CMA CMA Equipment & Tools 3

Question 1

What does a relative humidity and temperature datalogger provide that a single-point hygrometer reading cannot?

Accepted Answer

A continuous record of conditions over time, revealing humidity fluctuations and peak levels

Answer

More accurate instantaneous readings

Answer

Direct measurement of surface moisture content

Answer

Real-time wireless transmission of readings to a laboratory

Question 2

What is the primary safety concern associated with using an ozone generator during mold treatment, and how does this affect an assessor's protocol?

Accepted Answer

High ozone concentrations are harmful to humans; assessors should not enter ozone-treated spaces until fully ventilated

Answer

Ozone generators create explosion risk; assessors must verify fire suppression is active

Answer

Ozone destroys mold sampling cassettes; assessors must remove all sampling equipment before use

Answer

Ozone interferes with moisture meter readings; assessors must re-test surfaces after treatment

Question 3

What type of respiratory protection is the minimum recommended for a mold assessor entering a space with extensive (>100 sq ft) visible mold growth?

Accepted Answer

Half-face respirator with N95 or P100 particulate filter cartridges

Answer

Dust mask (N95) only

Answer

Full-face respirator with combination HEPA and organic vapor cartridges

Answer

No respiratory protection required for assessors who are not doing remediation

Question 4

What is the correct procedure for decontaminating reusable sampling equipment (e.g., forceps, spatulas) between samples?

Accepted Answer

Clean with 70% isopropyl alcohol or 10% bleach solution and allow to dry between samples

Answer

Wipe with a dry cloth between samples

Answer

Use the same tool for all samples to maintain consistency

Answer

Decontamination is only required for equipment that contacted visible mold

Question 5

What is a 'field blank' sample, and why is it used in mold air sampling quality control?

Accepted Answer

A blank cassette shipped to the lab without air being drawn through it, to detect laboratory contamination or handling contamination

Answer

A sample collected outdoors with no mold present, used as a negative control

Answer

A duplicate sample collected simultaneously at the same location for laboratory QC

Answer

A sample collected after HVAC shutdown to establish a baseline before disturbance

Question 6

What is the recommended approach when a moisture meter reading on drywall is in the 'wet' range but no visible mold or staining is apparent?

Accepted Answer

Investigate further with invasive exploration (probe holes, borescope) to determine if concealed mold or moisture damage is present

Answer

Dismiss the reading as a meter error and move on

Answer

Report only what is visually confirmed — moisture readings alone do not require documentation

Answer

Immediately notify the property owner of confirmed mold without further investigation