Basic Quantitative/Qualitative Moisture Assessment

Turtle Clan follows the IAQA, IESO, AMIAQ Council and AIHA recommendations for the assessment of indoor environments for mold contamination. It is important to use a firm that is certified in and follow these protocols to insure project is completed successfully.

How we discover what kind of mold is present at a site:

Level I Site Assessment

First find the cause. We are looking for where is the water incursion originating. Roof leaks, broken pipes, excessive humidity or other common factors of excessive moisture. Once a mold gets wet it takes approximately 24 to 48 hours to colonize creating great elevations in particulates. Level I Environment Site Investigation provides standardized procedures to be used in the evaluation and characterization of suspected mold colonization.

These activities include:

• Non-invasive preliminary site investigation
• Temperature and humidity analysis
• Identify visible and accessible conditions
• Recommendations for further evaluation/action

Level II Site Assessment

How much mold do you have and what kind it is. We take samples either by swabs, tape, or bulk to identify surface mold and air samples. How much is in the air? Are you breathing it? Since mold is naturally occurring everywhere in nature, all homes and businesses have some mold. An outside air sample is used as a base for comparison.

Level II Environment Site Analysis involves Level I investigation plus a visual, non-invasive inspection of the residential structure with sample collection and data interpretation to rule out sources of moisture and/or mold contamination.

These activities include:

• Sampling suspected areas of mold colonization
• Interpretation of the laboratory analysis
• Present reports supported by analytical data
• Mold assessment for real estate transactions and insurance investigations

Level III Site Assessment

Identified particulates are then determined and depending on toxicity cleaning procedures are recommended. If it is toxingenic, it is a Hazmat material and must be remediated by a licensed professional. If it is an allergenic, you can in most cases, clean it yourself with a strong detergent.

Comprehensive Quantitative/Qualitative Moisture Assessment

More extensive data is complied using photo documentation as well as infrared thermography.

• Infrared Thermography is essential to discovering hidden leaks, unseen water damage, and water saturation of materials, electrical circuits, and changes in the air temperature and air leaks.
• Very helpful test for insurance claims where burden of proof is essential.
• Infrared Thermography is also a good tool for real estate transactions for buyer and/or seller.

About Soil & Water Assessments

Soil & Water Assessments Residential/Industrial/Municipal effluent monitoring services include on-site treatability studies for "end of pipe" compliance, as well as analytical and toxicity testing. In addition, extensive field resources allow Turtle Clan to specialize in receiving water studies such as plume delineations, hydrology and bathymetry, assimilation capacity studies and sediment quality, transport and deposition surveys. Other related services include benthic surveys, in-situ bioassays, habitat and resource inventories.

Ecological Toxicity Testing Services

Our fully accredited in-house laboratory enables us to offer fast turnaround and ensures samples and data are analyzed under a rigorous quality assurance/quality control program. Client confidentiality is assured at all times.

Typical services include:

• Standard acute and sub-lethal toxicity testing
• Sediment toxicity and product testing
• Toxicology identification/reduction evaluations (TI/RE)
• In situ flow-through bioassays

Soil & Water Assessments

Turtle Clan provides the full spectrum of services for environmental, engineering and marine support for comprehensive, cost-effective answers in water and wastewater management.

Ecological Toxicity Testing Services

Our fully accredited in-house laboratory enables us to offer fast turnaround and ensures samples and data are analyzed under a rigorous quality assurance/quality control program. Client confidentiality is assured at all times.

Typical services include:

• Standard acute and sub-lethal toxicity testing
• Sediment toxicity and product testing
• Toxicology identification/reduction evaluations (TI/RE)
• In situ flow-through bioassays

Please Note: Turtle Clan provides 3rd party testing services. While we provide remediation and abatement services for large scale nuclear and toxic as well, we assure you we do NOT test our own work. That would be a huge conflict of interest, so make sure when interviewing companies, you ask them about their policy with regards to this. You can be assured that our goal is to provide you with sound, unbiased test results ONLY. Your health and safety is our main concern.

Preventative Moisture Management Assessment (PMMA)

A Holistic Examination of a structure is required to determine its historic, existing and future relationship with water damage and existing moisture.

