New Orleans Fire Station #7: Leaaf’s Indoor Air Quality Division conducted a mold survey at the New Orleans Fire Station #7 consisting of air quality sampling, swab sampling, and moisture probe testing. Five mold air samples were collected from inside and outside the building and three mold swab samples were collected from areas of concern. In addition, Leaaf utilized a moisture meter to determine if moisture levels from building materials were above manufacturer’s recommended levels. Leaaf recommended that the airborne and surface mold detected within the living/dining areas and kitchen area were properly addressed and abated by a licensed mold abatement contractor. Based on the finding of the moisture survey, Leaaf recommended that the bottom two feet of sheet rock be removed and replaced in the locations where moisture reading were above 1.0%. The surface mold detected on the windowsill in the office was likely caused by condensation on the window and dust. The combination of the moisture and the dust provided conditions needed to generate mold growth. Regular housekeeping was recommended to eliminate sources of dust.
Following mold abatement activities conducted by an independent third-party contractor, Leaaf conducted a mold clearance consisting of air quality sampling. The air quality survey did not identify mold spores significantly different than what someone would be exposed to outside. Leaaf concluded that the remediation action undertaken by the third-party contractor was successful and no additional remedial action was required at that time.
