ACGIH
Starting out over 67 years ago, as, the National Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (NCGIH), this organization limited its membership to two representatives from each governmental industrial hygiene agency. In 1946, the organization became known as The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and opened up its membership to include all industrial hygiene personnel within the agencies, including all governmental and professional individuals in all countries. With over 4000 members, ACGIH is considered one of the primary respected organizations of the international industrial hygiene / occupational heath and safety industry. To purchase Fungal Contamination: A Manual for Investigation, Remediation and Control at the ACGIH bookstore, click on
http://www.acgih.org/store/ProductDetail.cfm?id=18177 .

ASHRAE
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), a 55,000 member international association that dates back to 1894, serves the HVAC engineering community by providing standards, research, publishing's, and continuing education. The membership of ASHRAE is made up largely of consulting engineers, scientists, contractors, manufacturers, and architects. ASHRAE is now including this premier manual in their bookstore offerings for their members and others. Although ASHRAE offers a large selection of materials through their bookstore, the vast majority of them are produced by ASHRAE. Independent author’s works are only allowed after a review that evaluates the quality of the work, it’s appropriateness to their membership, and content that is well supported by scientific knowledge. Fungal Contamination: A Manual for Investigation, Remediation and Control, by Holly Bailey has passed these tests and is now available through the ASHRAE bookstore,
http://resourcecenter.ashrae.org/store/ashrae/newstore.cgi?itemid=27309&view=item&page=1&lo~inid=5085254&priority=none&words=Fungal Contamination&method=and&t.

AmIAQ
In 1994, Charlie Wiles formed the Arizona Indoor Air Quality Council which, since being officially incorporated in 1998, is known as the American Indoor Air Quality Council (AmIAQ). In January 2006, AmIAQ, joined with IAQA and IESO to form a coalition of indoor air quality associations of over 5500 members. As the independent certifying body within the coalition, AmIAQ Council offers twelve certifications for IAQ practitioners. Offering varied ways to obtain the continuing education required for maintaining certifications, they have instituted a program of earning credit for reading approved publications and then taking an online exam regarding the contents of the book. A total of eight Certification Renewal Credits can be awarded through reading Fungal Contamination: A Manual for Investigation, Remediation and Control and then successfully completing two exams. The program can be reviewed at AmIAQ’s site http://www.iaqcouncil.org/CRCs/CRC-Texts.htm. Fungal Contamination: A Manual for Investigation, Remediation and Control can be purchased by directly calling AmIAQ.

BECi provides premier Indoor Air Quality, Building Science and HVAC testing, investigation and training services. From hot and humid climate zones to dry climates where building with moisture concerns exist, BECi provides quality diagnostic services and solutions to create healthy environments. BECi is located at 860 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 1, Jupiter, FL 33458; 561-733-1384; fax: 561-744-1454
 

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VETO of House Bill 315 means lack of standards remain for Home Inspectors, Mold Assessors and Remediators

Jupiter, Florida/July 12, 2005 - Mold inspectors, assessors and remediation contractors have multiplied as quickly and as widespread as the fungal spores that found abundant moist surfaces to feed upon following Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. Residents, business owners and building managers have turned to companies and individuals advertising their services to identify, assess and remediate mold problems resulting from the long, wet season. But what qualifies these businesses as experts in their respective fields?

To address this burgeoning issue and avoid potential abuses, House Bill 315, would have required contractors providing remediation services as well as those who test for mold to be trained and carry insurance policies that may not have been available by the intended effective date of the bill (Oct. 1, 2005). Governor Bush, vetoed the bill despite his clear support of its intentions which he expressed in his June 22, 2005 veto declaration, “I support efforts to protect the public from unscrupulous business practices and I believe providing strict standards for home inspectors, mold assessors, and mold remediators is warranted.” His veto was made due to his concern “that this bill will have unintended consequences, including putting some legitimate and responsible employees out of business.” Governor Bush’s support of the bill’s intentions was so strong however, that he directed the secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to work with the various parties involved to develop proposed legislation, and encouraged legislators to participate in this process “to find a solution that protects the public while providing a constructive business climate in which legitimate and responsible Florida businesses can compete.”

