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| I.
Complete Visual Mold Inspection |
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A visual inspection is
the most important initial step in identifying a possible mold
contamination problem. The extent of any water damage and mold
growth shall be visually assessed by a certified mold inspector/remediator.
This assessment is important to determine remedial strategies.
Ventilation systems shall also be visually checked, particularly for
damp filters but also for damp conditions elsewhere in the system, and
for overall cleanliness. Ceiling tiles, gypsum wallboard
(sheetrock), cardboard, paper and other cellulosic surfaces shall be
given careful attention during a visual inspection. The
inspector shall use hygrometers, a boroscope (fiber optics) and a
protimiter (moisture meter), where necessary, to detect hidden mold
behind the walls, ceilings and floors and to determine the areas of
potential mold growth and continuing moisture penetration.
Call Mold Free® for a quote or to make an
appointment. |
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II. Bulk/Surface Sampling |
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A certified inspector,
trained in appropriate sampling methodology, shall perform all
necessary bulk or surface sampling. Bulk/Surface sampling is
necessary if the building inhabitants are suffering from health
problems which are or may be associated with fungal exposure.
Bulk/Surface sampling is also necessary to identify the presence or
absence of mold if a visual inspection is equivocal (e.g.
discoloration and staining). Bulk samples are collected from
visibly moldy surfaces by scraping or cutting materials with a clean
tool into a clean plastic bag. Surface samples are collected by
wiping a measured area with a sterile swab or by stripping the suspect
surface with clear tape. The surface sample is then transferred
to a potato dextrose agar petri dish. The dish is then incubated
in a special incubator that is high in humidity and void of all
ambient light at a temperature suitable for fungal growth. The
most accurate mold 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 of incubation, the
fungal samples are removed and identified down to genus and to species
where possible through visual identification under the microscope.
Call Mold Free® for a quote or to make an
appointment. |
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III. Air Monitoring |
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A certified inspector,
trained in appropriate sampling methodology, shall perform all
necessary 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 laced in the
apparatus at a rate of 28.3 cubic liters of air per minute.
After a three (3) minute sampling period, the impacted fungi petri
dishes shall be incubated in a special incubator that is high in
humidity and void of all ambient light. The impacted fungi petri
dishes shall be 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 of
incubation, the fungal samples shall be removed and identified down to
genus and to species where possible through visual identification
under the microscope. Results shall be provided in colony
forming units per cubic meter of air. Air monitoring is
necessary 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 is necessary 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 is also necessary 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 shoudl 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
test. Call Mold Free® for a quote
or to make an appointment. |
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