An excerpt from the CLEANFAX article:
The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI) revealed that Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, senior director with ISSA, accepted an invitation from chair of the NORMI Medical Advisory Board to join the panel.
The group was formed to bring clinical expertise into assessment and remediation standards, particularly for sensitized and vulnerable populations.
An excerpt from Doug’s CLEANFAX article:
Water-damaged buildings are more common than most people realize. And when water damages buildings—whether from leaks, flooding, or humidity—mold and bacteria can grow. These microbes release harmful byproducts such as mycotoxins, beta-glucans, and actinobacteria, which can become airborne and spread far beyond the area that initially got wet.
For people with mold sensitivities, chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), asthma, or weakened immune systems, even low levels of these contaminants can trigger serious health issues.
Traditional remediation methods often focus only on the visibly damaged areas, ignoring contamination that has spread through the air or into other parts of the building. That’s where NORMI™ comes in—offering new approaches based on the latest science and supported by medical professionals.
[Abita Springs, LA] — The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) proudly announces the formation of its Medical Advisory Board, chaired by renowned environmental health expert Dr. Andrew Heyman, MD. This initiative represents a major milestone in aligning remediation practices with medical science—giving indoor air quality (IAQ) professionals, mold remediators, and water damage restoration specialists the tools to deliver safer, more effective outcomes for clients affected by mold-related illness.
The Medical Advisory Board will help refine NORMI’s training programs and enhance industry best practices—particularly through validation of the Level Four Protocol, the foundation of the NORMI Certified Remediation for Sensitized Individuals (NCRSI™) credential.
For years, remediation teams have faced a common challenge: the home or building is “cleaned,” but the client still experiences symptoms. The problem? Most protocols aren’t designed with environmentally sensitized, chemically sensitive, or immune-compromised individuals in mind.
The Level Four Protocol, now endorsed by top environmental medicine professionals, fills that gap—empowering contractors to:
“Too often, our members fix the building, but the people inside stay sick. With this collaboration, we now have a protocol that speaks to both sides of the equation,”
— Doug Hoffman, Executive Director, NORMI™
The Medical Advisory Board, chaired by Dr. Heyman, includes leading figures in functional medicine, neuropsychiatry, and pharmacology who understand the health consequences of poor indoor environments:
“This collaboration is long overdue,” said Dr. Heyman.
“Patients are being treated for mold-related illnesses while still exposed to the source. The Level Four Protocol finally gives remediation professionals a clear path forward. The NORMI™ Medical Advisory Board has reviewed the NORMI™ level 4 protocol and validates it as implemented by the NORMI™ trademarked NCRSI (Certified Remediation for Sensitized Individuals) professional, as medically sound remediation and offers a superior alternative to the industry standard which often fails the needs of sensitized patients.”
The NORMI Level Four Protocol was officially reviewed and endorsed by the Medical Advisory Board as the most effective remediation model for sensitized individuals. It is fully aligned with IICRC S-520 and provides a step-by-step framework for assessing and remediating complex indoor environments.
Professionals who earn the NCRSI™ credential through NORMI training are now equipped with a clinically validated process that enhances credibility and improves outcomes.
Certified professionals are featured in the NORMI Pro Locator at www.NORMIPro.com, giving consumers and physicians direct access to IAQ and remediation experts trained to handle the toughest environmental health cases.
“Doctors want to refer their patients to someone they trust. Now, with medically backed training and credentialing, our members can confidently serve that need,”
— Doug Hoffman
Professionals interested in learning more about the NCRSI™ Protocol, or becoming a certified provider, can visit:
Founded in 2004, the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) is a leading certifying body for indoor air quality, mold assessment, and microbial remediation professionals. NORMI™ is committed to advancing safe, science-based solutions that restore the health of buildings—and the people inside them.
[Abita Springs, LA] — The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) has announced the creation of its Medical Advisory Board, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing protocols used in mold assessment and remediation—especially in housing environments occupied by military personnel and their families.
