mc3 Environmental, LLC
P.O. Box 2995
Merrifield, VA 22116-2995
Phone: 703-282-6123
Email: mc3env@cox.net
August 12, 2008
PROJECT
Assessment Dates: 7/22, 7/31, 8/3, & 8/8/2008
mc3 Code: Wunder.1.2
ADC Map Grid: Oakton, VA
SITE
Mark Wunder residence
3175 Summit Square Drive, Unit A4
Oakton, VA 22124
TO: CLIENT/HOMEOWNER
Mr. Mark Wunder
3175 Summit Square Drive, Unit A4
Oakton, VA 22124
Report appears on the following pages.
Provided by,
Michael D. Merritt, B.S., B.A. (WRT) (AMRT)
Microbiologist, Chemist, Industrial Hygienist
FAX DELIVERY NOTE: If this document has been faxed, it has likely been abbreviated. Photographs are
not faxed. Microbial remediation guidelines are typically not faxed. A full-length version with photos (if
applicable) may be hard copied or emailed. It should be assumed that no persons other than the client
received a copy from mc3, unless specifically authorized by the client and indicated on this page.
Confidential Wund.1.2 – Wunder residence
Copyright ©2008 MC3 Environmental, LLC mc3 Environmental, LLC
All Rights Reserved. Page 1 Comprehensive Indoor AssessmentsSM
Dear client,
As requested by Mr. Mark Wunder, MC3 Environmental, LLC conducted an independent assessment
of the indoor environmental conditions related to water damage, mold, and odors in the dining area
of his condominium in Oakton, VA.
Visual and olfactory observations, limited but representative mold sample screenings, moisture
meter measurements, and other evidence were used as basis for the resulting professional
judgment and recommendations contained in this report.
It is highly recommended that a professional mold remediation firm perform any remediation work
using properly trained and respiratory protected employees. MC3 does NOT conduct remediation.
Guidance for a post-remediation “clearance” assessment by MC3 is provided near the end of this
document and is coordinated, authorized and invoiced as a separate project.
To clarify responsibilities and terminology it is important to understand the distinction between
mitigation, remediation, and restoration/reconstruction.
! Mitigation typically means basic water extraction, material drying, wet carpet/pad removal, and similar
emergency services.
! Remediation infers advanced methods involved with the removal (demolition) of impacted building
materials and/or cleaning of contamination. Mitigation efforts, especially drying, often coincide.
! Restoration also known as “reconstruction,” occurs after mitigation and remediation (if needed) and
entails the replacement of building materials (including painting, drywall installation, etc.) to pre-loss
status.
This document mandates that restoration/reconstruction must not begin without authorization from
MC3, if MC3 is to be responsible for providing statements with respect to adequacy of remediation
otherwise known as a “clearance assessment”. When appropriate, the homeowner, insurance
adjuster, and/or the remediation firm should contact MC3 to schedule a clearance assessment.
History:
Mr. Wunder initially contacted MC3 via phone on Monday, July 21, 2008. He had been referred to
MC3 by ServPro of North Arlington.
The residence is a 1-level, single-family condominium located on the ground floor of a multi-unit
building.
Mr. Wunder described having noticed visible mold growth on the floor & wall of his dining room. He
consulted a plumber, who removed significant portions of the drywall in order to assess the wall
cavity housing the common drain system linking his unit to the 4 condos above. The plumber
discovered “black mold” in the wall cavity and suggested that he contact a mold remediation firm.
The mold remediation firm (ServPro of North Arlington), upon learning of the description of the
damages, suggested that he contact an industrial hygiene firm in order to perform an assessment.
After an extensive conversation with Mr. Wunder, he requested that MC3 perform an indoor
assessment of the residence with the primary focus being on the damages in the dining area. He
expressed concern over the possible health effects to his family, especially his 3 year-old daughter.
Due to the extensive mold growth and odors in the dining area, he elected to err-on-the-side-of-
caution and have his daughter stay elsewhere until the appropriate remediation/clean-up was
performed.
