When to Search for Hidden Mold in Office Buildings

摘要

In January 1998, a major ice storm struck south- eastern Canada and the northeastern US, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power for days or weeks. The storm also caused extensive water damage to many buildings. Afterward, the administrators of an office building in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, hired consultants with expertise in microbial contamination and indoor environments from Group Natur'Air-Kiwatin to evaluate their building for possible microbial contamination. The Natur'Air-Kiwatin team included Claude Mainville, professional senior engineer and company president; Louis Gagnon, M.Sc., aerobiology; Robert Kelly, B. Sp., geography; and Alain Beaudet, junior engineer, mechanical engineering. For all laboratory testing, the team used the principal of an associate company, Marie-France Pinard, Ph.D., molecular biology, of Laboratoire Microvital. What Natur'Air-Kiwatin found is a textbook study in the need to investigate further when crucial evidence seems to warrant it, despite other evidence or circumstances that may weigh against additional probing. In this case study, the consultants also emphasize the importance of clearly explaining remediation recommendations and of providing clients with a straightforward, cost-effective remediation plan which protects the clients' and tenants' interests.