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

Dataloggers record temperature and RH at set intervals over hours or days, capturing daily fluctuations and peak conditions that a one-time snapshot measurement would miss.

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 is a lung irritant at the concentrations used for mold treatment; spaces must be completely ventilated back to safe levels (≤0.1 ppm) before re-entry, which assessors must verify before conducting post-treatment inspections.

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

IICRC S520 and EPA guidance recommend at minimum a half-face air-purifying respirator with P100 particulate filters for assessors entering areas with extensive mold growth.

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

Reusable sampling tools must be decontaminated with 70% isopropyl alcohol or a 10% bleach solution between samples to prevent cross-contamination of results.

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 field blank is an unopened cassette that travels to the site and back to the lab without air being drawn through it; if the lab finds spores on it, the results indicate handling or transport contamination.

(CMA) Certified Mold Assessor Practice Test

(CMA) Certified Mold Assessor Practice Test

CMA CMA Equipment & Tools 3