MC3 visited the residence for several minutes (approximately 15) on the evening of Tuesday 7/22
in order to collect a pair of air samples. During the brief visit and MC3 noted several visual and
olfactory observations. Black plastic trash bags have been affixed with masking tape to large
portions of the dining room wall shared with the kitchen. Significant visible water damage was
noted on several sections of the pre-engineered hardwood flooring in the dining area. Moderate
odors of MVOCs were noted throughout the dining area. Other than the collection of air samples in
the dining area and master bedroom, no other work, investigation, assessment, etc., was
performed.
Confidential Wund.1.2 – Wunder residence
Copyright ©2008 MC3 Environmental, LLC mc3 Environmental, LLC
All Rights Reserved. Page 2 Comprehensive Indoor AssessmentsSM
MC3 had explained to Mr. Wunder that, due to scheduling constraints, a standard 1-2 hour
comprehensive assessment cannot be performed at this time and would have to be performed
several days later. However, collecting air samples now would accomplish two things: (1) it would
demonstrate due diligence on his part in that he made an effort to enlist the services of an indoor
environmental professional; and (2) would establish a “baseline” regarding the current state of
airborne contamination and indicate whether or not the temporary plastic containment barriers
erected by Mr. Wunder were effective or not.
It should be noted that the temporary containment barriers were not disturbed during this brief
visit to avoid the cross-contamination of the unaffected living areas. MC3 explained that full
containment barriers and the establishment of negative air pressurization and/or air scrubbers was
critical prior to any further destructive testing/investigation. Mr. Wunder had also indicated that
ServPro was scheduled to visit on 7/23 and would possible begin mold remediation. Therefore, it
made sense to collect the baseline samples prior to any mold remediation being performed.
MC3 revisited to perform the initial assessment of the residence on Thursday 7/31. During the visit,
MC3 communicated directly (face-to-face) with Mr. Wunder, addressing his concerns, providing
guidance, and detailing the probable scope-of-work. He informed MC3 that, although ServPro had
indeed visited the residence, no remediation was performed at that time.
Due to the fact that Mr. Warner had elected to postpone the mold mediation efforts pending a
decision by the property management as to whether or not they would be responsible for the
damages, MC3 was forced to carefully remove the temporary containment barriers in order to
properly assess the affected wall cavities and building materials. However, prior to removing the
barriers, MC3 performed the assessments of as many areas as possible. These areas included the
kitchen and dining areas proximal to the affected wall cavities.
The assessment of the kitchen area revealed evidence of significant water damage and mold
growth within/behind/beneath the kitchen sink cabinetry. Strong odors of MVOCs were noted
within the cabinetry. Severe water damage and mold growth was noted in the lower left corner of
the kitchen sink cabinetry. No evidence of active or chronic leaks was noted beneath the garbage
disposal or any of the plumbing components supplying the sink. The damage appeared to be
originating in the hidden wall cavities behind the lower sink cabinetry. Rampant visible mold
growth and significant water staining/damage were noted within the exposed wall cavity behind the
kitchen sink. It was obvious that the mold growth and water staining had originated within the
wall cavity itself. No visible water damage was noted upon the surfaces of the lower portions of
the kitchen cabinetry, confirming the lack of water leaks from the kitchen sink plumbing itself. A
significant accumulation of dead insects was also noted in the front right corner of the lower
kitchen sink cabinetry. At first, the source of these insects was unclear; as the assessment
progressed, it became fairly evident that the source of these insects was from within the sewage-
impacted wall cavities.
The assessment of the dining area revealed visible evidence of the water damage upon the pre-
engineered hardwood flooring surfaces and several of the surrounding baseboards and base shoe.
Moderate odors of MVOCs were noted throughout the dining area, and were most noticeable along
the wall to which the temporary containment barriers have been affixed.
Following the careful removal of the temporary black plastic containment barriers, MC3 conducted
a thorough assessment of the wall cavities, building materials, and plumbing components
contained therein. Strong-to-extreme odors of MVOCs were noted throughout the entire wall
cavity.
