figure 3). During other inspections, specific areas of the vessel are more likely to have areas of fungal contamination and should command special attention from the surveyor. These areas include bilges, the head, HVAC ductwork, closets, areas with fabric-covered contents or wall coverings, and small spaces such as storage cabinets (See figure 4).
Even with an understanding of how mold grows and where it is most commonly found on vessels, it can still be difficult to distinguish mold growth from diesel exhaust residue, grease smears, and general deposition of dust (See figure 5). Although the first step in identifying mold contamination during a marine survey is the visual assessment, documenting the presence of odors is also a key component of any investigation. Despite the myriad types of mold (and hundreds of identified volatile organic compounds that can be produced by growing mold depending on the fungal type and nutrient source), mold odors are unique enough that they are quickly identifiable by most people. Indeed, it is hard to describe mold scents without using the word ‘mold’ because the smells are so closely associated with damp spaces supporting fungal colonies. Fortunately, mold odors are strong enough that people identify them before the dangerous compounds produced from the mold growth reach levels that are considered dangerous from an occupational standpoint.
Even when the visual and olfactory assessment confirms mold growth or deposition of mold spores on surfaces from active colonies, sampling is still necessary. The individual spores are so small that they cannot be seen without magnification. Because of this, air or surface samples are frequently used to supplement visual inspections for mold. While there is a large variety of equipment and techniques that could be used to assist the marine surveyor, the simplest approach is to use a “bio-
74 | The Report • March 2020 • Issue 91
tape” to collect surface samples in suspect areas (See figure 6). Such samples can quickly be taken of suspected visual colonies to confirm actual mold growth or of dust on surfaces in adjacent areas to determine if mold spores have spread beyond the area of immediate growth.
Proper collection of samples must be matched with good documentation and proper analysis. However, the collection, documentation, and analysis are only useful to the client if proper interpretation of the results is offered. Currently, the mold investigation and remediation industry are polarized with people who are irrationally afraid of a single spore (sometimes referred
to as fungiphobics) on one side and mold minimizers on the other who disregard any contention that mold can be harmful. Obviously, the truth is in the middle of those two extremes. That is why it is important that marine surveyors rely on qualified professionals who know both the marine industry and mold remediation to help them interpret the results*.
Addressing Mold Contamination Getting your priorities straight is important for any endeavor. Marine surveyors who become knowledgeable about mold on vessels understand that the best approach can be summed up by a simple three-step mantra:
Figure 4
Figure 5
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