Mould Spores Air Quality
To capture and quantify a broad spectrum
of fungal spores (both culturable and non-culturable) present in the air.
To assess whether the levels present
suggest a fungal problem in the indoor locations.
Spore trap samplers are capable of
capturing a majority of spores and particulate matter in the air. Consequently,
it is possible to accurately characterize problem environments where spores are
present but either are no longer viable or are species that do not culture
well. These are two situations where culturable sampling techniques, if used
alone, may miss a potential IAQ problem.
Currently there are no numeric standards for airborne or surface microbial
contamination indoors. Suggested guidelines are constantly being reviewed and
edited as more information surrounding microbial IAQ issues surface.
Fungal spore trap air samples are collected using a sampling cassette attached
to a high volume vacuum pump. Air is drawn through the cassette and the
contents of the air are deposited upon a sticky glass slide which is then
analyzed by an analyst who identifies fungal types and quantity.
Spore trap sampling is a tool that provides a snapshot of the types and
concentration of airborne fungal spores (viable and non-viable) present in the
indoor environment at the time of sampling.
Mould Lab Ireland provides spore trap analysis for a variety of sampling
cassettes including , Air-O-cell. Analysis includes identification to
genus or group of all fungi present, quantification to spores/m3 and spore
type.
A general assessment of background debris
is determined.
Advantages
• Useful for initial site testing,
especially if fungal growth is not visible.
• Can reveal presence of hidden mould.
• Easy to use and handle in the field .
• Low chance of sample contamination.
• Provides rapid turn around time.
• Rush analyses available upon request.
Spore Trap Results Interpretation.
To date there are no standardized methods
for analyzing spore traps. There are at present no strict numerical guidelines
which are appropriate for assessing whether the contamination in an area is
acceptable or not.
Keep in mind that the results of the
total spores (raw counts) are used only for screening purposes and that the
spore concentration has a statistical deviation depending on the analyst.
The amount of fungal spores present in an
air sample is highly variable. Changes in airflow, humidity, light level and
temperature can all trigger a spore’s release. A single air sample will often
underestimate the fungal contamination in the air.
Compare total concentrations of fungal
spores from outdoor and indoor samples. Generally, indoor fungal spore
concentrations are lower than that of the outdoors. This comparison is not
valid when the outdoor sample was taken during or immediately after
precipitation. It probably is not valid during some winter months where outdoor
fungal counts are usually below that of the indoors.
Compare fungal spore types from indoor
and outdoor samples. Fungal spore types from indoors and outdoors should be
generally similar. When you compare indoor and outdoor spore types you should
consider the following:
a. Fungal species are present
in the indoor sample and not in the outdoor sample.
b. The predominant fungal
species found in the indoor sample is different than the predominant fungal
species in the found outdoor sample.
c. If there is a difference
in the fungal spore diversity between indoor and outdoor samples, this may be
an indication of indoor amplification. Look for indicator fungal spores. Some
fungal spores, when detected in indoor environments, are good indications of
water damage. Spores of Chaetomium, Stachybotrys, Memnoniella and Ulocladium
are likely associate with water-damaged buildings. When
Aspergillus/Penicillium-like spores found in indoor samples are significantly
higher than that of outdoors, this would indicate that it is a water-damaged
environment. Cladosporium species are common outdoors, however, they grow well
indoors on surfaces with high moisture contents. When Basidiospores are
detected in air samples, they are likely to come from outdoors. However,
basidiomycetes may grow on indoor wood products causing wood decay ifthere is a
high moisture related problem.
Please note: the sample will be collected by our technician
Please Note the service can be provided in Dublin, Wicklow, Meath, Wexford, Louth.