Mold Analysis

Introduction

Molds are very common microorganisms, which are an essential part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead trees. Molds reproduce by means of tiny invisible spores, which are present in both outdoor and indoor air.

Indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Mold can begin growing indoors anytime that mold spores land on a wet surface. Mold spores are usually found when there is a source of water from leaks or condensation in air conditioning ducts. In addition to water, mold growth also requires the presence of carbon and nitrogen. Therefore, wood, drywall, wallpaper, and other materials joined with adhesives can be hotbeds for mold growth.

Much attention has been given to the presence of mold in indoor air. Many health problems can be attributed to the presence of mold. This is because molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).

Mold is a potential allergen, whether the spores are alive or dead. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores, may cause allergic reactions. These allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are very common. These reactions can be immediate or delayed. Molds have even been known trigger asthma attacks. These effects can be very severe in people who have compromised immune systems, especially the elderly or young.


What Can Be Done?

Mold presence and water damage should be treated and remediated immediately. Find the source of water leakage and check building materials around the water leak. These materials present the perfect media for mold growth.

1. Visual Inspection
a. Identify possible contamination problems and determine which areas have been affected by the water leak.

b. Check ventilation systems, ceiling tiles, baseboards, walls, cardboard, paper (cellulose surfaces) etc.

c. Use equipment such as moisture meter, temperature and relative humidity meter, etc.

d. Determine a remediation strategy, depending of the grade of contamination.

2. Surface Sampling
Surface sampling can determine whether or not there is mold present on the surface in question. If the type of mold has already been visually identifed, then surface sampling may not be necessary. However, surface sampling can be an essential part of a medical evaluation for persons with allergenic symptoms, which have been attributed to mold spores.

a. Tape Lift Sample: A tape lift sample collects the spores present on the surface, using an adhesive clear tape.

b. Swab Sample: This method is useful to determine if there is mold growth present on a hard to reach surface, where a tape or a bulk sampling can not be performed, or when the surface is very wet.

c. Bulk Sample: Is a piece of material (wall, baseboard, etc) that may have mold present, and will be analyzed by scraping the mold onto a glass slide.

3. Air Monitoring:
Air samples measure how many spores exist, per cubic meter. For comparative purposes, one indoor air sample and one outdoor air sample are collected during the inspection. A comparison between these samples can determine if there is mold species amplification inside the residence. Often, mold inspectors use one indoor air sample for each 250 square feet,and two outdoor air samples at differents points. For example, one outdoor air sample in front of the residence, and other one behind the residence.

Analysis

Advanced Chemical Sensors offers the medium for and analysis of air and surface samples. All samples are analyzed by qualified staff members with expertise in microbiology, mycology, and related sciences for the identification and quantification of different types of mold spores and allergens.


Mold Sampling Options:

Air Samples: Air-O-Cells, Bio-Aire, Biocell, etc.
        Spore Trap Analysis: $40.00
Surface Samples:
        Tape Lift: $35.00
        Swab: $35.00
        Bulk: $35.00