1. Introduction

The NAMRI Mold Inspection Standards of Practice establish a minimum and uniform standard for performing mold inspections in residential and non residential buildings. These Standards define the scope, procedures, limitations, and documentation requirements for NAMRI certified mold inspectors. This SOP applies broadly to buildings of all types.

This Standard is adapted from the principles and practices of ASTM D7338, Standard Guide for Assessment of Fungal Growth in Buildings, and harmonized with relevant assessment concepts from ANSI/IICRC S520, Standard for Professional Mold Remediation. ASTM D7338 provides the foundational framework for mold assessment across all building types, while S520 provides terminology and condition classifications (Condition 1, 2, and 3) that support consistent communication between inspectors, Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEPs), and mold remediators.

2. Key Terms

AIHA Accredited Laboratory - A laboratory accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association for microbial analysis.
Air Sample - A sample collected using a pump and cassette to evaluate airborne mold spores.
Apparent Mold Growth - Visible discoloration or growth patterns consistent with microbial activity.
Area of Concern - Any location with moisture intrusion, water damage, musty odors, visible mold, or conditions conducive to mold growth.
Baseline Sample - An outdoor air sample collected for comparison with indoor samples.
Chain of Custody - Documentation tracking sample handling from collection through laboratory analysis, including sample number, location, date, time, and environmental conditions.
Client - The person who engages the inspector to perform a mold inspection.
Closed Building Conditions - Conditions required for accurate indoor air sampling, including closed windows and exterior doors and deactivated whole house fans.
Component - A part of a system.
Conditions Conducive to Mold Growth - Environmental or building conditions that support microbial amplification, including elevated moisture, humidity, or organic material.
Inspect - To visually examine accessible areas using non invasive methods.
Mold Inspection Agreement - A written agreement signed before the inspection that defines the scope, limitations, fee, inspection date and time, and property information.
Mold Inspection Report - A written report documenting suspected microbial growth, moisture intrusion, water damage, musty odors, conditions conducive to mold growth, areas not inspected and the reasons, and laboratory results when sampling is performed.
Moisture Intrusion - Unintended water entry into a building component or system.
Musty Odor - A damp, earthy smell commonly associated with microbial growth.
Readily Accessible - Available for visual inspection without moving personal property, stored items, insulation, furniture, floor or wall coverings, or performing destructive or unsafe actions.
Surface Sample - A swab or tape sample collected from a surface suspected of microbial growth.
System - A group of related components performing a function.
Unsafe - A condition posing a significant risk of injury or property damage during normal use.
Water Damage - Deterioration, staining, or material degradation caused by moisture intrusion.

3. Purpose

The purpose of a mold inspection is to identify and document:

• Apparent mold growth
• Moisture intrusion
• Water damage
• Musty odors
• Conditions conducive to mold growth
• Areas of concern requiring further investigation or remediation

The inspection provides information for the client and may support the development of a remediation protocol by an IEP or mold remediator.

4. Scope

These Standards apply to mold inspections in residential and non residential buildings, including homes, multi family dwellings, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, schools, and institutional structures.

The inspection includes:

• Visual examination of accessible areas
• Moisture detection using non invasive instruments
• Documentation of areas of concern
• Optional sampling when requested or justified
• Evaluation of building conditions relevant to fungal amplification

Inspectors shall perform mold inspections only within the limits of their training, experience, and equipment. Large, complex, or high risk environments may require additional qualifications or the involvement of an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP).

This SOP does not include:

• Destructive or invasive investigation
• Code compliance evaluation
• Environmental testing unrelated to mold
• Engineering analysis
• HVAC system disassembly
• Remediation activities

5. Limitations

A mold inspection is limited to:

• Conditions present at the time of the inspection
• Readily accessible areas
• Non invasive methods unless authorized
• The scope defined in the Mold Inspection Agreement

The inspection does not:

• Guarantee the absence of mold
• Identify hidden mold not revealed by non invasive methods
• Determine the cause of building defects beyond observable conditions
• Predict future mold growth
• Serve as a home inspection or code inspection

6. Standards of Practice

6.1 Visual Examination

The inspector shall:

• Examine accessible interior and exterior areas for signs of moisture intrusion, water damage, musty odors, and apparent mold growth.
• Document all Areas of Concern with descriptions and photographs.
• Identify building conditions conducive to mold growth.
• Note areas that were inaccessible and the reasons they were not inspected.

6.2 Moisture Detection

The inspector shall:

1. Use non invasive moisture meters or equivalent tools to evaluate moisture levels in building materials.
2. Document elevated moisture readings and associated conditions.
3. Identify potential moisture sources when observable.

6.3 Sampling (Optional)

• Sampling is not required. When performed, the inspector shall:
• Use appropriate sampling methods (air, surface, or other approved techniques).
• Collect a baseline outdoor sample when indoor air samples are taken.
• Maintain proper chain of custody.
• Use an AIHA accredited laboratory for analysis.
• Interpret results within the context of building conditions and ASTM D7338 principles.

6.4 Reporting

The inspector shall provide a written Mold Inspection Report that includes:

• Areas of Concern
• Apparent mold growth
• Moisture intrusion and water damage
• Musty odors
• Conditions conducive to mold growth
• Moisture readings
• Sampling results (if applicable)
• Limitations and inaccessible areas
• Recommendations for further evaluation or remediation when appropriate

7. Conflicts of Interest

The inspector shall:

• Disclose any financial or professional interests that may influence the inspection.
• Avoid offering remediation services on the same project without written disclosure.
• Avoid situations that compromise objectivity or create the appearance of impropriety.

8. Prohibited Practices

• Misrepresenting findings or qualifications
• Performing destructive investigation without authorization
• Guaranteeing that mold is absent or will not return
• Using sampling as a substitute for visual inspection
• Providing remediation cost estimates unless qualified and contracted separately

9. Safety and Compliance

The inspector shall:

• Follow applicable safety practices
• Avoid unsafe areas or conditions
• Comply with all relevant laws and regulations

10. Enforcement

Violations of this Standard may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings, required retraining, suspension, or revocation of NAMRI membership or credentials. NAMRI may initiate an investigation upon receiving a complaint or credible information suggesting non compliance. Members shall cooperate with NAMRI during any review or investigation.