Mold Screening: A Profile
 
Whether it is because of media hype, perception or actual concern, the issue of "toxic mold" is on the minds of everyone. Homeowners want to be sure they live in contaminant-free homes, office workers want to work in safe buildings and parents want their children to have healthy learning environments.
 
There are a number of techniques which can be employed for the assessment of molds and other contaminants in the Indoor Environment.  A “Screen” is one of the most practical and effective ways to assess the presence of toxic mold in the indoor environment because of its cost effectiveness and quick turn-around-time.
 
Screening Tools for Mold Assessment
  
The tools you will need to collect mold samples would be Surface Microscopy Tape Preparations to take direct surface samples of potentially contaminated areas coupled with Air-O-Cell cassettes to identify what mold spore species and quantities are perpetuating in the air.     Even though these tools are very useful for assessing fungal contamination, they do have some limitations.  For example, a screen will not yield definitive results as most fungal elements can only be identified to the genus level.  The distinct advantage to the simplicity of screening, however, is that laboratory analysis can be performed within a few hours and that the sample collection technique is very user-friendly.
  
Cost Effectiveness

From about $150.00, you can perform surface and airborne screening for microbial contaminants.  Screening will assess the types of mold as well as their quantities.  It is the best method to use when resources are limited.  
 
Screening is very inexpensive due to its simple nature.  A kit with surface microscopy tapes and Air-O-Cell cassettes begins at about $150.00, which will include the cost for materials and analysis.  You will also have to obtain a pump to collect your air sample.  A reputable company specializing in mold detection and analysis equipment should be able to provide you with this.  Large pumps, like Anderson pumps, cost about $1000.00.  A mini-pump, however, designed for collecting samples using Air-O-Cell cassettes, will cost about $600.00.  They can  be rented for usage at around $100.00 per day.
 
The Role of the Laboratory
 
It is imperative that the laboratory providing analysis has personnel with experience and expertise in microscopy.
A professional microbiologist will be able to proficiently identify the type of fungal elements present at the genus, and perhaps even down to the species level.  The microbiologist will also be able to quantify the fungal elements.   The laboratory should be able to generate a comprehensive report that will assist you in determining the next step in managing Indoor Air Quality.
 
Who Should Consider Mold Screening
 
Those who should consider using the screening method are
·        Homeowners
·        Home inspectors
·        Facility managers
·        HVAC contractors or
·        Anyone whose specialty is NOT Indoor Air Quality.
 
A quick mold assessment can be obtained for any environment due to its appropriateness, effectiveness and user-friendly nature.
 
For more information, contact:
Vik Ahuja
(800) 422-7873, ext. 804
Vahuja@PureAirControls.com