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Mould Training And Certification

The mould inspection and remediation industry has created a demand for mould training at various levels. Some organizations provide mould awareness seminars to property managers, renovation and general contractors, lawyers dealing with mould issues and insurance adjusters among others. The mould awareness seminars are not meant to turn an individual to professional mould inspectors. The seminars usually cover topics such as the causes of mould growth, mould growth control and mould remediation.

Short courses leading to some sort of certification are also out there. Whereas short mould training courses may be adequate to equip one with basic mould investigation and sample collection, a longer mould training or a strong background in microbiology is required for one to be able to deal with the intricacies of mould investigation and testing.

If looking for a comprehensive short mould training course, visit http://www.moldbacteria.com/training.html. This course is meant for:

  • Industrial hygienists,
  • Environmental consultants,
  • Home Inspectors,
  • General contractors,
  • Cleaning and restoration contractors,
  • Property managers,
  • Insurance adjusters, financial, and legal professionals who deal with mould issues.

Can Smelling Mold In The Air Include Mold Spores?

The person who asked this question probably wanted to know whether if one smells “earthy” or “musty” odours associated with mold, they would also be inhaling mold spores. The fact is we inhale some mold spores all the time. During summer, for example, we inhale more spores from outdoor air than from indoor air. However, in a building with mold growth problems airborne spores could be excessively high.

Smelling “musty” or “earthy” odours does not necessarily mean one is inhaling high levels of mold spores. While the smell could be due to microbial volatile organic compounds (usually abbreviated as MVOCs), some volatile organic compounds are not of microbial origin. Also, one of the MVOCs responsible for the “earthy” smell is geosmin. This compound is produced by not only molds but also by actinomycetes and other bacteria. Therefore, while the presence of VOCs may be an indication of hidden microbial contamination, they may not be a reliable indicator of microbial contamination or contamination by a specific microorganism.

What Are Acceptable Levels Of Mould Spores And What Are The Effects Of Spores On The Human Body?

After analysing air samples for total spore counts, we often get asked whether there are acceptable levels of mould concentrations in air and what effects mould spores have on human health. Unlike many other indoor pollutants, there are currently no set acceptable levels for mould spores. The scientific community including medical doctors is polarized on the effects of mould on human health. However, it is generally accepted that mould can:

  • Elicit allergic reactions to sensitized (or atopic) individuals and that not all moulds are allergenic
  • Infect humans especially those with weak immune systems
  • Produce toxic metabolites (mycotoxins) that can kill or cause other complications if ingested in food.

While scientific evidence to prove that mould is the cause of some illnesses is lacking, there is enough evidence to support the need to remove mould from occupied environments.

Why Do Some People Get Sick From Mould And Others Do Not?

Why do some people get sick from mould and others do not? It is because of genetic and physiological differences. Sensitivity to mould in about 20 % of the human population is believed to be hereditary. Other factors that influence individual’s resistance to mould include age and general health status. For example, infants, the elderly and those recovering from diseases may be at risk of mould exposure even at levels that would otherwise be considered “normal”.

Susceptibility differences among individuals and the variability of moulds in their ability to cause health problems make it difficult to determine and set permissible exposure levels for indoor moulds.

Indoor Mold Training

Training Seminar: How to Recognize Indoor Mould, Develop Effective Sampling Strategies, Interpret Laboratory Results and Perform Effective Mould Remediation
 Unique One-day training seminars on how to recognize indoor mould, how to develop effective sampling strategies, how to interpret laboratory results and how to perform effective mould remediation/abatement. If you have been considering attending a similar course, do not delay to register as we have limited spaces left!

Three Reasons Why You Should Attend

  • The course equips you to fully deal with all aspects of indoor mould sampling and interpreting laboratory reports.
  • You will have a chance to discuss and get possible solutions to some of the difficult situations or questions you encounter while doing mould investigations.
  • You will have an opportunity to learn from others experience.

Who Can Benefit From Indoor Mould Training Seminars?

  • Industrial hygienists.
  • Environmental consultants.
  • Home Inspectors.
  • General contractors.
  • Cleaning and restoration contractors.
  • Property managers.
  • Insurance, financial, and legal professionals who deal with mould issues.Other professionals or anyone interested in increasing their knowledge or developing their decision-making skills related to indoor mould.

What Topics Will Be Covered In The Mould Training Seminar?

  • An Overview of Various Types of Moulds.
  • How to Recognize Indoor Mould Growth.
    • Factors favouring mould growth.
    • Signs of mould growth.
    • Conducting a visual inspection and categorizing the extent of the mould contamination.
  • How to Develop Effective Sampling Strategies.
    • Sampling objectives.
    • When to collect samples, which ones and where to collect them.
  • How to Interpret Laboratory Results.
    • Air samples: viable and non-viable.
    • Bulk samples.
    • Swab samples.
    • Tape lift samples.
    • Dust samples.
  • How to Perform Effective Mould Remediation.
  • Quiz and Discussions.

    • What is mould and what makes it grow?
    • Which moulds are more prevalent in outdoor environment?
    • Which moulds are more prevalent in indoor environment?
    • What health effects are associated with indoor mould growth?

Be ready to share with others difficult field experiences.

Registration and Other Information

Registration: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Course Duration: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Course Location:

1020 Brevik Place, Unit 1A,
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 4N7.
(main intersection: Tomken/Matheson)

To get directions call (905)290-9101 or Toll Free: 1-866-813-0648.

Register today by phone at (905)290-9101 or toll free 1-866-813-0648. You can also register by e-mail at Course Registration.

If you know others who may be interested in receiving this invitation, please forward it to them.

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