This requires:

• Locating current or past water damage that causes microbial growth.
• The discovery of preventative measures, including deferred maintenance and/or building defects that could contribute to future water intrusion issues.
• Following a clear concise systematic approach with each PMMA.
• Our reports include descriptions and photo documentation of every issue discovered on the premises. This is a phenomenal tool of tremendous value to new home and commercial buyers, realtors and insurance agents. It discovers existing and previously undetected or undisclosed issues. This assists in the current and future ability to repel water intrusion.

Possible Sources of Excessive Moisture

Indoor

• Humidifiers
• Cooking and dishwashing
• Bathing
• Plumbing leaks
• House plants
• Firewood storage indoors
• Unvented clothes dryer/indoor clothes line
• Improper venting of combustion appliances

Outdoor

• Flooding
• Rain or snow melt
• Seasonal high humidity
• Ground moisture
• Wet building materials

Strategies to Control Moisture

Indoor Sources

• Fix plumbing leaks, drips or “sweating” pipes.
• Limit sources of indoor humidity/dehumidify indoor air.
• Improve air movement in poorly ventilated areas.
• Increase fresh air ventilation when outdoor air is not humid
• Warm cold surfaces where condensation occurs

Outdoor Sources

• Maintain roof and gutter/downspout system.
• Direct runoff away from foundation by grading, drain tile, landscaping, etc.
• Use air conditioning and keep building closed during high outdoor humidity
• Prevent leakage around windows, doors, flashing, etc.
• Waterproof foundations

Controlling/Mitigating Mold Growth

Controlling mold exposure requires strategies that address removal of mold contaminants as well as the source of moisture that sustains the mold growth. The following steps should be taken to eliminate the presence of indoor molds.

(1) Identify moisture source and correct the problem (see lists of possible moisture sources and control above).

*Keep in mind that molds may be hidden. A moldy smell with or without visual confirmation is indicative of a mold problem, particularly if accompanied by health problems. Mold may be hidden on the backside of dry wall, wallpaper or paneling, the topside of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets or pads, etc. Investigation of hidden mold should be undertaken with caution as disturbing some sites with extensive mold growth may result in a massive release of spores (e.g. removal of wallpaper). Consider hiring an experienced professional if hidden mold is suspected. Once the moisture problem has been addressed, which addresses the future growth of molds, removal of the existing mold contamination can begin. Molds can be toxic; personal protective equipment should be used to avoid excessive mold exposure during the clean-up process.

The following personal protection products/procedures are recommended:

• Respiratory protection (N-95 or TC-21C dust mask)
• Goggles
• Rubber gloves
• Washable or disposable clothing
• Ventilate area well when using bleach
• Establish containment around the work area for large or heavily contaminated areas to minimize spread of spores

(2) Remove mold by cleaning and disposal *Do not paint or caulk over mold.

a. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.

b. Porous materials should be removed, bagged and discarded.

c. Non-porous materials may be cleaned with non-ammonia detergent and scrubbing. d. Disinfect using household detergent.

(3) Dry thoroughly- keep in mind wet building materials take time to dry out completely.

Fans and de-humidifiers may speed the process. The use of a moisture meter to monitor the moisture content of the material may be helpful.

Radon

Any house may have a radon problem

The EPA rates Radon as 2nd leading cause of cancer after smoking cigarettes killing 200,000 Americans each year. In fact, the EPA believes that 1 out of every 15 homes in America has elevated radon levels!

*Resources: A Citizen's Guide to Radon | Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction.

1. Houses should be tested every year due to changing substrates (ground conditions) and water table

2. Radon patterns change, especially during storms when negative pressure draws the radon up thru fissures and hydrostatic cracks in the substrate.

3. EPA states that 4 piccacures of radon must be mitigated. 2 piccacures of radon is equivalent to smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day

4. The air test for Radon is usually a 48 hour sample

The concentration of radon in a home depends on many relevant factors including:

• Local geology
• The home's construction
• The property's condition

Radon concentrations build up in underground soils and rocks. Cracks and fissures enable the radon to move through the ground the same way a conduit or pipe allows gas or liquid to move. Finding its way through building cracks and openings into enclosed areas, high concentrations of radon can build up in your home, and pose increased lung cancer risks according EPA, the American Lung Association and the National Environmental Health Association.

