MoldSense™ Protocol for Spore Trap Data Interpretation
Rev. 1.1 May 11, 2006
Please click here for a sample report.
Airborne spores are divided into three categories:
(1) The first category compares the percentages and concentrations of those common
dominant spores between indoor and outdoor samples (i.e. ascospores, basidiospores,
Cladosporium and Asp/Pen-like spores, which are generally less than 10 microns). It is
recommended to use both outdoor and indoor non-complaint/non-damaged area
samples as references because the spore levels in outdoor air can be highly variable. If
the spore percentages and concentrations in indoor air are much higher than those in
outdoor air, the larger difference means a higher probability of an indoor mold growth.
There is no magic cut-off number (e.g. 1:10). Each individual case needs to be
assessed carefully and combined with field observations and other factors. Be aware
that data from low concentrations of spores may not be statistically significant.
(2) The second category indicates the presence of water-damage indicators as a way
to help accessing a possible history of water damage in the building. Such indicators
are fungi that require a very wet condition to grow. Low amounts of these fungal spores
(i.e. 1 to 4 total spores of this group per sample) need to be interpreted with caution.
However, the absence of these indicators does not exclude the possibility of a water
damage history.
(3) The third category lists all other spores. If the concentration of any spore in this
group is significantly higher in the indoor air than that of the outdoor air, then the
investigation for a possible indoor source is needed.
Spore traps are great tools for locating mold growth on or inside building materials.
After a significant elevation of spores in indoor air is carefully concluded, the source of
contamination must be located. Discovery of the source is important because it rules
out the possibility of the airborne spores originating from sources unrelated to the
building (e.g a moldy library book, moldy food, a wet dog, or decaying debris from
household plants).
Call us today at 856-489-0011
and say goodbye to endless headaches from your microbiology lab!
Rev. 1.1 May 11, 2006
Please click here for a sample report.
Airborne spores are divided into three categories:
(1) The first category compares the percentages and concentrations of those common
dominant spores between indoor and outdoor samples (i.e. ascospores, basidiospores,
Cladosporium and Asp/Pen-like spores, which are generally less than 10 microns). It is
recommended to use both outdoor and indoor non-complaint/non-damaged area
samples as references because the spore levels in outdoor air can be highly variable. If
the spore percentages and concentrations in indoor air are much higher than those in
outdoor air, the larger difference means a higher probability of an indoor mold growth.
There is no magic cut-off number (e.g. 1:10). Each individual case needs to be
assessed carefully and combined with field observations and other factors. Be aware
that data from low concentrations of spores may not be statistically significant.
(2) The second category indicates the presence of water-damage indicators as a way
to help accessing a possible history of water damage in the building. Such indicators
are fungi that require a very wet condition to grow. Low amounts of these fungal spores
(i.e. 1 to 4 total spores of this group per sample) need to be interpreted with caution.
However, the absence of these indicators does not exclude the possibility of a water
damage history.
(3) The third category lists all other spores. If the concentration of any spore in this
group is significantly higher in the indoor air than that of the outdoor air, then the
investigation for a possible indoor source is needed.
Spore traps are great tools for locating mold growth on or inside building materials.
After a significant elevation of spores in indoor air is carefully concluded, the source of
contamination must be located. Discovery of the source is important because it rules
out the possibility of the airborne spores originating from sources unrelated to the
building (e.g a moldy library book, moldy food, a wet dog, or decaying debris from
household plants).
Call us today at 856-489-0011
and say goodbye to endless headaches from your microbiology lab!
| Just Like Your Own Personal Lab!™ |
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MoldSense™ Protocol