Inspection and Sampling Procedures
Complete Visual Mold Inspection
A visual inspection is the most important initial step in identifying a possible mold contamination problem. The extent of any water damage and mold grown is visually assessed by a certified mold inspector. Because mold cannot live without moisture, sources of moisture are one of the focal points of our investigation. This assessment is important to determine remedial strategies. Ventilation systems are also visually checked, particularly for damp filters but also for damp conditions elsewhere in the system and overall cleanliness. Ceiling tiles, gypsum wallboard (sheetrock), cardboard, paper and other cellulosic surfaces are given careful attention during a visual inspection. The inspector uses a hygrometer, a boroscope (fiber optics) and a moisture meter where necessary, to detect hidden mold behind the walls, ceilings and floor and to determine the areas of potential mold growth and continuing moisture penetration.
The presence of mold, water damage, or musty odors should be addressed immediately. In all instances any source(s) of water must be stopped and the extent of water damage must be determined. Water damage materials should be dried and repaired. Mold damaged materials should be remediated.
Air Monitoring
A certified inspector, trained in appropriate sampling methodology, performs air monitoring. Air samples are collected via an Anderson Style Bioaerosol Sampler. This type of sampler imparts viable spores on potato dextrose agar petri dishes placed in the apparatus at a rate of 28.3 cubic liter of air per minute. After a three-minute sampling period, the impacted fungi petri dishes are incubated in a special incubator that is high in humidity and void of all ambient light. The impacted fungi petri dishes are incubated at a temperature suitable for fungal growth. The most accurate fungal identification is only possible after seven (7) days of live culturing for the mold cultures to reach their maximum identification growth. After seven (7) days incubation the fungal samples are removed and identified down to genus, and to species where possible through visual identification under the microscope. Results are provided in colony forming units per cubic meter of air. Air monitoring should be performed if there is evidence from a visual inspection that the ventilation systems may be contaminated. The purpose of such air monitoring is to assess the extent of contamination throughout the building. Sampling should be conducted while ventilation systems are operating. Air monitoring should be performed if the presence of mold is suspected in a particular area of the structure. (e.g. a microbial volatile odor is detected) but cannot be identified through a visual inspection or bulk sampling. The purpose of such air monitoring is to determine the location and/or extent of mold contamination. Air monitoring should also be performed if the building inhabitants are suffering from health problems, which are or may be associated with fungal exposure. If air monitoring is performed, for comparative purposes, outdoor air samples should be collected concurrently at an air intake, if possible, and at a location representative of outdoor air. The outdoor control air test is very helpful in evaluating whether there is an internally generated mold problem. Such a problem may exist if indoor mold tests report mold levels that are either (a) higher than the outdoor control air test or (b) present indoors but absent from the outdoor control air test.
Bulk / Surface
Bulk or surface samples may need to be collected to identify specific fungal contaminants as part of a medical evaluation if occupants are experiencing symptoms which may be related to fungal exposure or to identify the presence or absence of mold. An individual trained in appropriate sampling methodology will perform bulk or surface sampling. Bulk samples are usually collected from visibly moldy surfaces by scrapping or cutting materials with a clean tool into a clean plastic bag. Surface or topical samples are taken through the use of swabs or tapelift. At the laboratory, the swab samples are transferred to potato dextrose agar petri dishes, incubated and identified under the microscope. Tape lift samples will also be identified at the laboratory under the microscope.
For all samples sent to the laboratory a “chain of custody” form is filled out on site and shipped with the samples.