Testing a home before you buy it may save you thousands of dollars in corrective measures due to elevated levels. Our CEHIs have been trained to utilize the latest technology for radon testing in order to ensure your home is safe from radon hazards. CEHIs utilize passive devices as well as active electronic continuing radon monitoring devices.

All tests conducted in accordance with EPA require testing devices to remain in the home for a minimum of 48 hours. Our CEHIs, depending on the circumstances may set the testing devices 2-3 days prior to the investigation.

Infrared Thermography

This is a very useful tool to help find hidden leaks; unseen water damage, water saturation of materials, electrical circuits and more.

1. Shows changes in temperature, air leaks, extent of water damage on building materials, performance testing

2. Thermography is used in conjunction with protometers and hygrometers

3. Thermography is an essential tool for large scale assessments

4. Thermography is an essential tool in insurance claims where burden of proof is mandatory

5. Thermography as a tool is invaluable for real estate transactions for both the buyer and/or seller

Real Time Polymerse Chain Reaction (PCR)

Excellent test to check viability and species of microbial particulate.

1. The Aspergillus profile, for instance, shows entire aspergillus family.

2. If you need to find a specific agent in your home or place of business that a Dr. might have found in your bloodstream for example, this is the test.

TO15 (24 Hours)

This test is used to determine chemical composition, volatile organic compounds (VOC's) odors, carpet emissions, Legionellas and thousands more.

1. Please call for more information

Mid and Post Remediation Testing

If your samples come back from the lab with levels exceeding 10 times the outside sample numbers, and if it is a toxic species, remediation may be necessary.

1. Toxic mold has been proved by OSHA and the EPA to be very dangerous and must be treated as Hazmat Material

2. Turtle Clan Environment Testing Inc. is a 3rd party tester and does not perform remediation

3. We will be happy to provide you with a list of certified companies and urge you to be diligent in your search

4. To make sure a proper job is performed Turtle Clan Environment Testing comes in at mid points before walls are re-closed and performs the MRV

5. Post remediation. Turtle Clan Environment Testing Inc. will come after the remediators job is completed to ensure microbial numbers reflect a thorough Job Certified Industrial HygienistsUse the services offered to you by the CIH when clearance letters, protocol, consultation or when testimony from an expert witness is needed. Our team of experts and leaders are available.

Air Pathogens

Why Test for Air Pathogens?

• Most people spend 60% to 90% of their time indoors.

• 50% of all illnesses are either caused by, or are aggravated by polluted indoor air.

• The levels of some hazardous pollutants in indoor air has been found to be up to 70 times greater than outdoor air.

• More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies.

• One out of six people who suffer from allergies do so because of the direct relationship to fungi and bacteria in the air duct system.

• 10 to 12 million Americans suffer from asthma.

Children and the elderly are especially affected by polluted indoor air.

Obviously, the solution to breathing clean and clear air is to have your entire duct work system professionally cleaned or other costly maintenance.

However, before you spend costly dollars having your ducts cleaned, know that Air Pathogen Testing is a simple, safe and fast way of getting accurate results to the amount of bacteria and other pollutants present in your duct work system. Then you can decide what is the best course of action that needs to be taken.

Air Pathogen Testing

Concerns relating to the presence of Air Pathogens in the home or dwelling requires an independent Certified Inspector. For comprehensive, cost-effective answers contact us today at 914-361-9703 or turtleclanmold@aol.com.

Turtle Clan will take the necessary and appropriate actions to assure proper protocol is followed in all investigations.

Neighborhood Environmental Reports

The EDR Neighborhood Environmental Report™

In response to increased homebuyer and homeowner due diligence as well as expanding disclosure standards and legislation for sellers of residential property, Environmental Data Resources (EDR) is now offering the EDR Neighborhood Environmental Report.

