Mould spores are naturally occurring organisms found almost everywhere. Mould spores are harmless at low levels, but they can significantly affect indoor air quality at high levels. It can be a significant problem for people with allergies, respiratory conditions, or a suppressed immune system. Indoor air quality consultants are the right experts to carry out mould testing if you suspect mould infestation in your facility. This article highlights three samples that air quality consultants need to conduct a comprehensive mould test.
Air Samples -- Microscopic mould spores float freely in the air, and you cannot see them with the naked eye. Therefore, since an air quality consultant's job is to determine mould levels in indoor air, they must take air samples. First, a consultant must take air samples from outside a facility to use as a control. It is followed by collecting indoor air samples. First, consultants focus on high-moisture spaces like bathrooms, which are the "usual suspects." Once in a lab, a consultant compares indoor and outdoor samples. The comparison helps determine whether any elevated levels of naturally occurring mould spores are present in an indoor environment. A positive result signifies a mould problem, and a consultant proposes remediation measures.
Lift-Tape Sample -- One might ask why lift-tape samples are necessary for a mould test if air samples can reveal the presence of the spores. However, it can be challenging to differentiate between dirt deposits and active mould growth because the stains look alike. Only a microscopic examination of a solid sample can distinguish the two. When collecting a lift-tape sample, a consultant lays a piece of tape to the affected surface to pick up any mould spores present. Once a lab receives the sample, technicians place the tape on a glass micro-slide and examine it for mould spores. Ideally, lift-tape mould sampling is used hand-in-hand with air sampling to eliminate the chances of false positives.
Swab Sample -- Air quality consultants often prioritise mould levels over mould types when conducting a test. It is because mould, regardless of species, affects air quality when significant levels are present. However, it does not mean that consultants are not concerned with the specific mould species in a facility. Understanding the type of mould helps air quality consultants choose the right remediation strategies, which is the reason why swab sampling is crucial. A consultant gently wipes a surface with a cotton swab then sends it to a lab for analysis. Several swab samples are taken from different surfaces in a facility to determine the prevalence of various mould species.
To learn more, contact a resource like Stephenson Environmental Management Australia.