The rampant visible mold growth noted throughout the lower portions of the wall cavity is not
thought by MC3 to be the sole source of the odors. The odors were similar to those typically
encountered in water losses involving sink and or dishwasher drainage.
Confidential Wund.1.2 – Wunder residence
Copyright ©2008 MC3 Environmental, LLC mc3 Environmental, LLC
All Rights Reserved. Page 3 Comprehensive Indoor AssessmentsSM
Rampant visible mold growth was noted upon the majority of cellulosic substrates (e.g., drywall,
baseboards, base shoe) within the wall cavity extending 1-2’ from the floor. No obvious visible
mold growth was noted upon the PVC (poly-vinyl chloride) plumbing components, the copper
supply pipes, or the metal framing members. Several metal items, including many baseboard
nails, were rusted; suggestive of a chronic leak(s) rather than a catastrophic “one- time” water
loss. This observation was congruent with the observation of a few portions of the base shoe and
hardwood flooring that appeared chronically water damaged.
Although MC3 does not purport to be a qualified plumbing contractor, there were several portions
of the common DWV drain-waste-vent system that displayed obvious evidence of raw sewage leaks
surrounding the cemented and/or threaded compression joints. At least five different locations
displayed streaking and/or “crusting” of sewage matter. Some of the leaking joints were located
within the lower 3’ of the wall cavity; however, others were located above 3’, indicating that
additional leaks were originating in the condos above. When MC3 pointed this out to Mr. Wunder,
he mentioned that the upstairs neighbor had recently had plumbing repairs performed on a drain
line (or lines). According to the neighbor, the leak had been repaired.
Further investigation of the upper wall cavities (above the 3’ line) revealed evidence of water
streaking & damage upon the outer surfaces of many of the PVC pipes. MC3 pointed this out to Mr.
Wunder and opined that the water damage problems could not be solved without the concurrent
investigation of the condos above.
At the base of the wall cavity, MC3 noted the presence of numerous construction debris, hundreds
of tiny white insects, many sewer flies, and “wet” sewage residue. It appeared that the primary
source of the sewage residue was a leak in the bottommost PVC joint of the common DWV stack.
Coincidentally, the specific portion of the joint that appeared to be leaking also lacked evidence of
purple PVC primer. Do this observation, MC3 reassessed several of the upper portions of the PVC
plumbing and noted that there seems to be congruence between the lack of purple primer and the
evidence of sewage debris/residue.
Midway up the wall there are two vertical portions of PVC plumbing comprising the main sewage
stack and the paired vent stack. Black rubber flex couplings with stainless steel compression bands
are present on both pipes. The coupling on the left 1.5” pipe appears intact. However, the rubber
coupling on the left 2” pipe is obviously damaged and displayed evidence of leaks. The upper steel
compression band has been tightened beneath the bottom of the upper pipe. The lower
compression band has been over-tightened and has pierced/punctured the rubber boot. Dried raw
sewage was evident both above and beneath the black rubber coupling.
The presence of sewage flies serves, more-or-less, as a confirmation, albeit unscientific, of raw
sewage in the vicinity. Due to the observation of the sewer flies, the obvious leaks in the PVC
pipes, and the accumulation of “wet” residue at the base of the wall cavity, MC3 collected surface
swab samples to confirm or deny the presence of raw sewage. Composite swab samples were
collected in the lower 3’ of the wall cavity as well as above 3’ in the wall cavity. They were collected
in this manner in order to establish whether or not evidence of raw sewage had originated in the
condo(s) above Mr. Wunder’s residence.
The subsequent analyses of these samples confirmed the presence of both total coliforms and
Escherichia coli (E. coli) in both locations, thus confirming the presence of sewage within both the
upper and lower wall cavities. Therefore, it is impossible that Mr. Wunder’s plumbing pipes are the
sole source of the sewage damage within the wall cavity. It is certainly possible that both Mr.
