Mold and Mildew have gotten a lot of news coverage over the past five years and most of it has been inaccurate at best and always confusing to those who have no or little training in understanding the issues surrounding mold.  The biggest problem has to do with differences of opinion in the scientific community about the hazards associated with mold and secondly with the ubiquitous nature of mold.  Since mold is a common part of our environment we get mold exposure daily and we often track mold to other places as well.  Add in the fact that our HVAC systems bring in fresh air from the outside that contains mold spores and our homes all have mold spores present.  So many fly by night companies have opened up to provide mold testing services and then also offer mold remediation services for those mold spores found in your home or HVAC system. 

It takes a trained professional to differentiate between mold hazards and mold contamination.  This is why it is important to hire a Professional Engineer, Certified Industrial Hygienist or licensed Architect who has also taken a minimum of a one week mold investigation course to conduct your mold investigation.  These areas of licensure are governed by the state for their competence in their fields and each has an ethical code requiring they only give service in areas they have competence. 

Secondly the professional you hire should only provide consulting services so there is no appearance of a conflict of interest.  They can recommend remediation contractors and oversee them on your behalf, but only if they do not work for them and the contractor does not work for your consultant.  This was an addition to the SCDHEC regulations about asbestos and the clearance air monitor several years back and we hope if SC ever creates mold regulations that it will included there as well.

At HCE our mold investigator is also our moisture intrusion expert combining two areas needed to conduct a proper mold investigation.  Steven Hendrix, PE has over 15 years experience including contracting, engineering, and moisture investigations with an architecture firm.  His continuing education hours typically max out each year with the majority on mold and moisture issues.  He has the week long mold investigator course and passed the completion exam at the end.

Hendrix Consulting Engineers, Inc.

8 Sycamore Drive, Suite D

Greenville, SC 29607

Telephone 864-277-0222

Fax 864-277-5202

Toll Free 1-888-256-6370

email shendrix@hendrix-engineers.com