The board is led by Dr. Andrew Heyman, MD, an expert in environmental medicine and mold-related illness. This initiative will directly support health-driven indoor air quality (IAQ) strategies across both on-base and privatized off-base housing, where persistent mold and water damage issues have impacted service member readiness, health, and morale.
Mold-related illnesses and poor indoor air quality have become a growing concern across various Department of Defense (DoD) housing portfolios. The NORMI Medical Advisory Board, which includes nationally recognized medical professionals, is working to align the remediation industry with healthcare-informed practices—ensuring that mold issues are not only removed but remediated to a health-protective standard.
NORMI’s flagship solution, the Level Four Protocol, is already being taught nationwide. It is now formally endorsed by the board as the leading process for restoring indoor environments—particularly for sensitive individuals suffering from conditions such as asthma, allergies, inflammation, and other mold-related illnesses.
“Environmental illness among our military families is a national readiness issue,” says Dr. Heyman, Medical Director of Integrative Medicine at The George Washington University.
“We cannot ask service members to deploy while their families are falling ill in their own homes. Patients are being treated for mold-related illnesses while still exposed to the source. The Level Four Protocol finally gives remediation professionals a clear path forward. The NORMI™ Medical Advisory Board has reviewed the NORMI™ level 4 protocol and validates it as implemented by the NORMI™ trademarked NCRSI™(Certified Remediation for Sensitized Individuals) professional, as medically sound remediation and offers a superior alternative to the industry standard which often fails the needs of sensitized patients.”
The NORMI Medical Advisory Board includes:
Together, they are bridging the gap between remediation professionals and healthcare providers to ensure that homes are not just visibly clean, but biologically safe.
NORMI’s Level Four Protocol adheres to the IICRC S-520 Standard of Care while going several steps further. It provides a roadmap for:
This approach is ideal for military families with young children, elderly dependents, or service members with pre-existing health vulnerabilities.
The NORMI Pro Locator offers a reliable way for military housing providers and DoD contractors to find certified, vetted professionals trained in health-based remediation.
NORMI is prepared to support DOD-wide implementation of safer, smarter remediation strategies—from initial IAQ assessments to post-remediation verification.
The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) provides training, certification, and ongoing support to IAQ and mold remediation professionals. Through innovative protocols, medical collaboration, and a national registry of trained experts, NORMI is leading the charge in environmental health and housing safety.
Learn more at:
www.NORMI.org
www.NORMIPro.com
[Abita Springs, LA] — The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) has announced the formation of a new Medical Advisory Board, chaired by leading environmental illness expert Dr. Andrew Heyman, MD. This strategic initiative is designed to refine and strengthen remediation protocols, particularly for facilities serving individuals with mold sensitivities and other environmentally triggered health conditions.
For hotels, resorts, hospitals, and care facilities that host chemically sensitive or immunocompromised guests, the risk of mold exposure and indoor environmental contaminants is a growing liability. NORMI’s new Medical Advisory Board directly addresses this challenge by integrating medical insight into remediation practices. At the heart of this initiative is NORMI’s Level Four Protocol, the foundation of the NORMI Certified Remediation for Sensitized Individuals (NCRSI™) credential—now endorsed by some of the top clinical minds in the country.
This enhanced protocol equips certified professionals to effectively assess, sanitize, and remediate indoor environments for those suffering from:
Under the leadership of Dr. Heyman—Medical Director of Integrative Medicine at The George Washington University—the Advisory Board includes experts from integrative medicine, pharmacy, and neuropsychiatry:
“Too often, we treat patients with mold-related illness while they continue living or working in the very environments that are making them sick,” said Dr. Heyman. “This collaboration with NORMI represents a critical step forward in breaking that cycle and protecting vulnerable populations. Patients are being treated for mold-related illnesses while still exposed to the source. The Level Four Protocol finally gives remediation professionals a clear path forward. The NORMI™ Medical Advisory Board has reviewed the NORMI™ level 4 protocol and validates it as implemented by the NORMI™ trademarked NCRSI™(Certified Remediation for Sensitized Individuals) professional, as medically sound remediation and offers a superior alternative to the industry standard which often fails the needs of sensitized patients.”