Wunder’s plumbing and plumbing from one or more of the upper four condos is contributing to the
accumulation of raw sewage contained therein.
The presence of raw sewage presents an immediate health concern and must be remediated
accordingly. Due to the multitude of bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, etc. inherently present in
sewage, a strict adherence to universal precautions involving biohazardous materials must be
observed.
Confidential Wund.1.2 – Wunder residence
Copyright ©2008 MC3 Environmental, LLC mc3 Environmental, LLC
All Rights Reserved. Page 4 Comprehensive Indoor AssessmentsSM
Depending upon the industry guideline(s) consulted, this particular manifestation of water damage
can be classified as either a Category 2 (gray water) or a Category 3 (black) water loss. By IICRC
(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) definition, a water-loss involving
dishwasher and/or sink drainage is considered a Category 2 loss; however, the confirmation of the
presence of the fecal indicator organism Escherichia coli requires that it be reclassified as a
Category 3 water loss.
Note: MC3 does not purport to be physicians or health-care providers. Therefore, MC3 defers all
final conclusions regarding etiology, causation, etc., to those who are indeed medical “experts.”
All building materials and contents in direct contact with raw sewage must be discarded. This
includes, but is not necessarily limited to: drywall, baseboards, base shoe, pre-engineered
hardwood flooring, certain types/species of wood framing, and cabinetry components constructed
of any wooden material other than solid wood.
Although unconfirmed, it is assumed that the affected cabinetry in the kitchen is constructed upon
a particleboard base. Therefore all portions (especially particleboard) of the kitchen cabinetry
displaying any evidence of water/sewage damage must be discarded.
The laboratory analyses of the air samples collected on 7/22 revealed a normal indoor fungal
ecology in both the dining area and in the master bedroom. However, these analyses do not take
into account the potential exposure to MVOCs (a.k.a. mold gases), bacterial endotoxins, and
miscellaneous VOCs. Therefore the health risk exposure cannot be precisely defined. MC3 strongly
suggests that the homeowner remain out of the residence until the appropriate remediation has
been performed and cleared.
MC3 is of the opinion that the health risks presented to Mr. Wunder and his family cannot fully
defined without the concurrent investigation of the four condo units above to determine the precise
locations of all sources of sewage leaks.
MC3 cannot perform a clearance assessment of the Wunder residence without written confirmation
that a similarly-qualified industrial hygiene firm has performed comparable assessments of each of
the units above. MC3 will also require evidence that appropriate professional remediation has been
performed in all units above; otherwise MC3 can offer Mr. Wunder no assurance that his residence
will not be cross-contaminated, etc. by water/sewage and/or mold from the units above.
Note: MC3 confirmed the continued presence of “wet” building materials and flooring in the dining
area on both 8/3 and 8/8. Due to the length of time that has passed since the plumbing repairs
were performed in the condo unit above, the current “wetness” of the building materials strongly
suggests that additional leaks have occurred and/or are actively occurring.
Confidential Wund.1.2 – Wunder residence
Copyright ©2008 MC3 Environmental, LLC mc3 Environmental, LLC
All Rights Reserved. Page 5 Comprehensive Indoor AssessmentsSM
General Remediation Recommendations/Protocol:
Note: The remediation recommendations offered herein, as mentioned above in the
“area-specific” section as well as those furnished below, are intended to
complement and/or clarify standard industry practices, methods, guidelines, etc.
They are NOT intended to serve as a substitute for (or supercede) standard
industry guidelines.
It is expected that all remediation will be performed by a professional mold
remediation firm, employing properly trained/certified employees, in strict
accordance with standard industry guidelines. Although many industry guidelines
exist, it is assumed/expected that the primary reference(s) used will be the S500
and/or S520 standards published by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and
Restoration Certification (IICRC).
Note: A structural engineer or qualified construction contractor must be consulted prior to the
removal of any water and/or mold-damaged portion(s) of the building structure that may
either be load-bearing or compromise the structural integrity in any way. These may
include, but are not limited to: staircase stringers, lally poles, support columns, framing
members, joists, & trusses.
