Mold Inspector NAMP Certification

Introduction to Molds
Molds produce and release millions of spores small enough to be air-, water-, or insect-borne. They can also produce toxic agents known as mycotoxins. Spores and mycotoxins can have negative effects on human health.

For those people who are affected by mold exposures there can be a wide variation in how they react. People at greatest risk of health effects are individuals with allergies, asthma, sinusitis, or other respiratory conditions, as well as infants and children, elderly people, and pregnant women. In addition, individuals with a weakened immune system are at risk.
Reference: Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) – Molds

EPA Training – Mold Course
Introduction to Mold and Mold Remediation for Environmental and Public Health Professionals (PDF). Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mold Web Course. Gives specific recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) when cleaning mold.

• Mold Course Chapter 1: Introduction to Molds
• Mold Course Chapter 2: Why and Where Mold Grows
• Mold Course Chapter 3: Finding Mold and Moisture
• Mold Course Chapter 4: General Remediation Issues
• Mold Course Chapter 5: Large Areas and Other Special Concerns
• Mold Course Chapter 6: Containment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Mold Course Chapter 7: Evaluating the Remediation
• Mold Course Chapter 8: Communicating with the Building Occupants
• Mold Course Chapter 9: Prevention

Also available:

• Resource List
• PDF Version of Mold Course
• Mold Image Library
• Glossary of Terms
• Mold Knowledge Test

OSHA Resources and References

• Bardana, E. Indoor air quality and health: Does fungal contamination play a significant role? Immunological and Allergy Clin N Am. (23) 2003: 291-309
• 29 CFR 1910.134, Respiratory protection. OSHA Standard.
• A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (2003).
• Fungi Hazards and Flood Cleanup [3 KB PDF*, 2 pages]. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2005).
• Mold [22 KB PDF*, 2 pages]. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2005).
• Mold. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.
• Storm/Flood and Hurricane Response. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic.
  • Recommendations for the Cleaning and Remediation of Flood-Contaminated HVAC Systems: A Guide for Building Owners and Managers
• Mold Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects in the Aftermath of Hurricanes and Major Floods. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), (2006). (Also available in: Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report, June 9, 2006/55(RR08);1-27)
• Guidelines for the Protection and Training of Workers Engaged in Maintenance and Remediation Work Associated with Mold [448 KB PDF, 43 pages]. National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training, (2005).
• Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), (2001, March).
• Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments [71 KB PDF, 25 pages]. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, (2008).
• Respirator Selection Logic 2004. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), (2004, October).

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a United States environmental law that established a U.S. national policy promoting the enhancement of the environment and also established the President’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The essential purpose of NEPA is to ensure that environmental factors are weighted equally when compared to other factors in the decision making process undertaken by federal agencies.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2013-102
NIOSH Alert: Preventing Occupational Respiratory Disease from Exposures Caused by Dampness in Office Buildings, Schools, and Other Nonindustrial Buildings
The guidance includes a building inspection checklist and may be of interest to people working in office buildings, schools and other nonindustrial buildings.
Reference: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2013-102/

EPA Compliance Regulations

• CAA – Clean Air Act  http://www.epa.gov/air/caa
• CWA – Clean Water Act  http://www.epa.gov/regulations/laws/cwa.html
• RCRA – Resource Conservation & Recovery Act http://www.epa.gov/regulations/laws/rcra.html
• EPCRA – Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know  http://www.epa.gov/osweroe1/content/epcra
• TSCA – Toxic Substance Control Act  http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/tsca.html
• CERCLA – Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation & Liability Act  http://www.epa.gov/superfund/policy/cercla.htm
• IICRC – Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certifications http://www.iicrc.org/what-does-certified-mold-inspector-training-offer-a-33.html

NAMP Standards for Conduct and Ethics
To promote and protect the Mold Detection and Remediation Industry, and members of the National Association of Mold Professionals, NAMP has developed the following Standards for Conduct and Ethics to be followed by its members:

1. The Mold Professional shall uphold the honor and dignity of this profession and avoid association with any enterprise of questionable character or apparent conflict of interest.
2. The Mold Professional shall protect and promote the interests of the client to the best of the Mold Professional’s ability and knowledge, recognizing that the client has placed its trust and confidence in the Mold Professional.
3. The Mold Professional shall always endeavor to maintain and increase his/her level of knowledge regarding new developments in the field.
4. The Mold Professional shall conduct his/her business in a manner that will assure the client of the Mold Professional’s independence from outside influence and interest, which would compromise the Mold Professional’s ability to render a fair and impartial opinion, regarding any inspection performed.
5. The Mold Professional shall not accept compensation from more than one interested party for the same service on the same property without the consent of all interested parties.
6. The Mold Professional shall promptly disclose to the client any interest in any other business which may effect the client, the quality, or the result of the inspection or remediation.
7. The Mold Professional shall not knowingly use the inspection or remediation process to obtain work in another field.
8. The Mold Professional shall make every effort to uphold, maintain and improve the professional practice, integrity and reputation of The National Association of Mold Professionals.