The Advisory Board has unanimously endorsed NORMI’s Level Four Protocol as the most comprehensive approach for managing mold in sensitive environments. Already aligned with the IICRC S-520 Standard of Care, this protocol is being adopted nationwide as the emerging gold standard in the remediation of high-risk properties.
Doug Hoffman, Executive Director of NORMI™, emphasized the significance for facility managers:
“Facilities maintenance teams now have direct access to professionals certified to deal with the most complex mold issues. Through our NORMIPro Locator at www.NORMIPro.com, property managers and owners can easily connect with trained experts who understand both the science of remediation and the needs of sensitized guests. It’s a win-win for the industry and public health.”
With increasing legal and reputational risks associated with mold and indoor air quality issues, aligning with NORMI-certified professionals gives properties a competitive and compliant edge—especially when serving guests with health sensitivities or long-term care needs.
To learn more about the NCRSI™ Assessment/Remediation Protocol or to locate a certified professional, visit:
The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) is a recognized leader in mold remediation, indoor air quality training, and certification. Through its accredited programs, NORMI™ ensures its members uphold the highest standards of environmental health and safety.
[Abita Springs, LA] — In response to growing concerns over student health in dormitories and campus housing, the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) has announced the formation of a Medical Advisory Board, led by nationally recognized mold-related illness expert Dr. Andrew Heyman, MD. This effort aims to bring clinically informed, science-based solutions to the environmental health challenges increasingly reported in university settings.
The board will support and validate NORMI’s Level Four Protocol, a specialized assessment and remediation process designed for individuals who are more sensitive to mold, allergens, and environmental toxins—exactly the kinds of issues reported by students in older or high-humidity dorm buildings.
Students reporting headaches, asthma flare-ups, musty odors, sinus issues, and general fatigue often bring concerns to dorm parents, professors, or health services staff—but without clear answers or action paths. NORMI’s medically backed protocol now gives universities a way to:
“Many students living in dorms are being exposed to environmental contaminants that affect their ability to concentrate, sleep, or even breathe,”
— Doug Hoffman, Executive Director, NORMI™
“This partnership finally gives administrators a proven, medically endorsed playbook to address the problem.”
The newly formed NORMI™ Medical Advisory Board includes specialists in environmental medicine, respiratory health, pharmacy, and neuropsychiatry—each contributing insight into how mold and toxins affect cognitive and physical health, especially in younger populations living in close quarters.
Board Members Include:
“We’re seeing an alarming rise in health issues linked to dormitory mold and poor ventilation,”
— Dr. Heyman
“It’s not enough to ventilate or paint over a problem. Universities need a remediation model that protects health—and this is it. Patients are being treated for mold-related illnesses while still exposed to the source. The Level Four Protocol finally gives remediation professionals a clear path forward. The NORMI™ Medical Advisory Board has reviewed the NORMI™ level 4 protocol and validates it as implemented by the NORMI™ trademarked NCRSI™(Certified Remediation for Sensitized Individuals) professional, as medically sound remediation and offers a superior alternative to the industry standard which often fails the needs of sensitized patients.”
The Level Four Protocol—already adopted across residential, commercial, and healthcare environments—is now being introduced to campus housing teams. Certified professionals assess air quality, contamination sources, and biological triggers, then apply decontamination techniques tailored for students who may be more vulnerable due to asthma, allergies, or autoimmune conditions.