With no licensing or other requirements in place, Hollace S. Bailey, author of Fungal Contamination: A Manual For Assessment, Remediation & Control and President of Building Environment Consultants, Inc. in Jupiter, reminds consumers that they must stay diligent in assessing the qualifications of Home Inspectors, Mold Assessors or Remediation contractors that they may need the services of. Although many contractors and individuals may present credentials indicating a type of certification, a consumer must investigate the true meaning of these credentials. “In every trade or occupation, certification means that the public, as well as employers and others within the industry, can judge people’s ability to perform certain tasks or apply specific knowledge to specific problems.” Bailey also points out that presently the “certified” designation could simply mean that a person or business filled out an application, paid a fee and became a member or an association or business intity. “Or it could mean that a very stringent process has been completed, measuring the knowledge of the person and assuring that they have sufficient practical experience to complete a certain type of work,” adds Bailey.

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AS TROPICAL STORM ARLENE NEARS, BECi OFFERS FIVE WAYS TO PREVENT MOLD AFTER WATER DAMAGE

JUPITER, Florida/June 8, 2005 – After recent heavy rains, concerns about the presence and proliferation of mold is a major concern. What are the top five ways to prevent mold after heavy rains or hurricane damage? Hollace S. Bailey, President of Building Environment Consultants, Inc. in Jupiter, recommends the following five steps that should be taken to reduce the chance for mold to grow.

1. Dry-in the house as much as possible. Move any undamaged furniture and other items to a dry location.
    

2. Remove wet carpet, carpet pad or other wet porous materials, taking them outside the building.
    

3. If water is dripping from the ceiling, make a hole in the ceiling at that point with a screwdriver and put a bucket under it.
    

4. If walls or floor has been wet, remove baseboards on both sides of the wall.
    

5. Use dehumidifiers to dry things out within 2 days of the water damage starting. (remove drywall and other items that can not be dried in 2 days)

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Fungal Contamination: A Manual for Investigation, Remediation and Control was a big hit at the April 2005 Building Service Contractor's Association International tradeshow in Orlando

Click on pictures to enlarge.
  

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NEW BOOK REVEALS THE TRUTH ABOUT THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF MOLD

JUPITER, Florida/March 10, 2005 – Is mold toxic? Does the presence of mold in buildings cause flu-like symptoms? Does exposure to mold and fungi cause asthma? A rash of respiratory problems and other health concerns has focused the nation’s attention on issues of Indoor Air Quality. However, the presence of mold in indoor environments has plagued the nation with increasing frequency in the past three decades, causing an increase in “sick” buildings. But do these “sick” buildings cause illness in people?

The answers to these and many other questions can be found in the ultimate manual on mold, Fungal Contamination: A Manual For Investigation, Remediation & Control. The book, which costs $125 and will be available in May, has more than 20 chapters covering all aspects of mold, including mold detection, people’s reactions to the presence of mold in indoor environments, and removal methods. Text and procedures are backed up by reliable scientific sources and statistically accepted information.

In response to mold issues and the need for solutions, Hollace S. Bailey, PE, CIAQP, CIE, CMR, president of Building Environment Consultants, Inc. (BECi), a full-service building science and mechanical engineering consulting firm in business since 2002, recognized the need for a complete resource that would coalesce the information on the complicated issues of mold’s identification, isolation, removal, and prevention. Bailey has participated in the investigation of Indoor Air Quality building failures, often taking the lead in diverting costly litigation by proposing corrective plans to resolve design and construction issues. “Mold is particularly problematic in hot and humid climates,” says Bailey. “But is has been found in dry climates where buildings with moisture concerns exist as well.”

