CMA Mold Inspection & Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When conducting a visual inspection in a building suspected of mold contamination, which area should a CMA prioritize examining first?
- Areas with the highest foot traffic
- Locations with past or current moisture intrusion (Correct answer)
- Rooms with the highest occupant complaints of odor
- Exterior walls regardless of moisture history
Correct answer: Locations with past or current moisture intrusion
Mold growth requires moisture, so areas with known or suspected water intrusion are the highest-priority zones during a visual inspection.
Question 2: A CMA notices a musty odor in a basement but no visible mold growth. What is the most appropriate next step?
- Conclude the inspection and report no mold found
- Use air sampling and cavity sampling to investigate hidden mold (Correct answer)
- Recommend immediate remediation without further testing
- Install a dehumidifier and recheck in 30 days
Correct answer: Use air sampling and cavity sampling to investigate hidden mold
A musty odor without visible growth strongly suggests hidden mold, warranting air and cavity sampling behind walls or under flooring.
Question 3: Which tool is MOST useful for locating hidden moisture within wall cavities without causing damage?
- Hygrometer
- Borescope
- Non-invasive infrared thermometer (Correct answer)
- Penetrating pin moisture meter
Correct answer: Non-invasive infrared thermometer
Infrared thermometers and thermal imaging cameras identify temperature differentials indicating moisture without penetrating surfaces.
Question 4: During a mold inspection, a CMA collects an outdoor air sample alongside indoor samples. What is the primary purpose of the outdoor sample?
- To satisfy regulatory reporting requirements
- To serve as a baseline for comparing indoor spore types and counts (Correct answer)
- To test for outdoor pesticide contamination
- To verify the sampling equipment is functioning correctly
Correct answer: To serve as a baseline for comparing indoor spore types and counts
Outdoor samples provide a baseline that allows the assessor to determine whether elevated indoor spore counts represent an indoor mold problem.
Question 5: What condition must be met before a CMA can declare a building's mold problem fully remediated?
- A licensed contractor has issued a completion certificate
- Post-remediation verification sampling shows spore counts within acceptable limits (Correct answer)
- All visible water staining has been painted over
- The occupants report no further odor complaints
Correct answer: Post-remediation verification sampling shows spore counts within acceptable limits
Post-remediation verification (clearance) sampling is required to confirm that spore levels have returned to acceptable conditions before re-occupancy.
Question 6: A CMA is inspecting a commercial HVAC system for mold. Which component is MOST likely to harbor amplified mold growth?
- Supply ductwork in dry office areas
- The air filter housing and drain pan (Correct answer)
- Exterior roof-mounted compressor
- Return grilles in hallways
Correct answer: The air filter housing and drain pan
The drain pan collects condensate, creating standing water, and the filter housing traps organic debris — both are prime mold amplification sites.
Question 7: Under Florida's mold assessment standards, a CMA must provide the client with which document before beginning mold-related work?
- A detailed remediation cost estimate
- A signed contract and disclosure of any conflict of interest with remediation companies (Correct answer)
- Proof of laboratory accreditation for all sampling
- A written guarantee of mold-free results
Correct answer: A signed contract and disclosure of any conflict of interest with remediation companies
Florida law requires assessors to provide a written contract and disclose any financial relationships with remediation contractors to prevent conflicts of interest.
CMA Mold Inspection & Procedures 2
When conducting a visual inspection in a building suspected of mold contamination, which area should a CMA prioritize examining first?