This protocol is aligned with IICRC S-520 standards and supports:
To support universities in creating healthier living spaces, certified professionals can now be located through the NORMIPro Locator:
Professionals listed here are trained in student-sensitive remediation protocols, giving housing departments a trusted resource to investigate and address health-related concerns quickly and effectively.
The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) is a leading nonprofit organization providing certification and training in indoor air quality (IAQ), mold remediation, and environmental assessment. Through its advanced protocols and medical collaborations, NORMI is committed to creating safer environments where people live, learn, and thrive.
Learn more at:
www.NORMI.org
www.NORMIPro.com
[Abita Springs, LA] — The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) has launched a Medical Advisory Board to help custom and green homebuilders respond to one of today’s fastest-growing buyer concerns: indoor air quality (IAQ). The Board, chaired by Dr. Andrew Heyman, MD, a nationally recognized environmental health expert, brings clinical insight to construction protocols—ensuring homes are safe for individuals with allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, and mold-related illness.
This new initiative validates NORMI’s Level Four Protocol, a medically endorsed process designed to assess and remediate hidden environmental risks that can develop before a new home is even sold.
Today’s high-performance homes are energy efficient, tightly sealed—and often prone to trapped contaminants like:
“Buyers walking into a brand-new home are getting itchy eyes, headaches, or shortness of breath—and they’re blaming the builder,”
— Doug Hoffman, Executive Director, NORMI™
NORMI’s enhanced protocol helps custom builders stay ahead of complaints, avoid remediation costs, and offer a differentiated product toward a cleaner, safer, and healthier indoor environment—a growing competitive edge in luxury, wellness, and green building markets. www.MoldFreeConstruction.com
The Medical Advisory Board features top experts in environmental medicine, pharmacy, and neuropsychiatry who understand how built environments impact human health:
Says Dr. Heyman:
“We’ve seen patients react negatively to homes that were built ‘to code.’ That’s not good enough anymore. NORMI is giving builders and inspectors a real, medically informed solution. Patients are being treated for mold-related illnesses while still exposed to the source. The Level Four Protocol finally gives remediation professionals a clear path forward. The NORMI™ Medical Advisory Board has reviewed the NORMI™ level 4 protocol and validates it as implemented by the NORMI™ trademarked NCRSI™(Certified Remediation for Sensitized Individuals) professional, as medically sound remediation and offers a superior alternative to the industry standard which often fails the needs of sensitized patients.”
The Level Four Protocol, delivered through the NCRSI™ credential, can be applied at multiple points in the construction cycle:
Builders can team up with NORMI-trained professionals who understand both the construction process and the medical stakes of indoor air quality. Find a certified specialist at:
The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) is a leading authority in mold, IAQ, and environmental remediation training. For over 20 years, NORMI™ has equipped contractors, inspectors, and builders with the tools to create healthier homes, from foundation to finish.
[Abita Springs, LA] — The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) has announced the formation of a Medical Advisory Board to guide environmental assessment and remediation protocols in high-occupancy, high-humidity environments—such as cruise ships. This initiative is led by internationally recognized mold and environmental illness expert Dr. Andrew Heyman, MD and aims to provide the cruise industry with health-driven solutions to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and protect both guests and crew members.
This partnership bridges the gap between environmental remediation and clinical medicine, supporting NORMI’s specialized Level Four Protocol—a process tailored to address microbial contamination in environments with individuals who may be more sensitive to mold, allergens, or chemical exposure.
Onboard health complaints—from unexplained fatigue and sinus irritation to moldy odors and allergic reactions—can severely impact passenger satisfaction, increase liability risk, and result in costly remediation after the fact.
NORMI’s clinically backed remediation approach enables cruise operators to:
“Today’s cruise guests expect a clean, healthy, and safe environment—and that includes the air they breathe,”
— Doug Hoffman, Executive Director, NORMI™
“This medical collaboration equips cruise lines with the tools to proactively address hidden environmental issues, reduce guest complaints, and reinforce brand trust.”
