Early registration will assure a spot for those who are interested in offering 20 year and 30 year structural warranties to their remediation and new construction projects.

For more information on NORMI AAA Training, go to http://www.besttrainingschool.com/ or contact the school directly at 888.856.4803

MRSA Superbug

MRSA Superbug - Who should be scared? What to do?

By: Bill Belew October 17, 2007

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, the superbug has attacked schools in Virginia...and the students are scared, their parents are scared...and the global warming scare has taken a back seat, if not then, just for a short period. Something else is attacking and the dangers are imminent.


Each year it is estimated that some 90,000 people - a crowded Rose Bowl full of people, get infected with the potentially deadly infection. Some 18,000+ (a Phoneix Sun's Arena full) die.

MRSA is often carried on the skin and in the noses of HEALTHY PEOPLE.

The disease spreads wildly through:

1. schools

2. hospitals

3. prisons

4. athletic facilities

MRSA does not respond to penicillin and related antibiotics.

Three students died from the disease in the past week from MRSA infection that can spread:

1. from skin-to-skin contact

2. sharing an item from an infected person

3. touching an open wound

The best way to fight...to prevent the infection is o:

1. wash hands regulalry

2. keep cuts and abrasions clean

3. watch out for contaminated medical equipment

4. stay out of the hospital - a full one-fourth of invasive cases of staff infections happen to patients in hospitals and more than half are related to the healthcare industry.

5. let the kids have a say - schools in VA were closed after the students "there launched a protest Monday using text messages and social networking sites."

The ERMI Question

ERMI, Research Data or Commercial Product?

Created by Wei Tang, Ph.D. on Sep 29, 2007
Description/History:
[This petition initiated by Dr. Wei Tang on October 14, 2007 is his personal opinion and it is NOT the position of any organization or business that he is affiliated or working with.]

Standardization of a sampling and analytical method requires years of collaboration from experts in related disciplines and must be based on industry-recognized protocols. It's not a government agency's role to write a “standardized” method based on a few studies and then ask an entire industry to recognize and accept it.

When conducting indoor mold growth investigations, one of the industry-recognized methods is to compare a suspected problem area to a non-problem reference area which represents a normal background level of fungal biomass. ERMI, developed by EPA, uses a reference internal to the sample itself based upon ten fungal species (Group II). It is a new and unproven fungal ecology model developed for indoor mold growth investigation and was developed with little involvement of mycologists. As with any new theory or method, it must be proven or validated with extensive research data over time.

Following are some of the important issues surrounding ERMI that still need to be addressed:

(1) Basic Fundamentals:
The proponents of ERMI ignore many of the established fundamental practices used in performing indoor environmental investigations. For example, it is widely recognized that sampling is only one aspect of a comprehensive building investigation. ERMI uses only one sample and it is being marketed by some labs to less-than-qualified mold inspectors or homeowners as a substitute for a properly performed field investigation. Water intrusion and dampness in a building is the root cause of microbial growth problems which have the potential to impact the health of occupants. These moisture issues need to be corrected. ERMI does not address or locate the cause of microbial growth in buildings. All areas of significant mold growth need to be identified and removed. ERMI presently only places emphasis on 26 Group I species out of hundreds of possible fungal species that can be found in indoor environments. Even more inappropriate is the fact that any significant mold contamination in the building from any of the 10 species in Group II will lower the ERMI score. For this reason, ERMI cannot be used as a Post-Remediation Verification (PRV) tool. In fact, current “Mold-Specific Quantitative PCR” (MSQPCR) cannot responsibly be used for PRV because it does not detect all groups of fungal spores.

(2) Flawed ERMI Calculation Formula and Data Variation:
ERMI is calculated by using a unique unproven formula, which is the “sum of the logs from Group I concentrations” from which the “sum of the logs from Group II concentrations” is subtracted.

