White Papers

DDRS White Papers

White Papers written by DDRS staff

White Papers include background / introductory information put together by DDRS staff. Reproduction is permitted. (They are public domain.) A White Paper is an authoritative report or guide to define specific issues and may or may not provide recommendations on solutions.

The term ‘White Paper’ originated when government papers were coded by color to indicate distribution, with white designating public access. White papers are used in government and business, as well as in technical fields, to educate readers and help people make informed decisions.

White Paper
Catalogue

Indoor Air Quality: Health Effects of Airborne Mold & How Mold Is Measured

This White Paper provides introductory background information suitable for both consumers and new professionals on the: 

  • Health effects of mold;
  • How mold is measured on surfaces and in the air;
  • The relationship between AC & Ducting to hidden mold and irritation;
  • Cautions about duct cleaning and AC contractors.
 
This White Paper provides introductory background information suitable for both consumers and new professionals on the risk of Structural or In-Place Drying. Reviews:
 
  • IICRC S500-2015 Water Damage Restoration Guidelines;
  • Who can properly assess water damage;
  • IICRC Category and Class of Water;
  • The use of Air Movers and Dehumidification in Restorative Drying;
  • Dangers of High Temperature drying.

EPA vs IICRC: Mold Assessment & Remediation

While there is some commonality between EPA [EPA/CDC/OSHA/ FEMA/HUD — Federal Guidelines] and IICRC mold remediation guidance, they are in many respects quite different, and in some cases polar opposites, as to how mold is both assessed and remediated.
 
Mold Assessment & Remediation: EPA vs IICRC is not simply a list of what is included in EPA and S520 mold guidance. Rather, we highlight major differences between the two guidelines and offer perspective as to why one or the other may be a better choice for mold professionals with special application to Florida’s Mold Laws. As well, we point out several significant inconsistencies found in IICRC S520-2015.
 
There are numerous federal agencies that base their mold remediation recommendations on the EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings including the CDC, OSHA, FEMA and HUD.
 
The focus of mold assessment in the EPA document is limited to visual methods, moisture measurements, and odor. Sampling / testing, they say, should be left to experienced professionals. What guidelines are available from the federal government for these “experienced professionals” to use when an assessment needs to extend beyond the visual?
 
For federal guidance on mold assessment procedures, we can look to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Healthy Homes Issues: Mold Nov 2011, which provides a thorough literature review of the scientific basis for mold sampling / testing as of November 2011.
 

Anatomy of a Water Damage Inspection Fully IICRC-Compliant

Improper / wrongful water damage insurance claim denials are usually based on an insurance carrier classifying any new water damage as long-term / constant / repeated / continuous damage:

  • Without any scientific basis (without running any tests for example)
  • Without complying with industry standard water damage inspection procedures.
  • Without performing the inspection immediately after the water release / intrusion (and oftentimes, months or years after the water release / intrusion).

This White Paper highlights from a technical perspective what an inspector needs to know and do to perform an industry compliant initial water damage inspection for the purpose of countering a carrier’s improper / wrongful water damage denial.