Fungal Contamination: A Manual For Investigation, Remediation & Control is written so that someone with a minimal scientific background can gain the knowledge and understanding needed to address mold assessment, remediation and prevention or control of mold. For those who wish to gain more in-depth understanding of specific topics, the book provides additional resources.

The first nine chapters provide the basics necessary to understand issues and processes related to mold and mold assessment. The remainder of the book consists of “HOW TO” chapters that focus on specific aspects or tasks. A system of symbols throughout the book helps the reader scan and focus on key points. The book is highly informative but easy to read, making it a valuable reference tool for the layperson as well as the professional.

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SURFING THE WEB FOR RELIEF FROM MOLD?
THE PREMIER MANUAL ON MOLD INVESTIGATION, REMEDIATION AND CONTROL NOW AVAILABLE

JUPITER, Florida/March 9, 2005 – The nation’s premier manual on mold investigation, remediation and control is now available on the Internet at www.becifl.com. The presence of mold in indoor environments has plagued the nation with increasing frequency. In response, Hollace S. Bailey, PE, CIAQP, CIE, CMR, president of Building Environment Consultants, Inc. (BECi), has written Fungal Contamination: A Manual For Investigation, Remediation & Control. The book, which costs $125 and will be available in May, has over 20 chapters covering all aspects of mold, including mold detection, people’s reactions to the presence of mold in indoor environments, and removal methods. Text and procedures are backed up by reliable scientific sources and statistically accepted information.

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LOCAL ENGINEER PUBLISHES THE PREMIER MANUAL ON MOLD AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY

JUPITER, Florida/March 3, 2005 – Local engineer Hollace S. Bailey, PE, CIAQP, CIE, CMR, president of Building Environment Consultants, Inc. (BECi), has written the ultimate manual on mold, Fungal Contamination: A Manual For Investigation, Remediation & Control. The book, which costs $125 and will be available in May, has over 20 chapters covering all aspects of mold, including mold detection, people’s reactions to the presence of mold in indoor environments, and removal methods.Text and procedures are backed up by reliable scientific sources and statistically accepted information.

Fungal Contamination: A Manual For Investigation, Remediation & Control is written so that someone with a minimal scientific background can gain the knowledge and understanding needed to address mold assessment, remediation and prevention or control of mold. For those who wish to gain more in-depth understanding of specific topics, the book provides additional resources.

The first nine chapters provide the basics necessary to understand issues and processes related to mold and mold assessment. The remainder of the book consists of “HOW TO” chapters that focus on specific aspects or tasks. A system of symbols throughout the book helps the reader scan and focus on key points. The book highly informative but easy to read, making it a valuable reference tool for the layperson as well
as the professional.

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PREMIER MOLD MANUAL TO BE RELEASED

JUPITER, Florida/February 28, 2005 – Excessive water damage from four hurricanes created ideal environments for the proliferation of mold in buildings throughout Florida, resulting in a rash of respiratory problems and other health concerns that has focused the nation’s attention on issues of Indoor Air Quality. But the presence of mold in indoor environments has plagued the nation with increasing frequency prior to this event.

In response to mold issues and the need for solutions, Hollace S. Bailey, PE, CIAQP, CIE, CMR, president of Building Environment Consultants, Inc. (BECi), has written the ultimate manual on mold, Fungal Contamination: A Manual For Investigation, Remediation & Control. The book, which costs $125 and will be available in May, has over 20 chapters covering all aspects of mold, including mold detection, people’s reactions to the presence of mold in indoor environments, and removal methods. Text and procedures are backed up by reliable scientific sources and statistically accepted information.

Fungal Contamination: A Manual For Investigation, Remediation & Control is written so that someone with a minimal scientific background can gain the knowledge and understanding needed to address mold assessment, remediation and prevention or control of mold. For those who wish to gain more in-depth understanding of specific opics, the book provides additional resources.