CPR Microbial Remediation Protocols 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing mold remediation in a Type 3 containment, what is the minimum air change rate required per hour?
- 4 air changes per hour
- 6 air changes per hour
- 12 air changes per hour (Correct answer)
- 20 air changes per hour
Correct answer: 12 air changes per hour
IICRC S520 requires a minimum of 12 air changes per hour inside Type 3 containment to maintain negative pressure and control airborne spore dispersal.
Question 2: Which organism is commonly associated with 'black water' Category 3 water damage and poses the greatest microbial risk?
- Aspergillus niger
- Stachybotrys chartarum (Correct answer)
- Penicillium chrysogenum
- Cladosporium herbarum
Correct answer: Stachybotrys chartarum
Stachybotrys chartarum thrives in wet cellulose materials often present after Category 3 flooding and produces mycotoxins linked to serious health effects.
Question 3: A restorer discovers active mold growth behind a vinyl wall covering. Which initial step is most critical before removal?
- Apply a broad-spectrum biocide to the surface
- Establish containment to prevent cross-contamination (Correct answer)
- Photograph and document the affected area
- Notify the building owner verbally
Correct answer: Establish containment to prevent cross-contamination
Establishing containment before disturbing mold growth prevents spores from spreading to unaffected areas during the remediation process.
Question 4: What does the term 'normal fungal ecology' mean in the context of post-remediation verification?
- Zero detectable mold spores indoors
- Indoor spore types and counts similar to outdoor reference samples (Correct answer)
- No visible mold growth on any surface
- All surfaces test negative by ATP bioluminescence
Correct answer: Indoor spore types and counts similar to outdoor reference samples
Post-remediation clearance requires indoor air samples to reflect spore types and concentrations consistent with outdoor baseline conditions, not necessarily zero spores.
Question 5: Which PPE respirator class is the minimum required for handling Category 1 water damage with visible mold growth?
- N95 filtering facepiece respirator
- Half-face APF-10 respirator with P100 filters (Correct answer)
- Full-face APF-50 respirator with combination cartridges
- Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
Correct answer: Half-face APF-10 respirator with P100 filters
IICRC S520 recommends a minimum half-face APF-10 respirator with P100 particulate filters when visible mold is present, even in Category 1 situations.
Question 6: A restorer uses a HEPA vacuum prior to applying a biocide on a mold-contaminated surface. What is the primary reason for this sequence?
- To activate the biocide's antimicrobial properties
- To remove bulk organic material that could interfere with biocide efficacy (Correct answer)
- To spread mold spores evenly for uniform treatment
- To comply with EPA registration requirements
Correct answer: To remove bulk organic material that could interfere with biocide efficacy
Organic debris shields microorganisms from biocide contact, so vacuuming first ensures the disinfectant can reach and kill mold on the substrate surface.
Question 7: Which sampling method is best suited for identifying mold species on a specific material surface during remediation assessment?
- Spore trap air sampling
- Bulk tape lift sampling (Correct answer)
- Bulk culturable air sampling
- Passive settling plates
Correct answer: Bulk tape lift sampling
Tape lift sampling collects surface spores directly from a material, allowing laboratory identification of species present at that specific location.
CPR Microbial Remediation Protocols 2
When performing mold remediation in a Type 3 containment, what is the minimum air change rate required per hour?