Note: This project may involve contents of an irreplaceable nature. MC3 can only furnish
recommendations of how best to proceed with the remediation of these contents of
historical and/or sentimental significance. MC3 cannot attest to the effects of the
application of biocide to any building materials/contents.
MC3 cannot attest to the effects of the application of biocide (i.e., chemicals) to any building
materials/contents or the effects the biocide may have on the health of the occupants; therefore,
MC3 may not be held responsible for health consequences or damages. The joint decision to
employ an EPA-registered biocide must be made by professional mold remediation firm and the
homeowner(s), tenant(s), insurance adjuster, property management, any physicians involved, etc.
The homeowner and any physicians involved are encouraged to obtain a MSDS (Material Safety
Data Sheet) from the professional mold remediation firm for all biocides employed.
Note: As aforementioned, MC3 does not purport to be physicians or health-care providers.
Therefore, MC3 defers all final conclusions regarding etiology, causation, etc., to those who
are indeed medical “experts.”
! All areas that may have been impacted by water damage, debris deposition, mold growth, etc.,
must be examined carefully during the remediation process. Professional latitude of discovery
must be afforded to the remediation firm to increase the scope of remediation upon the
“discovery” of additional impaction/damage.
! Multiple full containment barriers must be erected at strategic locations throughout any areas
that are to undergo mold remediation. These containment barriers are necessary to reduce the
likelihood of cross-contamination of mold spores, etc. into otherwise unaffected areas.
! MC3 strongly recommends that no persons (other than those professionally trained in mold
remediation) enter the impacted areas of the residence, especially those areas placed under
containment, until the remediation phase is complete. Respiratory protection and full PPE
(personal protective equipment) is essential for anyone entering the containments during the
remediation phase.
! Negative-air pressurization (via the use of NAMs or “negative-air machines”) must be
maintained in order to force air outside of the impacted areas during the remediation phase. If
the use of negative-air is not possible in some areas, then as an alternative, true-HEPA air
scrubbers (aka PAS “portable air scrubbers” or AFDs “air filtration devices”) must be used.
Confidential Wund.1.2 – Wunder residence
Copyright ©2008 MC3 Environmental, LLC mc3 Environmental, LLC
All Rights Reserved. Page 6 Comprehensive Indoor AssessmentsSM
! Strong consideration should be given to immediately discontinuing the use of negative-air
pressurization after the demolition phase (and switching to true-HEPA air scrubbers) due to the
potential for the entrainment of outdoor mold spores into the residence.
! Under normal circumstances, all supply and return vents should be unobstructed to allow for
the “conditioning” of the airspaces. However, due to the amount of visible mold present and/or
the likelihood of entrainment of mold spores and/or construction debris into the duct systems,
all supply vents should be placed in their closed positions and sealed (and return air
registers/grilles sealed) until the remediation has been “cleared” by MC3.
! All mold and water-impacted building materials (walls, framing, baseboards, doors, doorjambs,
etc.), contents and furniture should be discarded appropriately in adherence to local, state,
and/or federal disposal guidelines.
! All insulation discovered within the areas to be remediated, displaying any evidence of water
damage and/or (the possibility of) mold growth, must be discarded due to the likelihood of
mold spore deposition within the fiberglass matrices. (Mold growth and/or spore deposition
within the fiberglass matrix itself is impossible to eradicate; therefore, these materials must be
discarded)
! Additional removal of building materials may be required, dependent upon the discovery of
additional water damage and/or mold growth. Professional latitude of discovery must be
afforded to the remediation firm to increase the scope of remediation upon the “discovery” of
any additional mold growth and/or water damage.
! MC3 can provide information/findings only in areas that were accessible at the time of
assessment. Due to the multiple “hidden cavities” present, MC3 cannot provide definitive
statements/findings regarding whether or not mold growth and/or additional water/sewage
mold damage is present in these concealed areas without further investigation. Without the
removal (i.e. “management”) of all contents & furniture in the impacted areas, and further
“destructive” or “invasive” testing, the question of whether or not mold and/or water/sewage
damage exists in these cavities cannot be answered.
