CPR Mold Assessment & Abatement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which EPA document provides guidance on mold remediation in schools and commercial buildings?
- EPA 402-K-01-001 'Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings' (Correct answer)
- EPA 747-K-99-001 'Protect Your Family From Lead'
- EPA 402-F-91-003 'Asbestos in Your Home'
- EPA 600-R-92-016 'Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings'
Correct answer: EPA 402-K-01-001 'Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings'
EPA 402-K-01-001 is the primary federal guidance document for mold remediation in schools and commercial buildings.
Question 2: A mold assessor finds visible mold on drywall but air sampling shows low spore counts. What is the most likely explanation?
- The mold colony is not actively releasing spores at the time of sampling (Correct answer)
- The laboratory made an error in the spore count
- Visible mold cannot be present when air counts are low
- The sampling pump was running too fast
Correct answer: The mold colony is not actively releasing spores at the time of sampling
Mold colonies release spores intermittently, so air sampling at a given moment may not reflect the visible contamination present.
Question 3: Under IICRC S520, what defines a 'Condition 3' mold environment?
- An indoor environment contaminated with the equivalent of an outdoor or an otherwise uninhabited space, with actual mold growth (Correct answer)
- Normal fungal ecology where no mold growth or amplification is present
- An indoor environment with settled spores but no active growth
- Any environment where mold is visible on surfaces
Correct answer: An indoor environment contaminated with the equivalent of an outdoor or an otherwise uninhabited space, with actual mold growth
IICRC S520 Condition 3 describes actual mold growth and contamination that requires full remediation protocols.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of negative air pressure during mold remediation?
- To prevent cross-contamination of spores to unaffected areas (Correct answer)
- To increase airflow and dry out wet materials faster
- To reduce humidity levels within the work area
- To comply with OSHA ventilation requirements
Correct answer: To prevent cross-contamination of spores to unaffected areas
Negative air pressure keeps airborne spores contained within the work area, preventing them from migrating to clean spaces.
Question 5: Which genus of mold is commonly associated with 'sick building syndrome' and often found on water-damaged cellulose materials?
- Stachybotrys chartarum (Correct answer)
- Cladosporium herbarum
- Alternaria alternata
- Penicillium chrysogenum
Correct answer: Stachybotrys chartarum
Stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes called 'black mold,' thrives on wet cellulose and is linked to adverse health effects in buildings.
Question 6: When collecting bulk samples for mold analysis, what is the correct container to use?
- A clean, sterile, resealable plastic bag or glass container (Correct answer)
- A paper bag to allow moisture to escape
- A paper towel wrapped in aluminum foil
- Any household zip-lock bag from the job site
Correct answer: A clean, sterile, resealable plastic bag or glass container
Sterile, resealable plastic bags or glass containers prevent cross-contamination and maintain sample integrity during transport.
Question 7: What does the term 'mycotoxin' refer to in the context of mold assessment?
- Toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain mold species (Correct answer)
- Enzymes that mold uses to digest cellulose materials
- Airborne mold spores that cause allergic reactions
- The outer cell wall protein of mold hyphae
Correct answer: Toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain mold species
Mycotoxins are chemical compounds produced by some molds that can be harmful to human health even after the mold is dead.
CPR Mold Assessment & Abatement 2
Which EPA document provides guidance on mold remediation in schools and commercial buildings?