ERMI = (sum of the logs from Group I concentrations) - (sum of the logs from Group II concentrations)

since:
Log(A) + Log(B) + Log(C) = Log (A x B x C)
Log(D) - Log(E) = Log (D/E)

therefore:
ERMI = Log(all Group I concentrations multiplied together/all Group II concentrations multiplied together)

As a result, ERMI represents fungal ecology as numeric data that has not been fully studied and it produces questionable results. For example, assume two samples, Sample 1 and 2, have identical Group II background. Sample 1 has 10 species detected in Group I with 10 spores each. Sample 2 has 1 species detected in Group I with 10,000,000,000 spores. Total concentration and species diversity have always been important parts of traditional data interpretation methods. Sample 2 with 10,000,000,000 spores from one single species represents a much more significant mold growth problem than Sample 1 which contains 100 spores from 10 different and diverse species. The sum of Group I spore concentration is 100,000,000 times lower than that of Sample 2, however, ERMI will give the exact same score for both samples.

Also as stated in (1), if any significant mold contamination in the building is from any of the 10 species in Group II, the ERMI score will be lowered instead of increased. It is clear that ERMI does not reflect “total mold burden”. This flaw in the calculation formula also contributes to its huge variation (or random error) of minus 3 to plus 3 (+/- one standard deviation) in a log scale. A wide range of 6 index difference translates into a lot of uncertainty. There is also a good possibility that the actual ERMI will fall outside of the range of +/- 3 of reported ERMI (+/- one standard deviation).

(3) Method Development:
Some of those chosen ten internal reference species (Group II) are considered by many mycologists to be species commonly found in water damaged buildings. These species are not appropriate choices to be use as background contamination or as an internal reference standard. Even when using appropriate internal references, a single carpet dust sample alone is hardly considered by most consultants to be representative of an entire house.

It has never been properly demonstrated that ERMI correlates to an independent set of reliable data representing “mold burden”. ERMI quartiles established based on HUD’s (2006) American Healthy Home Survey are merely a ranked order of ERMI values themselves, and they were not correlated with an independent set of data that establishes or defines “mold burden”. The definition of "mold burden" is based upon the 26 Group I mold species found in 11 carpet or floor dust samples from 6 Cleveland homes in which infants developed pulmonary hemorrhage. They were selected by comparing to 26 samples collected from reference homes in the same area and are presumed to be representative of universal "mold burden" and its associated health effects in occupants of all ages in all residential buildings throughout the country. It also assumes that any of those 10 Group II species cannot be a problematic mold source in a building. These assumptions have never been properly tested or proven and are not realistic.

(4) Method Validation:
MSQPCR developed by EPA can be a good tool for IEQ investigation in some specific applications. However, ERMI, which utilizes this valuable technology but applies an unproven method of data interpretation, has not been properly validated using existing industry-recognized methods for indoor mold investigation in extensive side-by-side comparison studies. It does not even locate the water problems or the mold sources, which are what consultants and homeowners need to know to create a more healthful environment. Its claim of superiority to other investigation methods is unproven and has no basis.
Petition:
EPA shall collaborate with other scientists in related fields, e.g. mycologists, ecologists and environmental consultants, to consider alternative mathematical models based on existing scientific knowledge to replace or improve ERMI and ARMI (simplified version of ERMI) to utilize MSQPCR data for more meaningful indoor environmental quality assessment purposes.

Until further published research and public and peer review has demonstrated that valid conclusions can drawn from the ERMI/ARMI using MSQPCR data, EPA shall require licensed laboratories to provide disclaimers in ERMI/ARMI reports advising of its limitations. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) When performing an investigation of mold contamination, it is important for qualified professionals to conduct a thorough building inspection and interview occupants regarding building history and health complaints. Sampling is only part of an indoor environmental quality investigation. Water intrusion and dampness in a building is the root cause of microbial growth problems which have the potential to impact the health of occupants. These moisture issues need to be corrected as soon as possible.

(2) MSQPCR does not detect all fungal species or identify the components comprising the mold biomass (spores, hyphal fragments, and/or other fungal structures). Direct microscopic examination is required to detect total spores (viable and non-viable) of all fungal species as well as to identify the presence of other fungal structures.

(3) ERMI does not reflect the total mold count (burden) or overall environmental healthfulness of an indoor environment. It should not be used as the sole decision-making factor for indoor environmental quality investigation or Post-Remediation Verification (PRV).

EPA shall also require licensed laboratories to:

(1) provide the sum and individual quantitative concentrations and the percent composition of each of the 36 species to allow traditional data interpretation methods to be performed.

(2) not accept ERMI/ARMI samples from homeowners without working with a qualified indoor environmental consultant.

Original published at http://www.gopetition.com/online/14485.html