As a member of the RespirCare Analytical Associate Program, all work completed by 1st Discovery Environmental is completed under the analytical review supervision of the following Certifications:

AmIAQC certifications are accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB).

The RespirNet is a national network of independent professionals dedicated to practicing standards of excellence in their respective specialty fields related to Indoor Air Quality. 

RespirNet Associates:

  Practice their profession in strict compliance with standards and guidelines established by recognized industry trade groups, including the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO).

  Utilize only RespirNet authorized accredited laboratories.

  Subject all analytical data for review by a Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE), a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), a Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager (CIAQM) or other industry recognized certified professional.

  Maintain active memberships in professional indoor air quality industry trade groups.

CIEC Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant

Eligibility:

Applicants for the CIEC™ certification must demonstrate academic- and experience-related eligibility.

Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of eight (8) years education and relevant field experience:

• A 4-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (30 credit hours) in engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with a minimum of four (4) years of documented field experience conducting indoor air quality investigations.
• A 2-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with a minimum of six (6) years of documented field experience conducting indoor air quality investigations.
• No degree, with at least eight (8) years of documented field experience conducting indoor air quality investigations. (High school diploma or GED required.) Applicants must demonstrate experience in several areas of IAQ. Experience should include investigations, consulting and project management and/or report writing, and must come from at least three of the following five areas:
  • Lead/Asbestos
  • Microbial
  • IH/Chemicals/Toxicology
  • Building Sciences
  • IAQ/HVAC

The Required Skills:

A Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant™ (CIEC™) has demonstrated the following skills through a combination of documented experience, documented education and training and the successful completion of an examination process. IAQ Contaminants and Health Effects

• Apply scientific knowledge of indoor environmental contaminants and general knowledge of their potential health effects to the investigation of indoor environmental quality. The Built Environment
• Apply general knowledge of the design, construction and furnishing of the built environment to the investigation of indoor environmental quality.
• Understand common construction techniques and related technical drawings used in single family homes, multi-family residential buildings, commercial buildings and institutional facilities.
• Understand the sources, pathways and driving forces of condensation and humidity in indoor environments.
• Understand building materials and interior furniture and fixtures, their potential for offgassing and their ability to affect indoor environmental quality. HVAC Apply knowledge of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) principles, components and standards to the investigation of indoor environmental quality problems.
• Understand the HVAC system’s role in maintaining pressurization, ventilation and temperature of indoor environments, and its effects on indoor environmental quality.
• Understand diagnostic procedures used to evaluate HVAC systems including air test and balance, air filtration and static capability.

Equipment

• Apply knowledge of the basic principles of operation and limitations of instruments used to obtain objective indoor environmental quality measurements, and analyze and interpret correctly the data gathered during an environmental investigation. Guidelines, Regulations & Standards
• Apply knowledge of occupational standards related to the maintenance and improvement of indoor environmental quality. Remediation Develop, manage, document and verify the correction of an indoor environmental quality problem.
• Apply current standards and guidelines of care relevant to improving indoor environmental quality, including containment, worker protection and project verification.
• Prepare all documents related to the successful completion of a project, including report of findings, project specification, documentation of practices and procedures, and verification plan.
• Conduct visual assessments and employ appropriate testing procedures to qualify and quantify indoor environmental quality conditions both before and after work.

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CIE Council-certified Indoor Environmentalist

Eligibility: Applicants for the CIE™ certification must demonstrate academic- and experience-related eligibility. Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of two (2) years education and relevant field experience:

• A 2-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with a minimum of one (1) year of documented field experience conducting indoor air quality investigations.
• No degree, with at least two (2) years of documented field experience conducting indoor air quality investigations. (High school diploma or GED required.)

The Required Skills:

A Council-certified Indoor Environmentalist™ (CIE™) has demonstrated the following skills through a combination of documented experience, documented education and training and the successful completion of an examination process. IAQ Contaminants and Health Effects

