This allows heavier molds to have a better chance of showing up on testing. In this case, we are not relying on the fact that the mold spores will be airborne when testing. This testing analyzes the moldiness index in dust that has settled in the home. ERMI is an objective, standardized DNA-based method of testing that will both identify and quantify molds. These samples are essential because they may reveal reservoirs of mold that have not yet become airborne.ĮRMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) – This test is carried out by a third-party lab called Envirobiomics. Direct examination shows precisely what is on the surface sampled. The objective is to validate the presence of mold, identify the genera of mold present, and determine the spore counts. They can be collected via sterile swab, tape lift, or by taking a piece of suspect material. SURFACE TESTING (Source Testing)- Surface samples are typically taken from areas of visible suspect growth. Being up to speed on the latest advances in mold testing helps us minimize the chances that we may overlook an issue that would threaten our client’s health. In addition, we routinely research and get the latest information on new testing that is available. Other tests that we commonly perform on a home to get a complete picture of the severity of the mold issue are the EPA 36 swab test, ERMI and HERTSMI surface testing, mycotoxin testing, and endotoxin testing. These molds will, however, show up on surface testing, which comes in many forms. Incidentally, these are known to be very toxic molds that make people very sick. For example, heavier molds such as Stachybotrys or C haetomium globosom will rarely show up on air testing. It can also serve as a good point of reference compared to other tests we might perform on the home.įrom our perspective, to find mold at even minute levels that might make a hypersensitive individual sick, air testing only tells a tiny part of the picture. If the issue is found in air testing, which is essentially a broad overview, we know that it is a grave mold issue that presents a health concern. That being said, spore trap analysis is always an excellent place to start. ![]() If the inspector did no testing beyond spore trap analysis and told the client that the test did not show any mold and there is no mold issue, a great disservice has been done. Instead, the issue becomes how this information is analyzed and presented to the client. To put it simply, spore trap analysis, or “air testing” as it is commonly referred to, is not inherently faulty testing. Our job as inspectors is to remain neutral, be scientific, and collect as much information as possible, giving the client as complete a picture as possible as to what is happening behind the walls of their home. Each sample is information that tells part of the home’s story regarding water intrusion and mold infestation. The Pros and Cons of Spore Trap AnalysisĮvery sample that is collected is a puzzle piece. In that case, it is usually concluded that there is no severe mold problem that presents an issue in terms of air quality. For example, suppose the indoor air is comparable in levels and species to the outdoor sample without any glaring elevations. This comparison aims to show which species of mold are native to the area where the home or dwelling is. The lab will compare this sample to the sample taken indoors at one or more areas (usually each floor). In most cases, the inspector will take what is called an “outdoor baseline” air sample. Typically, results are reported in spores per cubic meter of air (spores/m3 ) along with the number and percentage of each spore type. The lab technician will do their best to identify what species of mold are present on the slide. The inspector then sends the slide to a laboratory, where a technician will examine the spores on the slide under a microscope. This testing is done using an air pump that pulls spores from the air and “traps” them onto a slide. When someone mentions the term “air” testing, what they are referring to is technically called “spore trap analysis.” Almost any mold inspection company uses spore trap analysis as their primary form of testing when testing indoor mold levels. Comprehensive testing beyond what is commonly known as “air” testing is necessary to get a complete picture of a severe mold issue. It is essential to step back and systematically assess the home holistically. If we hyperfocus on a tiny piece of the story, we miss the bigger picture. It is not very scientific to stop looking after you find one small part of the problem. Homes with mold infestations usually have more than one issue. ![]() Can you tell what the mosaic is depicting? You cannot, right? However, if you step back about 10 feet, you can now see what all the small pieces in the mosaic represent in the whole work.
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