! It is strongly suggested that each of these “hidden” cavities, displaying any evidence of mold
growth and/or water damage, be thoroughly assessed by a professional mold remediation firm
with extensive experience in the remediation of mold growth that has occurred due to dew
point condensation, pipe leaks, flooding, negative-grading, hydrostatic pressure, etc. MC3 can
suggest, but cannot mandate, that these “hidden cavities” be investigated. However, the
ultimate decision of whether or not these invasive investigations are performed is one that
must be reached between the property management, Mr. Wunder, and the attorney
representing Mr. Wunder.
! Materials that are to be discarded should be taken out via the appropriate exit(s). Caution must
be observed during the transport of these materials in order to prevent cross-contamination
into otherwise unaffected areas.
! After the remediation is completed, true-HEPA air scrubbers (aka PAS or AFDs) should be
deployed in all remediated areas in order to provide several complete air exchanges. Additional
portable true-HEPA air scrubbers, commercial dehumidifier units, and/or commercial
desiccation units should be placed in all locations deemed appropriate by the professional
remediation firm.
! Although not required based upon the air sampling results, it is possible/likely that mold spores
may have been entrained into the HVAC system. Therefore, erring-on-the-side-of-caution, MC3
strongly recommends that the HVAC unit and associated ductwork be cleaned as part of the
overall remediation protocol.
! A NADCA-certified (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) firm, or one performing cleaning
equivalent to their standard(s), should be contracted to thoroughly clean the entire HVAC
system(s) & all associated ductwork (including all supply vents & return air registers (RARs))
following remediation and prior to clearance testing.
! Following the remediation, all supply vents/ducts and return air registers throughout the
residence should be kept (at least partially) “open”, never completely “closed”, to permit the
proper balance/functioning of the HVAC system(s).
Confidential Wund.1.2 – Wunder residence
Copyright ©2008 MC3 Environmental, LLC mc3 Environmental, LLC
All Rights Reserved. Page 7 Comprehensive Indoor AssessmentsSM
! Encapsulation may be necessary for those portions of framing, walls, and other building
materials deemed to be most severely impacted. Professional latitude must be afforded to the
remediation firm to make these decisions on a case-by-case basis. (MC3 never mandates the
use of encapsulant; the decision of whether or not to encapsulate should be reached amongst
the homeowner(s) and the professional remediation firm.)
! If a clearance assessment is desired, encapsulation must not be performed prior to the
clearance testing unless a “clear” encapsulant is used. The use of white encapsulant prior to
clearance testing is unacceptable (to MC3) due to its opacity.
! It is recommended that MC3 be contacted in order to conduct a “clearance” evaluation
following the completion of work by a professional remediation firm.
! All professional remediation equipment (e.g. air-scrubbers, turbo fans, dehumidifiers) and
containments should remain “in use” until the clearance assessment is performed. All windows
and exterior doors should remain closed for a period of at least 24 hours prior to the clearance
assessment. No cleaning or vacuuming (other than that performed by the professional mold
remediation firm) should be performed in any area for a period of at least 24 hours prior to the
clearance assessment.
Microbial Sample Results:
Microbial screening analysis chart(s) may be attached.
! Representative airborne mold spore screening samples collected in two locations of the
residence revealed a normal indoor fungal spore ecology.1
! Note: these air analyses do not take into account the presence & concentrations of MVOCs,
VOCs, bacterial endotoxins, viruses, etc.
! Composite surface tape-lift samples, collected from areas of visible (or suspected) mold
growth, revealed evidence of several genera (i.e. types) of mold spores. (refer to the analyses
sheets for details/identifications)
! Surface swab samples, collected from areas of visible (or suspected) sewage impaction in two
areas of the dining area wall cavity revealed the presence of coliform bacteria as well as
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria; thus confirming evidence of fecal (i.e., sewage)
contamination.
