{"id":9320,"date":"2020-01-21T18:56:55","date_gmt":"2020-01-21T23:56:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iseai.org\/?p=9320"},"modified":"2023-10-25T13:55:54","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T17:55:54","slug":"finding-the-right-indoor-environmental-professional-to-assess-your-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iseai.org\/finding-the-right-indoor-environmental-professional-to-assess-your-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding the Right Indoor Environmental Professional to Assess Your Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

This guide was created by a group of ISEAI’s IEP members. (PDF version<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n

W<\/span>hen you or a loved one suffers from an Environmentally Acquired Illness (EAI<\/a>), your home\/workplace are often looked at as potential sources of exposure. Much of the focus of an assessment may be on molds\/bacteria; however, there are other important environmental health concerns to consider. Evaluating allergens, chemical VOCs, mVOCs and EMF exposures may also have significance for an environmentally sensitized occupant.<\/p>\n

What is an IEP?<\/h3>\n

An Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP)<\/strong> is an \u2018umbrella\u2019 term used in our industry to describe a professional in the field of indoor environmental assessment and is not a certification in and of itself. IEPs may have a very wide or very narrow scope of training and experience. Their role typically includes taking a detailed history and overview of the home or structure, noting past or present areas of moisture\/floods\/leaks\/fires or other events the home has experienced, and the occupants\u2019 health concerns. IEPs should then be able to formulate an assessment and testing strategy that will address the client\u2019s concerns and evaluate the home\/workplace as a whole. The level of assessment and certainly type and quantity of sampling can vary significantly from one client\/building to another. A good IEP will take the time to explain their approach, including the collection (and potential value) of any samples.<\/p>\n

An IEP should be independent of remediation contractors and have no financial incentive or conflict of interest in remediation or other contracting services.<\/strong> If, for some reason, the IEP is not independent (e.g. they work for the same remediation contractor), this should be clearly disclosed up front to minimize any conflicts.<\/p>\n

Credentials<\/h3>\n

There are many mold and IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) \u2018certifying\u2019 organizations, but only a few are recognized for their high standards, integrity, continuing education requirements and support for their members. Among these are ACAC<\/a>, NORMI<\/a>, AIHA<\/a>, CIH<\/a>, and CSP<\/a>.<\/strong> It is essential that an environmental assessment is performed by a knowledgeable, credentialed IEP who has experience working with clients suffering from an EAI in order to create a maximally effective solution.<\/p>\n

In addition, please keep in mind that there are a handful of US states that require licensing in the mold industry, and they require separate licenses for mold assessors and mold remediation companies, to avoid conflicts of interest. By law, the licenses must be current with continuous education and insurance coverage. However, having any license and\/or certification doesn\u2019t guarantee competency in working with clients with EAI.<\/em><\/p>\n

Also consider that some companies tout the owners\u2019 or founders\u2019 credentials but they may be more of a \u2018figure-head\u2019 and do not actually perform the assessments, write the reports or protocols. Ideally, you want the most experienced and the most credentialed inspector to perform the investigation.<\/p>\n

Find out what credentials your specific site inspector carries. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The IEP and Your Site Investigation<\/h3>\n

Building science knowledge, experience, or even training is highly recommended. Understanding the building envelope, pathways of air, the forces moving air and moisture, moisture and contaminant transfer through materials, construction and basic plumbing principles may be key to finding sources of contamination. They should also understand how to evaluate an HVAC system for signs of moisture issues, mold\/bacterial growth, poor drainage, oversizing or short-cycling, poorly-sealed ducting and other defects that can affect the indoor environmental health. Knowledge of concepts in ventilation and air pressurization for maintaining a healthy home, as well as various air filtration or purification processes is another plus.<\/p>\n

Ask what knowledge they have in Building-Science and HVAC systems. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Some IEPs may be trained and certified in EMF (Electromagnetic Fields) evaluations in and around a structure, radon testing, lead\/asbestos inspections etc. This may not be a usual role for an IEP who specializes (more) in microbial\/mold contamination. You might need to find more than one specialist in order to evaluate these other potential concerns.<\/p>\n

When addressing water damaged\/damp buildings, experienced IEPs typically understand and have experience with the following disciplines:<\/p>\n