Cruise ships present unique environmental challenges: limited airflow, continuous occupancy, and persistent moisture make them ideal for microbial growth. The NORMI Medical Advisory Board brings together experts in respiratory health, neurotoxicology, functional medicine, and pharmacy to support remediation that truly considers passenger well-being.
“Passengers with chronic illness or heightened sensitivities are at particular risk aboard cruise ships,” said Dr. Heyman.
“Our collaboration with NORMI allows these environments to be cleaned in a way that truly promotes health—not just appearance. Patients are being treated for mold-related illnesses while still exposed to the source. The Level Four Protocol finally gives remediation professionals a clear path forward. The NORMI™ Medical Advisory Board has reviewed the NORMI™ level 4 protocol and validates it as implemented by the NORMI™ trademarked NCRSI™(Certified Remediation for Sensitized Individuals) professional, as medically sound remediation and offers a superior alternative to the industry standard which often fails the needs of sensitized patients.”
NORMI’s Level Four Protocol, endorsed by the advisory board, provides a structured path to assess and remediate indoor spaces where chemical sensitivities, mold exposure, and airborne contaminants are a concern.
This advanced process goes beyond cosmetic fixes and includes:
Cruise lines and contractors can now source NORMI-certified IAQ professionals trained in marine and passenger-sensitive remediation through the NORMI Pro Locator:
Each certified professional has undergone extensive training to serve high-risk, high-expectation environments like those found on cruise ships—helping operators avoid unnecessary downtime and elevate passenger experience.
The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) is a leading certification body for professionals in indoor air quality, mold assessment, and microbial remediation. Through its rigorous training, innovative protocols, and collaboration with medical experts, NORMI supports healthier environments in residential, commercial, and maritime spaces alike.
Learn more at:
www.NORMI.org
www.NORMIPro.com
[Abita Springs, LA] — Churches are meant to be sanctuaries—safe spaces for worship, reflection, and fellowship. But what happens when the very walls meant to offer peace are harboring hidden health threats?
The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) is proud to announce the formation of a new Medical Advisory Board led by mold-related illness expert Dr. Andrew Heyman, MD, to help churches and faith communities address indoor air quality (IAQ) issues caused by mold and other environmental contaminants.
Through this partnership, NORMI aims to empower pastors, facility teams, and stewardship committees with tools and certified professionals to restore church buildings and protect their congregations—especially the most vulnerable members, including children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.
From historic sanctuaries with leaky roofs to fellowship halls tucked beneath damp basements, many church buildings unknowingly harbor moisture problems, mold growth, and compromised air quality. These invisible issues can contribute to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, sinus problems, and respiratory issues among churchgoers and staff.
To address this growing concern, NORMI’s Medical Advisory Board is supporting the implementation of the Level Four Protocol—an industry-leading, health-centered remediation process that considers not just the structure, but the people inside it.
“As stewards of sacred spaces, church leaders often feel a deep responsibility for the well-being of their congregations,”
says Doug Hoffman, Executive Director of NORMI™.
“With this new partnership, we can help fix the building while protecting the flock.”
The NORMI Medical Advisory Board is composed of leading experts in medicine and environmental health, including:
Their combined expertise bridges the gap between healthcare and remediation, ensuring that mold solutions don’t just make a building “look” clean—but truly support health.
“Church buildings are not exempt from mold contamination. In fact, they can become breeding grounds because of the way they are used so infrequently each week.” Dr. Andrew Heyman. “Patients are being treated for mold-related illnesses while still exposed to the source. The Level Four Protocol finally gives remediation professionals a clear path forward. The NORMI™ Medical Advisory Board has reviewed the NORMI™ level 4 protocol and validates it as implemented by the NORMI™ trademarked NCRSI™(Certified Remediation for Sensitized Individuals) professional, as medically sound remediation and offers a superior alternative to the industry standard which often fails the needs of sensitized patients.”
