I-ENG-A® OF ORANGE COUNTY

Professional Forensic Engineering

Microbial Origin and Cause

The investigative procedure generally consists of the following:

• Develop understanding of problem and history
• General walk around and then focused investigation
• Obtain information on all building materials and code requirements in area of loss (i.e., type of materials, age, type of insulation, type of HVAC system)
• Building science and HVAC specialties
• Document environmental conditions within structure
• Perform moisture mapping and document fungal patterns
• Conduct environmental sampling
• Develop sketch of building footprint and document all evidence discovered
• Eliminate sources of causes of fungal conditions
• Connect the dots and arrive at Origin and Cause opinion

Preparing to enter crawlspace for inspection.
Typically a dust mask is worn instead of a full face respirator.