Molds can damage what they grow on and produce toxins called mycotoxins. These toxins are poisonous to humans and may cause many symptoms, including respiratory issues.
Mold testing helps identify the type and extent of mold growth in a property. However, testing can’t replace a visual inspection by a qualified inspector. Click https://acemoldspecialist.com/ to learn more.
The most commonly used form of mold sampling involves collecting air samples to analyze the presence and concentration of mold spores. During this process, trained indoor environmental professionals use specialized air sampling equipment to collect a known quantity of air from livable spaces and send it away for laboratory analysis. The result is a report of the total number of individual mold spores in the sampled area. This enables the professional to assess the extent of a fungal problem and determine the best course of action.
Air sampling can be conducted during or after a visual inspection of a home or business. It is often performed in conjunction with other data collection methods, such as surface samples. However, it can also be used on its own to assess the overall condition of a property, including identifying potential health risks. When conducting air sampling, experts may use a variety of tools, including cassette samplers, airborne particle devices, and impaction devices. All of these devices are designed to efficiently collect a known volume of air and send it away for laboratory analysis.
When it comes to determining the results of an air sample, there are two main types of testing: viable and non-viable. Viable sampling involves the incubation of a sample of air on a petri dish until the growth of spore colonies occurs, revealing the specific genus and species of mold that is present in the air. This test is more in-depth and provides more accurate information, but it takes longer to receive results and can be quite expensive.
Non-viable testing does not require culturing and provides results much more quickly. It is typically cheaper than viable sampling, but it does not reveal the specific genus or species of spores that are present in the air. The non-viable test can also be misleading because it does not differentiate between Stachybotrys chartarum and other similar spores, which is important when trying to determine the risk of toxicity in a home.
In order to get the most accurate results from a non-viable air test, it is best to compare it with an outdoor sample collected at the same time in the same weather conditions. This will help to ensure that any elevated spore counts are not due to weather fluctuations.
Surface Samples
Surface sampling is used to determine the types of mold spores present in a particular area. This can be helpful if an air sample indicates the presence of a particular genus type of mold and the occupant is experiencing health symptoms such as a runny nose or eye irritation.
The most common methods of surface testing are swab samples and tape lift samples. Swab samples involve a small, sterile cellulose swab that is moistened with a liquid preservative and stored in a small plastic tube container. The swab is then inserted into the suspected area of mold growth, and the contents of the swab are transferred into a small vial for submission to the laboratory for analysis. A unique sample number and chain-of-custody document is assigned to each tape lift or swab sample that is submitted to the lab for evaluation.
An important distinction is that a swab analysis is reported at the genus level, and a bulk sample is tested at the species level. Bulk samples are performed by cutting a physical piece of the suspected material, such as a section of drywall, and evaluating it in the lab for the presence of mold spores. This method is useful for determining the type and concentration of mold spores on the surface and can be compared to air testing results.
A recent study comparing the results of air and surface sampling found that both methods can accurately depict the level of mould in homes/rooms. However, the results of surface sampling may indicate a more thorough understanding of the situation as the result can be correlated to specific physical characteristics of the home/room, such as whether it is a flat or house. Similarly, the study found that the average spore counts and mould levels on dirty surfaces are related to room size, with flats showing lower average spore counts and mould levels than rooms in 1 or 2 bedroom houses. These findings suggest that while air sampling is the most effective method for identifying the level of mold contamination, surface samples are essential to a full evaluation of the situation.
Bulk Samples
Mold can rot away almost anything it grows on and cause health problems such as breathing issues, coughing and irritated eyes. If it goes untreated, the spores can even release mycotoxins, which are dangerous to human beings and pets. For this reason, a thorough mold inspection is critical to avoiding expensive repairs. The first step in a thorough mold inspection is gathering air samples in the areas where the potential problem is observable.
This sample can be analyzed to determine the genus and species of mold present. It can also be determined if the mold is a toxic or allergenic mold. The results of this test can be used to develop a remediation plan. Water testing is also often completed in real estate transactions and for new home buyers. This test can reveal the quality of water inside the house, including pH, turbidity (water clarity) and contaminants such as Lead, Iron, and Mycotoxins.
Surface sampling is usually done only when visible mold growth has been observed. This type of sample can be collected using a variety of methods, such as swab testing (using a sanitary Q-Tip) or tape lift sampling (a specialized tape is used to lift a small amount of debris from a suspected area).
Wall cavity sampling is used when a visible problem is not apparent. This type of sample is performed by creating a hole in the wall, inserting a sanitary wall cavity tube into this hole, and then connecting it to a spore trap. The spores that are pulled through the tube can then be analyzed.
Non-viable spores and viable spores can look the same, so this testing is crucial to understanding what is in the air. It can be used to confirm if the spores are from a mold or not, whether it is a toxic or allergenic and how many colony forming units (CFU) of the specific type of mold are present.
Surface and bulk sampling is the most accurate method of mold testing, but it is not always feasible to perform. In these situations, a mold inspector can use an ATP pen, which tests for the presence of adenosine triphosphate or ATP, a biomarker for organic material such as fungi. This simple tool can provide an instant result and is a great way to check for cleanliness after a remediation or to identify water stains from mold in a finished building material.
Stain Samples
Mold spores can become airborne, making them a potential problem for homeowners that have an allergy or asthma. Symptoms can range from itchy eyes and runny nose to coughing and wheezing. Mold is also known to deteriorate surfaces, which can leave behind dark spots that can be hard to find without a professional eye.
A professional mold inspection typically includes a physical investigation of the property and collection of microbial samples for laboratory testing. These tests can help a home owner determine the type and extent of mold growth that is present. They can also help a homeowner confirm the presence of specific molds such as Stachybotrys or Aspergillus that may be of concern for health issues.
Home Inspectors that specialize in mold testing are among the best qualified professionals to perform a visual inspection and collect microbial samples for laboratory analysis. They can also offer valuable insight in interpreting the results of a mold test, and are more likely to have access to specialized moisture detection equipment.
When performing a mold inspection, an inspector should always wear protective gear and cover up in order to avoid disturbing any of the mold spores. This is particularly important when taking an air sample. It is important to take two or more air samples, since the concentration of spores in a home can vary in relation to time of day, climate conditions and ventilation, and other factors.
Obtaining a mold sample that is clearly visible under a microscope can be tricky, especially on surfaces with a lot of dust and debris. The best way to ensure that the spores are clearly visible is to place a drop of stain on the slide before positioning it on the microscope. The stain essentially colors the mold spores so that they are easier to see. Then, carefully maneuver the view to a spot on the surface where there is less debris.
There are many DIY kits available that claim to be able to identify the type of mold in a home. However, some of these kits are not accurate and can result in inaccurate readings. This is because they don’t account for all of the different mold types that can grow in a house, and because they don’t take into consideration the fact that most molds do not necessarily produce a mycotoxin.
Willow Weeks