Microbial Sampling General Overview:
It is the indoor environmental specialist’s ethical responsibility to be logical, reasonable, and prudent when
evaluating sample data. MC3 is very conservative in its interpretation and application of sample data toward
the end result of recommendations and professional judgment in a microbial investigation. Mold spore screening
levels are best understood as a surrogate that can suggest the presence of a microbial reservoir or the
adequacy of remediation efforts. Sample results are evaluated within the context of all gathered evidence.
Microbial samples are taken, when deemed necessary by MC3, solely to: (1) assist in professional judgment,
(2) to test general hypotheses of contamination and remediation issues, and (3) assist as baseline and/or
control, when needed. Above all, the visual and olfactory observations of a professional indoor air quality
(mold) investigator are paramount and may supercede any sample results.
Due to the complexity of sampling, analysis, and interpretation, the microbial sample results are not intended
to be interpreted by any person(s) not professionally trained in such matters. In general, information obtained
from internet resources does not substitute for professional guidance.
1
Only spore concentration is evaluated. Other by-products of mold may be present, such as mold gases (microbial volatile
organic compounds – MVOCs)
Client: MC3 Environmental, LLC American Home Laboratories, Inc.
Contact: Mr. Michael Merritt
Project: Wund.1
Date of Sampling: 07-22-2008
Date of Receipt: 07-25-2008
Date of Report: 07-28-2008
3929 Old Lee Highway, Suite 91C, Fairfax, VA 22030
(800) 224-1527 (858) 292-2721 Fax (858) 292-2722
This report is generated by American Home Laboratories, Inc. (AHL) at the request, and for the exclusive use, of the AHL client named in this report. Important
terms, conditions, and limitations apply. The AHL client and all readers of this report are advised to completely read the information, terms, conditions and
limitations of this report.
© 2008 American Home Laboratories, Inc.
Laboratory Results
MoldREPORT: Spore Trap Analysis
‡ A “Version” greater than 1 indicates amended data.
† Background debris is an indication of the amounts of non-biological particulate matter present on the slide (dust in the air) and is graded from 1
to 4 with 4 indicating the largest amounts.
The Limit of Detection is the product of a raw count of 1 and 100 divided by the percent read. The analytical sensitivity (counts/m3) is the product
of the Limit of Detection and 1000 divided by the sample volume.
Location: 1:
Mbdr 20:05 2:
Kitchen/dining rm 20:05
Comments (see below) None None
Lab ID-Version‡: 1974466-1 1974467-1
Spore types detected: raw ct. per m3 raw ct. per m3
Aureobasidium – - – -
Basidiospores – - 4 213
Chaetomium – - – -
Cladosporium 1 53 1 53
Fusarium – - – -
Penicillium/Aspergillus types 6 320 5 267
Stachybotrys – - – -
Trichoderma – - – -
Ulocladium – - – -
Others 7 373 10 533
Total: 746 1,066
Additional Information:
Hyphal fragments 40 13
Skin cells 4,010 - 8,000 80 - 4,000
Pollen < 13 13
Background debris (1-4)† 3 2
Limit of detection 13 13
Sample volume (liters) 75 75
Comments:
Basidiospores (basidiomycetes): Basidiospores are extremely common outdoors and originate from fungi in gardens, forests, and
woodlands. It is rare for the source of basidiospores to be indoors. However, basidiospores may be an indicator of wood decay.
Cladosporium: One of the most commonly found molds outdoors and frequently found growing indoors. Spores from
Cladosporium are generally present in outdoor and indoor air, even in relatively clean, mold-growth-free, indoor environments.
Levels vary based upon activity levels, weather conditions, dustiness, outside air exchange rates, and other factors.
Penicillium/Aspergillus types: Penicllium and Aspergillus are among the most common molds found growing both indoors and
outdoors (even in relatively clean, mold-growth-free, indoor environments). Levels vary based upon activity levels, dustiness,
weather conditions, outside air exchange rates, and other factors.
