It is well established that excess moisture leads to the amplification of molds and mildew. A broad range of health problems, including infections and toxic effects, have been described as being related to mold exposures. Exponent provides a team of qualified individuals that addresses the full spectrum of fungal problems in a coordinated manner.

Our services include:

• Identification of the nature and extent of microbial contamination
• Assessment of potential health problems related to fungal contamination
• Engineering analysis of indoor environment and construction-related causal factors
• Health risk communication for building occupants
• Intervention to address health concerns, including medical assessments of potentially affected parties
• Development of remediation strategies
• Remediation oversite

Our professional team includes:

• Architects
• Building Technology Specialists
• Civil/Structural Engineers
• Environmental Engineers
• Epidemiologists
• Industrial Hygienists
• Microbiologists
• Physicians
• Statisticians
• Toxicologists

Our multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers has conducted research in issues involving fungi in the indoor environment and stays abreast of scientific developments in this changing field. We address hazards associated with mold, which is a critical step in assessing risk, because the mere presence of microorganisms does not constitute a human health hazard.

The most common problems with buildings are associated with their fundamental roles: to keep the weather outside and provide a safe, comfortable environment inside. Weatherproofing and waterproofing failures have become more common with the ever-increasing complexity of building components and construction methods, as well as the trend toward ìtighterî buildings and single-barrier facades. Unwanted water that enters through the building envelope, including the roof system, walls, windows, and floor, can become trapped in the building. When combined with modern organic building components, such trapped water can cause biological growth and the possibility of microbial contamination of the indoor air.

Exponent addresses water intrusion, mold, and associated indoor air quality issues by investigating all aspects of the problem, from the construction or design condition that allows the water to intrude, to the resulting moisture levels of various building components, to the detection and identification of molds and fungi, to the health risks posed to humans by specific types and levels of microbial contaminants. Such a complete investigation requires seamless integration of the construction and medical professions, a service that only Exponent offers.

Exponent's Building Technology Specialists and Environmental Engineers have investigated the source and extent of water leakage into buildings of all sizes and types, ranging from large commercial structures to single-family homes. We have performed numerous investigations of roofing systems, curtain walls, facades, floor systems, windows, and construction sealants. We are frequently called upon to evaluate design and construction standard-of-care issues related to architectural system failures, and to develop reasonable remediation measures. In addition to identifying the leak source, our investigations often require that we track the moisture as it travels inside the building or wall cavities.

The higher moisture content of organic construction materials provides the opportunity for the establishment of fungal growth sites (or the amplification of fungi). Fungal growth can damage building materials or compromise occupant health by degrading the indoor air quality. An in-depth knowledge of the fungal ecology of indoor environments and attendant health effects is required to determine whether either of these outcomes has occurred. Exponent's environmental engineers, health scientists, industrial hygienists, physicians, and microbiologists combine their expertise to assess the risks to building occupants as a result of fungal growth.

Exponent's Health Scientists have expertise in a variety of health disciplines and use a multi-disciplinary approach to assist clients in solving problems associated with indoor air quality. Our industrial hygienists provide information on the levels of contamination, and our toxicologists assess the pathways and levels of exposure. Our medical doctors evaluate claims stemming from potential mold exposures and assess patients to determine whether their health has been affected. Exponent team members also specialize in communicating risk during face-to-face meetings with building occupants and owners, addressing uncertainties and putting the risk into realistic perspective.

To help clients provide a safe living and working environment, Exponent offers the full spectrum of expertise required to evaluate and remediate building leakage, fungal growth, and associated problems with indoor air quality.

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