Mold can grow inside a home or business when excessive warm, moist conditions are present for an extended period of time. The problem can originate from leaky roofs, windows, pipes, flooding or from moist air condensing on cool surfaces, and is most common in areas of high humidity such as basements or showers. To aid cleaning professionals in providing the highest quality of service when faced with the task of mold removal, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has published ANSI/IICRC S520-2008, Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation.
ANSI/IICRC S520-2008, an update to the 2003 edition, is a procedural standard that incorporates the latest techniques and technology for the remediation of damage caused by mold. The recently released American National Standard is based on reliable remediation and restoration principles, research and practical experience, and attempts to combine essential academic principles with practical elements of water damage restoration for technicians facing mold remediation challenges. ANSI/IICRC S520-2008 is the result of collaboration among scientists, public health professionals, industrial hygienists, remediation contractors, restoration service companies, cleaning and restoration training schools, trade associations that service the professional restoration industry, allied trade-persons, and others with related professional and practical experience.
IICRC is an ANSI-accredited standards developer and organizational member that publishes standards and acts as a certifying body for the flooring inspection, floor covering and specialized fabric cleaning and disaster restoration industries. The IICRC represents more than 4,600 certified firms and more than 46,000 certified technicians in 30 countries.