The EDR report is the most accurate and comprehensive environmental report available to the residential real estate industry. The report delivers an easy to understand summary of any possible environmental hazards that can affect a specific property and the neighborhood around it. The report is a great way to protect you family and investment. Many residential properties and neighborhoods are clean, but even the most pristine and affluent areas can have environmental issues that affect health and home values.

The EDR Neighborhood Environmental Report helps ensure that there are no surprises during or after the transaction by searching records of contamination from common occurrences such as:

• Leaking underground fuel or gas tanks that can contaminate soil and groundwater
• Contamination from nearby industrial sites, accidental toxic spills or leaks;
• Homes formerly used as "meth" labs, where residual chemicals can cause illness
• EPA and State top priority clean-up properties.

If a problem is discovered, the EDR Neighborhood Environmental Report provides key information to help home buyers resolve the issue quickly and move forward with confidence.

Trust the Experts

EDR is the nation's leading and most trusted provider of environmental risk information reports, delivering more than 750,000 reports annually. You can be confident that every EDR Neighborhood Environmental Report is backed by over 15 years of experience and the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the largest collection of local, state, and federal environmental information in the U.S.

Why Choose Us

It is essential to choose a reputable, certified and trustworthy environmental inspector. We are Independent 3rd Party Certified Mold Inspectors. We adhere to the IESO, EPA, OSHA, IAQA, AMIAQ Council and AIHA recommendations.

Our experience enables us to deliver knowledgeable and price sensitive solutions for many diverse environmental conditions.

We are equipped to serve: Federal, State and Municipal governments, Educational Institutions, Realtors, Attorneys, Consulting Engineering Firms, Health Care Facilities, Hotels, Property Managers, Homeowners, and the Insurance Industry.

Turtle Clan Offers:

• Thorough understanding of the client's environmental needs
• Quick response time
• Application of correct sampling protocol
• Cost containment without jeopardizing integrity
• Reports containing supporting documentation for closure
• Stringent "Chain of Custody" protocol

Certified Trainers

Turtle Clan is an IAQA, CIE/CIEC, CMR/CMRS, CMI/CMC, CRMI, Mold Worker, OSHA, HAZMAT, HAZWOPPER Certified Course Provider. We provide state of the art training laboratories for hands on mold investigation and testing techniques using the newest industry equipment available.

Turtle Clan provides training for the following course:

• Residential Mold Inspector Course (for those seeking CRMI), which falls under the Microbial Assessment Track (click link for details). Call 914-361-9703 to schedule training

*IAQA members receive a discount of at least $125 on course registration fees.

For information on how to become a member visit: The IAQA website.

The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) is a nonprofit, multi-disciplined organization, dedicated to promoting the exchange of indoor environmental information, through education and research, for the safety and well being of the general public.

IAQA offers several different courses. Course topics are organized under four tracks: Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Consulting, Microbial Consulting/Investigation, Microbial Remediation, and IAQAware. IAQAware classes are for general and continuing education. Courses under the other three tracks are designed to prepare an individual for practice in his/her field or trade, as well as to prepare students who are eligible to take certification exams offered by the American Indoor Air Quality Council.

The Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Consulting Track includes the following courses:

• Indoor Environmentalist Course (for those seeking CIE)

The Microbial Remediation Track includes the following courses:

• Microbial Remediation Supervisor Course (for those seeking CMRS)
• Microbial Remediator Course (for those seeking CMR)
• Mold Remediation Worker Training Class

The Microbial Assessment Track includes the following courses:

• Residential Mold Inspector Course (for those seeking CRMI)
• Microbial Investigator Course (for those seeking CMI)
• Microbial Consultant Course (for those seeking CMC)

IAQAware Courses include:

• Mold Remediation Worker Training Class
• Advanced Building Diagnostics Course
• Fundamentals of IAQ and HVAC Seminar

For further assistance, contact IAQA at (301)231-8388.

The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) is a nonprofit, multi-disciplined organization, dedicated to promoting the exchange of indoor environmental information, through education and research, for the safety and well being of the general public. IAQA members receive a discount of at least $125 on course registration fees. For information on how to become a member visit: The IAQA website.

Contact us for additional information:

Phone: 914-361-9703
E-mail: info@turtleclan.com