• Apply scientific knowledge of indoor environmental contaminants and general knowledge of their potential health effects to the investigation of indoor environmental quality. The Built Environment
• Apply general knowledge of the design, construction and furnishing of the built environment to the investigation of indoor environmental quality.
• Understand common construction techniques and related technical drawings used in single family homes, multi-family residential buildings, commercial buildings and institutional facilities.
• Understand the sources, pathways and driving forces of condensation and humidity in indoor environments.
• Understand building materials and interior furniture and fixtures, their potential for offgassing and their ability to affect indoor environmental quality. HVAC
• Apply knowledge of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) principles, components and standards to the investigation of indoor environmental quality problems.
• Understand the HVAC system’s role in maintaining pressurization, ventilation and temperature of indoor environments, and its effects on indoor environmental quality.
• Understand diagnostic procedures used to evaluate HVAC systems including air test and balance, air filtration and static capability. Equipment
• Apply knowledge of the basic principles of operation and limitations of instruments used to obtain objective indoor environmental quality measurements, and analyze and interpret correctly the data gathered during an environmental investigation. Guidelines, Regulations & Standards
• Apply knowledge of occupational standards related to the maintenance and improvement of indoor environmental quality. Remediation Develop, manage, document and verify the correction of an indoor environmental quality problem.
• Apply current standards and guidelines of care relevant to improving indoor environmental quality, including containment, worker protection and project verification.
• Prepare all documents related to the successful completion of a project, including report of findings, project specification, documentation of practices and procedures, and verification plan.
• Conduct visual assessments and employ appropriate testing procedures to qualify and quantify indoor environmental quality conditions both before and after work.

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CMC Council-certified Microbial Consultant

Eligibility:

Applicants for the CMC™ certification must demonstrate academic- and experience-related eligibility.

• Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of eight (8) years education and relevant field experience:
  • A 4-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (30 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with a minimum of four (4) years of documented field experience in microbial sampling.
  • A 2-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with at least six (6) years documented experience in microbial sampling.
  • No degree with at least eight (8) years of consulting experience in microbial sampling. (high school diploma or GED required.)
• Applicants must demonstrate experience in designing and conducting microbial sampling regimens. Experience should come from the following three areas:
  • Building Sciences
  • Microbiology
  • Microbial Risk Analysis

The Required Skills:

A Council-certified Microbial Consultant™ (CMC™) has demonstrated the following skills through a combination of documented experience, documented education and training and the successful completion of an examination process.

1. Scientific knowledge of the morphology and ecology of specific biological agents
   • Bacteria
   • Fungi
   • Amebae
   • Viruses
   • Dust Mites
   • Endotoxins and other Bacterial cell-wall components
   • Fungal Toxins
   • ß-(1-3)-D-Glucans
   • Antigens
   • mVOCs
2. An understanding of the health effects and risks associated with bioaerosol exposure
3. The ability to conduct microbial investigations – including knowledge of the general principles governing their design and execution
4. The ability to design and execute appropriate microbial sampling regimens
   • The ability to design appropriate sampling strategies
   • An understanding of current sampling technologies and their proper use, including instrument calibration and limitations
   • The ability to follow effective protocols during the execution of a sampling regimen
5. The ability to analyze sampling data accurately
6. The ability to evaluate and interpret sampling data responsibly
7. The ability to execute or recommend appropriate prevention, control, and remediation measures in cases of microbial contamination indoors

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CMI Council-certified Microbial Investigator

Eligibility:

Applicants for the CMI™ certification must demonstrate academic- and experience-related eligibility.

• Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of education and relevant field experience:
• A 2-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with at least one (1) year documented experience in microbial sampling.
• No degree with at least two (2) years of consulting experience in microbial sampling. (high school diploma or GED required.)

The Required Skills:

A Council-certified Microbial Investigator™ (CMI™) has demonstrated the following skills through a combination of documented experience, documented education and training and the successful completion of an examination process.

1. Scientific knowledge of the morphology and ecology of specific biological agents
   • Bacteria
   • Fungi
   • Amebae
   • Viruses
   • Dust Mites
   • Endotoxins and other Bacterial cell-wall components
   • Fungal Toxins
   • ß-(1-3)-D-Glucans
   • Antigens
   • mVOCs
2. An understanding of the health effects and risks associated with bioaerosol exposure
3. The ability to conduct microbial investigations – including knowledge of the general principles governing their design and execution
4. The ability to design and execute appropriate microbial sampling regimens
   • The ability to design appropriate sampling strategies
   • An understanding of current sampling technologies and their proper use, including instrument calibration and limitations
   • The ability to follow effective protocols during the execution of a sampling regimen
5. The ability to analyze sampling data accurately
6. The ability to evaluate and interpret sampling data responsibly
7. The ability to execute or recommend appropriate prevention, control, and remediation measures in cases of microbial contamination indoors

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CRMI Council-certified Residential Mold Inspector

Eligibility:

Applicants for the CRMI™ certification must demonstrate academic- and experience-related
eligibility.

• Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of education and relevant field
  experience:
• A two-year science-related college degree or its equivalent (15 semester-hours of
  science) and one (1) year of verifiable field experience either as a home inspector or as
  a licensed pest control inspector, performing residential structural inspections for
  purposes of property transfer; or
• Two (2) years of verifiable field experience either as a home inspector or as a licensed
  pest control inspector, performing residential structural inspections for purposes of
  property transfer; or
• Another American IAQ Council certification in good standing.

