RIA IICRC S520 Mold Remediation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under IICRC S520, which professional is qualified to perform post-remediation verification sampling and interpret results?
- The remediator who performed the work
- An independent Industrial Hygienist or qualified environmental professional (Correct answer)
- The building owner
- A general contractor with mold training
Correct answer: An independent Industrial Hygienist or qualified environmental professional
An independent IH or qualified environmental professional should conduct PRV to avoid conflicts of interest.
Question 2: According to IICRC S520, what moisture level (by weight) in wood is generally considered the upper limit to prevent mold growth?
- 5%
- 19% (Correct answer)
- 28%
- 35%
Correct answer: 19%
Wood moisture content should be kept below approximately 19% by weight to prevent mold growth.
Question 3: Which of the following sampling methods collects mold spores impacted onto a sticky surface for microscopic analysis?
- Bulk sampling
- Air-O-Cell cassette (volumetric air sampling)
- Tape lift sampling (Correct answer)
- Swab sampling
Correct answer: Tape lift sampling
Tape lift sampling collects surface spores on a transparent adhesive for direct microscopy.
Question 4: IICRC S520 recommends that workers performing mold remediation wear protective clothing primarily to:
- Comply with local building codes
- Prevent carrying mold spores out of the work area (Correct answer)
- Maintain a professional appearance
- Protect against chemical exposure only
Correct answer: Prevent carrying mold spores out of the work area
Protective clothing, including disposable suits, prevents workers from carrying spores on their clothes into clean areas.
Question 5: In IICRC S520 terminology, 'amplification' refers to:
- Increasing air pressure in a containment zone
- The growth of mold beyond its normal ecological role due to a moisture source (Correct answer)
- Amplifying sound to detect hidden moisture
- The process of culturing mold samples in a lab
Correct answer: The growth of mold beyond its normal ecological role due to a moisture source
Amplification is the abnormal proliferation of mold resulting from an uncontrolled moisture source in a building.
Question 6: Which substrate is considered semi-porous and may be cleaned and retained if mold contamination is limited under IICRC S520?
- Drywall with paper facing
- Concrete block or brick (Correct answer)
- Cellulose insulation
- Carpet padding
Correct answer: Concrete block or brick
Concrete and masonry are semi-porous and can often be HEPA-vacuumed and wire-brushed then cleaned if contamination is not extensive.
Question 7: IICRC S520 establishes that the root cause of mold growth must be corrected before or during remediation because:
- It is required by EPA regulation
- Without moisture control, mold will recur even after successful remediation (Correct answer)
- Insurance adjusters require it for coverage
- OSHA mandates source correction before any sampling
Correct answer: Without moisture control, mold will recur even after successful remediation
Without eliminating the moisture source, mold will return regardless of how thoroughly the existing growth is removed.
RIA IICRC S520 Mold Remediation 3
Under IICRC S520, which professional is qualified to perform post-remediation verification sampling and interpret results?