Designed for individuals who are sensitive to environmental toxins—or already struggling with conditions like asthma, allergies, or mold-related illness—the Level Four Protocol has been endorsed by the board as the most effective process available.
Through the NORMIPro Locator, churches can now find certified professionals trained to assess and remediate worship spaces with care, respect, and medical insight.
Whether you’re managing a 100-year-old sanctuary, a modern multipurpose space, or a rural church that’s seen better HVAC days, NORMI’s network of certified experts is here to help.
The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) provides training, certification, and ongoing support to professionals in mold remediation and indoor air quality. Through innovative protocols and collaboration with medical experts, NORMI is committed to improving environmental health—one building, and one breath, at a time.
Visit us online:
www.NORMI.org
www.NORMIPro.com
New Board Led by Mold-Related Illness Expert, Dr. Andrew Heyman
Enhancing Training & Remediation Protocols for Individuals Affected by Mold Exposure
[Abita Springs, LA] — The National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI™) proudly announces the formation of the NORMI™ Medical Advisory Board, chaired by renowned expert Dr. Andrew Heyman. This newly established board will play a pivotal role in refining NORMI’s training courses and professional practices, with a strong emphasis on the organization’s groundbreaking Level Four Protocol. This protocol underpins the NORMI Certified Remediation for Sensitized Individuals (NCRSI™) credential, which equips professionals with the expertise to provide effective solutions for clients suffering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and other mold-related health conditions.
The NORMI™ Medical Advisory Board aims to bridge the gap between remediation professionals and healthcare providers, ensuring that individuals affected by environmental toxins receive comprehensive care. Under Dr. Heyman’s leadership, the board comprises distinguished experts from various medical disciplines, including:
Dr. Heyman highlighted the significance of the Advisory Board’s work, stating, “It is an honor to collaborate with NORMI. For too long, doctors have been treating environmental illness caused by mold exposure while their patients continue to be affected by the very toxins within the built environment that are making them sick. This collaboration represents a crucial step toward breaking that cycle.”
The Advisory Board has already begun its work, endorsing the NORMI Level Four Protocol as the most effective method for managing mold assessment and remediation for sensitized individuals. Several board members emphasized that adherence to this protocol ensures more successful outcomes for both the built environment and those who occupy it.
The innovative Level Four Protocol aligns fully with the industry’s core Standard of Care (IICRC S-520) and is designed to address the needs of individuals with heightened sensitivities to environmental toxins, including mold. Taught nationwide and supported by NORMI’s rigorous certification program, this protocol is quickly becoming the industry standard for managing complex environmental health challenges.
Doug Hoffman, Executive Director of NORMI™, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative:
“One of the most exciting outcomes of this partnership is the ability to connect potential clients with highly trained, certified professionals through our NORMI Pro Locator at www.NORMIPro.com. Too often, individuals struggle to find qualified professionals who can properly address mold-related issues, leading to wasted time, money, and emotional distress. This collaboration finally bridges the gap between healthcare providers and remediation experts, offering a holistic approach to solving these challenges. As I always say, we fix buildings, not people. Now, we can connect with those who fix people, creating a true win-win for the industry.”
Through this strategic collaboration, clients can trust that professionals listed in the NORMI Pro Locator possess the specialized expertise needed to deliver effective sanitization, decontamination, and remediation solutions. This partnership strengthens the industry by ensuring that individuals affected by mold and biotoxin exposure receive care from knowledgeable and skilled professionals.
For more information on the NORMI™ NCRSI™ Assessment/Remediation Protocol or to find a certified NORMI professional, please visit www.NORMI.org and www.NORMIPro.com.
About NORMI™
NORMI™ is a leading organization dedicated to training, certification, and support for professionals in the indoor air quality (IAQ) and mold remediation industries. Through its comprehensive programs, NORMI™ ensures that practitioners adhere to best practices and provide effective solutions for environmental health challenges.