The Required Skills:

Council-certified Residential Mold Inspectors™ (CRMIs™) have demonstrated their knowledge of
standard practices (as defined by the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization) relating to
the following skills:

1. The inspection of residential structures for mold colonization
   • An understanding of the principles governing the relationship between moisture
     intrusion and mold growth within the building envelope
   • An understanding of the scope and limitations of the inspector’s work in the
     assessment of residential structures for mold colonization
   • An understanding of the terminology associated with mold colonization
   • An understanding of the procedures for non-invasive inspection of residential
     structures for visible suspect conditions
   • An understanding of proper sampling protocols for residential mold inspections
   • An understanding of protocols for the interpretation of sampling data collected in
     residential mold inspections
   • An understanding of proper health and safety procedures associated with residential
     mold inspections
   • An understanding of the applicability and limitations of inspections conducted
     according to IESO Standard 2210
2. The evaluation of mold colonization on surfaces
   • An understanding of the scope and limitations of the inspector’s work in evaluating
     mold colonization
   • An understanding of the terminology associated with mold colonization
   • An understanding of proper sampling protocols for the evaluation of mold
     colonization
   • An understanding of basic data interpretation techniques for the comparison of
     suspect to non suspect areas
   • An understanding of the applicability and limitations of evaluations performed
     according to IESO Standard 2110
3. The collection of surface samples by means of clear adhesive tape or wetted swabs
   • An understanding of the terminology associated with the sampling process
   • An understanding of the equipment and supplies necessary to conduct each type of
     sample collection, and of the methods for calibration and operation of such
     equipment
   • An understanding of proper sampling protocols for the collection of surface samples
   • An understanding of the advantages and limitations of each collection method
4. The collection of air samples by means of cassette slide impactors or viable impactors
   • a. An understanding of the terminology associated with the sampling process
   • An understanding of the equipment and supplies necessary to conduct each type of
     sample collection, and of the methods for calibration and operation of such
     equipment
   • An understanding of proper sampling protocols for the collection of air samples
   • An understanding of the advantages and limitations of the each collection method
5. The collection of dust samples from carpeting and other surfaces by means of vacuum
   filtration devices
   • An understanding of the terminology associated with the sampling processb. An understanding of the equipment and supplies necessary to conduct each type of
     sample collection, and of the methods for calibration and operation of such
     equipment
   • An understanding of proper sampling protocols for the collection of dust samples
   • An understanding of the advantages and limitations of the collection method

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CMRS Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor

Eligibility:

Applicants for the CMRS™ certification must demonstrate academic- and experience-related eligibility.

• Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of five (5) years education and relevant field experience:
• A 4-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (30 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with a minimum of one (1) year of documented field experience in microbial remediation.
• A 2-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with at least three (3) years of documented experience in microbial remediation. No degree with at least 5 years of documented experience in microbial remediation. (high school diploma or GED required.)

The Required Skills:

A Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor™ (CMRS™) has demonstrated the following skills through a combination of documented experience, documented education and training and the successful completion of an examination process.

1. Understand the basic principles of microbial remediation as described in the listed knowledge base texts
2. Maintain familiarity with the equipment and supplies necessary to conduct a microbial remediation project, and with the methods for calibration and operation of such equipment. Assemble an interdisciplinary IAQ Management Team
3. Appreciate the safety hazards presented by microbial remediation projects, and follow the procedures necessary to protect building occupants and remediation workers from such hazards. Oversee an IAQ investigation
   • Follow safety regulations touching mold remediation
   • Employ safe work practices
   • Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriately
4. Recognize the legal and liability issues surrounding microbial remediation
5. Properly address water damage in the indoor environment
   • Follow effective loss mitigation procedures after a water incursion
   • Follow completion procedures designed to return the property to a pre-loss condition
6. Conduct microbial remediation projects according to appropriate specifications
   • Define the scope of work for a remediation project according to relevant guidelines
   • Maintain thorough project documentation throughout the remediation process
7. Perform structural remediation
   • Design and construct appropriate containment areas and other engineering controls to prevent cross contamination and to protect worker safety and health
   • Remove and dispose of damaged building materials when appropriate
   • Employ effective cleaning methods when appropriate
8. Perform HVAC remediation
   • Apply relevant guidelines to assess the status of the HVAC system
   • Evaluate the mechanical condition and adequacy of the HVAC system and recommend necessary adjustments
   • Employ effective cleaning methods when appropriate
9. Perform contents remediation Remove and dispose of damaged building contents when appropriate Employ effective cleaning methods when appropriate
10. Prepare for post-remediation verification
11. Conduct appropriate monitoring activities to verify remediation effectiveness
12. Apply internal quality control procedures to determine when remediation has been completed
13. Complete appropriate project documentation

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CMR Council-certified Microbial Remediator

Eligibility:

Applicants for the CMR™ certification must demonstrate academic- and experience-related eligibility.

• Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of education and relevant field experience:
• A 2-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with at least one (1) year of documented experience in microbial remediation.
• No degree with at least two (2) years of documented experience in microbial remediation. (high school diploma or GED required.)

The Required Skills:

A Council-certified Microbial Remediator™ (CMR™) has demonstrated the following skills through a combination of documented experience, documented education and training and the successful completion of an examination process.

1. Understand the basic principles of microbial remediation as described in the listed knowledge base texts
2. Maintain familiarity with the equipment and supplies necessary to conduct a microbial remediation project, and with the methods for calibration and operation of such equipment. Assemble an interdisciplinary IAQ Management Team
3. Appreciate the safety hazards presented by microbial remediation projects, and follow the procedures necessary to protect building occupants and remediation workers from such hazards. Oversee an IAQ investigation Follow safety regulations touching mold remediation Employ safe work practices Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriately
4. Recognize the legal and liability issues surrounding microbial remediation
5. Properly address water damage in the indoor environment
   • Follow effective loss mitigation procedures after a water incursion
   • Follow completion procedures designed to return the property to a pre-loss condition
6. Conduct microbial remediation projects according to appropriate specifications
   • Define the scope of work for a remediation project according to relevant guidelines
   • Maintain thorough project documentation throughout the remediation process
7. Perform structural remediation
   • Design and construct appropriate containment areas and other engineering controls to prevent cross contamination and to protect worker safety and health
   • Remove and dispose of damaged building materials when appropriate
   • Employ effective cleaning methods when appropriate
8. Perform HVAC remediation
   • Apply relevant guidelines to assess the status of the HVAC system
   • Evaluate the mechanical condition and adequacy of the HVAC system and recommend necessary adjustments
   • Employ effective cleaning methods when appropriate
9. Perform contents remediation Remove and dispose of damaged building contents when appropriate Employ effective cleaning methods when appropriate
10. Prepare for post-remediation verification
    • Conduct appropriate monitoring activities to verify remediation effectiveness
    • Apply internal quality control procedures to determine when remediation has been completed
    • Complete appropriate project documentation

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CIAQM Council-certified Indoor Air Quality Manager

Eligibility:

For a period of one year beginning August 1, 2007 (the “grandfather” period), individuals are eligible for the CIAQM™ certification who can attest to their employment in the fields of building or facilities management, property or asset management, risk management or corporate policy making. Additionally, applicants must posses at least a high school diploma or GED. As of August 1, 2008, applicants for the CIAQM™ certification must also demonstrate academicand experience-related eligibility.

• Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of education and relevant field experience:
• A two-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in microbiology, engineering, science, architecture, industrial hygiene or related field of science with a minimum of one (1) year of documented field experience in property management, risk management, asset management or corporate policy-making.
• No degree with at least two (2) years of documented experience in property management, risk management, asset management or corporate policy-making. (high school diploma or GED required.)

The Required Skills:

A Council-certified Indoor Air Quality Manager™ (CIAQM™) has demonstrated the following skills through a combination of documented experience, documented education and training and the successful completion of an examination process.

1. Understand the factors affecting Indoor Air Quality and the relationships between them
   • Consider the role of building occupants in affecting and being affected by indoor air quality
   • Comprehend the range of indoor air contaminants and their sources in the built environment
   • Confront the various transport mechanisms existing within the building envelope (including the HVAC system) and realize their impact on IAQ
2. Develop and Administer an IAQ Management Program
   • Assemble an interdisciplinary IAQ Management Team
   • Develop an IAQ Building Profile
   • Implement an IAQ Management Plan
     • Apply knowledge of guidelines, regulations and liabilities related to indoor air quality
     • Establish effective communication and documentation procedures
     • iEstablish effective facility maintenance and incident prevention procedures
3. Address IAQ problems effectively
   1. Oversee an IAQ investigation Conduct an initial walk-through investigation Collect and organize detailed information related to the problem iDetermine the need for sampling or the assistance of an indoor environmental professional
   2. Develop a remediation strategy
      1. Apply knowledge of guidelines and safety regulations relating to IAQ remediation
      2. Design an effective scope of work that may include any or all of the following activities:
         1. Develop project specifications
         2. Engineer containment systems
         3. Remove damaged material and debris
         4. Clean building structure and contents
         5. Conduct remediation of the HVAC system
   3. Determine the need for assistance from a remediation professional

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