Stachybotrys and other marker types: Certain types of mold, such as Aureobasidium, Chaetomium, Fusarium, Trichoderma, and
Ulocladium, are generally found in very low numbers outdoors. Consequently their presence indoors, even in relatively low
numbers, is often an indication that these molds are originating from growth indoors. When present, these mold types are often
the clearest indicator of a mold problem.
Others: Molds in the “Others” category are generally found outdoors in moderate numbers, and are therefore not considered
markers of indoor growth.
Page 1 of 1
Client:
Project#:
Date(s):
drywall baseshoe
P P
P P
P
P P
P P
P P
P
P
P
P P
a a
a a
P = present o = occassionally observed a = applicable Bold typeface indicates predominance
misc. COLORED amorphous particulate
miscellaneous dust & debris
pollen
MVOCs (Microbial VOCs) in vicinity
miscellaneous fibers
miscellaneous RED fibers
miscellaneous BLUE fibers
hair (pet &/or human)
Residential Dehumidifier(s) in use (Rdhu)
Commercial Dehumidifier(s) in use (Cdhu)
Alternaria
Aspergillus conidiophores
basidiospores
Chaetomium asci
Chaetomium
Cladosporium
hyphal elements (hyphae)
amorphous (shapeless) particulate
BLACK amorphous particulate
Sample Location
Identification of mold genera, spores, components, etc. via Direct Microscopic Examination
Additional notable observations
Nigrospora
particulate levels: *=light **=moderate ***=heavy ****=extremely heavy
other (unidentified) mold spores
Penicillium conidiophores
Penicillium/Aspergillus group
Penicillium/Aspergillus group chains
Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys conidiophores
insects
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in vicinity
Ulocladium
Surface (tape-lift &/or swab) Analysis
Mr. Mark Wunder
mc3 Environmental, LLC
Wund.2
7/31/2008
Merrifield, VA 22116 (703) 282-6123
EMLab P&K
1936 Olney Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
(866) 871-1984 Fax (856) 489-4085 www.emlab.com
Client: MC3 Environmental, LLC
C/O: Mr. Michael Merritt
Re: Wund.3
Date of Sampling: 08-03-2008
Date of Receipt: 08-04-2008
Date of Report: 08-08-2008
COLIFORM WITH E. COLI SCREEN*
Location: 01:
Upper portion (above 3 ft) wall cavity 02:
Lower 3 ft wall cavity
Comments (see below) None None
Lab ID-Version‡: 1992134-1 1992135-1
Sample type: Swab sample Swab sample
Coliforms Present Present
E. coli Present Present
Comments:
EMLab ID: 450976, Page 1 of 1
* Reported as presence or absence of coliforms and of Escherichia coli (E. coli) determined by MUG (4-methylumbelliferyl-B-D-glucuronide)
test. “Coliforms” is a term that refers to the fermentative Gram negative rods belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Fecal coliforms
previously referred to one member of this family, E. coli, which is a common organism in the human intestinal tract. More recently, fecal
coliforms have been defined as “thermotolerant coliforms” and include all coliforms which grow and ferment lactose with gas and acid at
44.5 ± 0.2ºC. This definition includes Klebsiella. However, since Klebsiella has been isolated from environmental samples in the apparent
absence of fecal pollution, E. coli is a more specific indicator organism for sewage spills. Non-fecal coliforms are widely distributed in nature
and are free living in water, soil, and on plants. Thus, the presence of small numbers of environmental coliforms should not be considered
abnormal or of any particular concern for human safety.
Based on samples delivered. Sampling techniques, contaminants infecting samples, unrepresentative samples and other similar or dissimilar
factors may affect results. EMLab P&K hereby disclaims any liability for indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages
arising out of the use or interpretation of the data contained in, or any actions taken in reliance upon, this report; and its actual direct damages
arising out of the use or interpretation of the data contained in, or any actions or omitted taken in reliance upon, this report shall be limited to
the cost of this report.
‡ A “Version” greater than 1 indicates amended data.
