In this conversation, Reuben and Tessa discuss their professional mentors and influencers. Reuben talks about his dad, who taught him construction and home inspections, and Dwayne Erickson, a colleague who taught him to be curious and observant. Tessa mentions Pat Hellman, a building science expert who taught her about risk assessment and influenced her approach to thinking through problems. They also mention Jack Pixley, a chimney professional who taught them the importance of improving the industry as a whole. They express gratitude for their mentors' knowledge and support. In this conversation, Tessa and Reuben discuss the mentors and influencers who have had a significant impact on their professional lives. They share stories of individuals who have taught them valuable skills, provided guidance, and inspired them to excel in their respective fields. From experienced home inspectors to building science experts, these mentors have shaped their knowledge and expertise. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship and the role it plays in personal and professional growth.

Takeaways

Having mentors and influencers in your professional life can greatly impact your growth and success.
Mentors can teach you technical skills as well as important qualities like curiosity and communication.
Improving the industry as a whole benefits everyone and fosters a sense of collaboration and support.
Expressing gratitude and acknowledging the influence of mentors is important for personal and professional development. Mentors and influencers play a crucial role in shaping our professional lives and helping us grow.
Having mentors who are experienced and knowledgeable in our field can provide valuable guidance and teach us important skills.
Mentorship can come from various sources, including colleagues, industry experts, and even online communities.
Mentors can inspire us to excel and push us to reach our full potential.
Expressing gratitude and acknowledging the impact of our mentors is important.
Mentorship is a two-way street, and it's important to give back and mentor others as well.

In this today’s episode, Reuben and Tessa are joined by Eric Larsen to discuss mold testing and inspection. They cover topics such as national standards and credentials for mold inspection, the importance of certifications, the different types of mold tests, and the limitations of mold testing. They also touch on the value of air sampling, surface sampling, viable spore sampling, and ATP testing. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the various methods and considerations involved in mold testing and inspection. In this conversation, Eric and Tessa discuss the interpretation of mold test results. They highlight that not all mold inspectors interpret the results, it is recommended to look at reference samples and consider the conditions in the room to determine if it is related to indoor mold. They also discuss the lack of federal or state guidelines for elevated mold levels and the variation in what is considered elevated based on individual circumstances. The most concerning types of mold mentioned are Stachybotrys, Ketotium, and the Aspergillus Penicillium grouping. Eric shares some interesting mold investigation stories, and they emphasize the importance of finding a qualified professional to diagnose and resolve mold issues.

Takeaways

Mold testing and inspection do not have national standards or required credentials, but certifications can provide credibility and expertise.
Air sampling is a common and reliable method to determine mold exposure and can be used to compare indoor and outdoor air quality.
Surface sampling can provide additional information about the types of mold present and can be useful for targeted remediation.
Viable spore sampling and ATP testing are less common methods that offer a more detailed analysis of mold species and instant results, respectively.
Mold testing has limitations, and it is important to consider other signs and indicators of mold issues when interpreting test results. Not all mold inspectors interpret the results of mold tests, but it is recommended to consider reference samples and the conditions in the room to determine if it is related to indoor mold.
There are no federal or state guidelines for elevated mold levels, and what is considered elevated can vary based on individual circumstances.
The most concerning types of mold are Stachybotrys, Ketotium, and the Aspergillus
Penicillium grouping.
It is important to find a qualified professional to diagnose and resolve mold issues, and to be aware of potential conflicts of interest in the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:15 National Standards and Certifications
08:13 The Importance of Certifications
11:01 Quality and Variability in Mold Testing
14:26 The Role of Lab Technicians
22:30 Costs and Profit Margins in Mold Testing
26:34 Surface Sampling and Interpretation
30:37 Viable Spore Sampling and ATP Testing
31:05 Interpreting Mold Test Results
39:01 Understanding Elevated Mold Levels
44:49 The Most Concerning Types of Mold
48:20 Interesting Mold Investigation Stories
53:38 Finding a Qualified Professional for Mold Issues

In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry are joined by Eric Larson and Jaden Jaloon to discuss the impact of mold on homeowners. Jaden shares his personal experience of discovering mold in his newly built home and the health issues it caused for him and his wife. They discuss the importance of mold testing and remediation, as well as the genetic factors that can make some individuals more susceptible to mold toxicity. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and education about mold and its potential health effects. The conversation explores the topic of mold testing and inspections in homes. Jaden shares his personal experience with mold-related health issues and the challenges he faced in identifying the problem. The discussion covers different types of mold tests, including urine mycotoxin tests and blood tests for mycotoxin antibodies. The importance of comprehensive mold inspections, including evaluating moisture intrusion and humidity levels, is highlighted. The conversation also emphasizes the need for increased awareness and testing for mold in homes.

Takeaways

Mold can have serious health effects and should be taken seriously
Mold testing and remediation are crucial for maintaining a healthy home
Some individuals may be more genetically susceptible to mold toxicity
Awareness and education about mold are important for homeowners Mold-related
health issues can be difficult to diagnose and often go unnoticed.
Common mold tests include urine mycotoxin tests and blood tests for mycotoxin antibodies.
Comprehensive mold inspections are essential, including evaluating moisture intrusion and humidity levels.
The ERMI test is recommended for screening houses for mold.
Increased awareness and testing for mold in homes is crucial.

Chapters

00:00 Introductions and Background
07:55 Mold Testing and Results
15:22 Treatment and Recovery
32:19 The benefits of offering mold testing
38:44 The comprehensive nature of mold inspections