The Certified Industrial Hygienists at ESMCorp have been working with Commercial Office, School, and Manufacturing managers to assess, prevent & manage increasing mold and air quality concerns related to these unusual conditions. Here are some insights on recent inspection findings and suggestions to reduce mold risk as we move into April when rainfall levels are typically highest.

Recent Observations

Many Attics in Commercial and Residential Buildings have experienced unexpected water and moisture infiltration due to:

· Wind damage to roof shingles and flashing

· Blocked attic ventilation vents and soffits

· Moist foundation walls and crawlspaces allowing water to evaporate through wall cavities into attics via the "stack effect"

Crawlspaces and Basements in Apartments, Schools, & Municipal Buildings have experienced higher-than-normal moisture intrusion due to saturated soil and high groundwater tables. This has led to localized mold growth and elevated humidity entering 1st-floor areas and HVAC systems, resulting in:

· Musty Odors in offices, classrooms, and residential dwellings

· Mold Growth on Subfloors and Walls

· Mold contamination in HVAC Ductwork

Many Rooftop Air Handling Units in Schools, Offices, Healthcare Facilities, and Manufacturing sites have water inside due to excessive rainfall. We are discovering:

· Water damage and mold contamination within air intake, mixing chamber, heating/cooling coils and fans

· Mold contamination on Interior and exterior duct insulation insulation

· Premature deformation, damage, and mold growth on air filters.

As more heavy rainfall is anticipated for April, we encourage  building owners to implement preventative maintenance inspections for the areas described above. If water damage, unusual odors, or mold contamination is identified, please Contact Dr. Richard Lynch, Ph.D., CIH, or Mr. Richard A. Lynch, MBA, CIH today at 856-764-3557 to schedule your IAQ assessment or remediation protocol.