How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification of Mold Species
VANCOUVER, CANADA. Many property owners, apartment landlords, renters, employers, and employees want to know, and need to know, the precise identities of the various mold species infesting their moldy house, rental unit, or place of employment, according to Phillip Fry, Certified Mold Inspector and author of the book Do-It-Best-Yourself Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing, & Remediation.
The accurate identification of mold species requires two steps: (1) physical collection of mold samples from the moldy building; and (2) mold laboratory analysis of the collected mold samples.
The least costly way to collect mold samples is the do-it-yourself approach carried out by gathering actual samples of mold growth to submit for mold laboratory analysis ($20.00 or more fee per sample analyzed).
Bulk Physical Mold Sampling
If a property owner or occupant sees mold growing on a wall, ceiling, floor, heating or cooling duct register, or any other surface, he can scrape mold particles off the mold growth area into a small ziplock bag. Collecting such a physical sample is "bulk mold sampling" or "physical mold sampling."
During such scraping of the mold growth, the tester needs to wear rubber gloves and a full-face respirator mask with organic vapor filters (such as the 3M brand from a large hardware, home improvement, or safety store).
To do the scraping, use a new or thoroughly disinfected (with ethyl or rubbing alcohol) paint scraper. Disinfect the scraper after each individual sampling to remove any possible mold contaminants, and thus avoid mold cross-contamination in the sampling process from one source or location to another.
Print clearly and neatly on a large pressure sensitive label the property owner's name, the property address, the precise test location at that address, the testing date, and the type of sampling method ("bulk sample"), along with the tester's name and contact information.
The label should also include each individual test number, as listed on the mold chain of custody form, available free from the mold laboratory. Attach the label to the ziplock bag containing that respective, numbered mold sample.
Alternatively, the tester can scrape the mold particles directly into a mold test kit (Petri dish) to start the growing ("culturing") of the mold sample. This "viable testing" growth process takes 5 to 7 days for accuracy in mold species identification.
The tester can then either watch the test kits for mold growth, or send the mold test kit to the mold lab immediately, or after the self-observation growth period.
Another bulk physical sampling technique is to cut out a small section (no larger than 2 inches by 2 inches) of a building material or home furnishing that contains significant mold growth. Then, put that cut piece into a small ziplock bag, or press firmly the moldy side down into a mold test kit. Follow the same labeling instructions explained above.
Examples of moldy materials from which bulk samples can be cut for mold lab analysis are wood timbers, drywall, plasterboard, wallpaper, ceiling tile, carpeting, padding, heating/cooling system filters, clothing, furniture upholstery, and any other favorite mold food.
Scotch® Brand Tape Lift Sampling
The easy steps involved in tape lift sampling to collect physical bulk mold samples are---
1. Cut a three-inch (3") long strip of one-inch (1") wide, transparent sticky tape, such as Scotch® Brand Tape.
2. While wearing rubber gloves and a breathing respirator mask (with organic vapor filters) from the local hardware or home improvement store, press the tape strip firmly (sticky side down) onto the visible mold growth or onto the surface being tested.
3. Remove (peel back) the tape from the surface.
4. Open up a small ziplock bag (a transparent, easily sealable plastic storage bag), and press lightly the lift tape sample sticky side onto the inside sidewall of the ziplock bag.
5. Close [zip shut] the ziplock bag completely. Tape it shut if necessary to make sure no airborne mold spores can escape.
6. Attach to the outside of the ziplock bag a large adhesive label with the same types of sample identification information specified above, except that the type of sampling method is "lift tape sampling."
For more information about bulk physical mold sampling, lift tape mold sampling, mold laboratory analysis, and mold species identification, please visit:
http://www.moldlab.biz
http://www.moldinspector.com
http://www.moldmart.net
Mr. Phillip Fry is a Certified Mold Inspector and a Certified Mold Remediator. He has written Mold Health Guide and DIY Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing and Remediation. He has also co-authored the ebook Mold Legal Guide.
Bamboo flooring has emerged as a new material for the... Read More
A kitchen can make or ruin a family life. A... Read More
If you've always longed for hardwood floors, you're in good... Read More
This is by no means an exhaustive list of what's... Read More
When thinking about polished floors, cushions in place, an exquisite... Read More
The Holy Grail of distributed audio; unlimited zones and unlimited... Read More
For many years copper has been the main raw material... Read More
The roof has had many different innovations in regards to... Read More
The use of Bricks or Pavers to create a walkway... Read More
There is never a structure you will find that lacks... Read More
Is it time to give that tired kitchen floor a... Read More
Most of us enjoy daydreaming about our perfect home. Do... Read More
When trying to decide if Interior Design is right for... Read More
These days shower doors come in a wide variety of... Read More
1. The site of the proposed conservatory.2. Construction work begins.... Read More
Tax season is over...The spring holidays have passed... Hopefully by... Read More
The following list offers some inexpensive ways to make your... Read More
When decorating or making decorating decisions for new homes, it... Read More
What exactly is wire electrical discharge machining, also referred to... Read More
The first step is to plan the design ? as... Read More
It is an amazing fact that uPVC double glazing was... Read More
Are you frustrated with the high prices you've been quoted... Read More
What are heated driveways? The obvious answer is, "a driveway... Read More
Buying a carport to protect your investment can be a... Read More
Even if you've never been involved in the sale of... Read More
According to the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair... Read More
The secret to your home's interior design is Love.If you... Read More
Every one lives in a house but every house is... Read More
If your clothes are getting moist and musty, and stretched... Read More
Planning a bathroom remodel? Each home project of this nature... Read More
If you have a heating or cooling systems that uses... Read More
Fans extending from the ceiling have been around for centuries... Read More
In recent years there has been many stories about dryers... Read More
More and more construction is being done with steel in... Read More
We recently purchased a new Hot Tub and Gazebo from... Read More
Wholesale vinyl flooring is the perfect solution for people who... Read More
Is it time to give that tired kitchen floor a... Read More
I read an interior design book last night. Since I... Read More
For some people, a fireplace might as well be a... Read More
Here are five important things to remember.1. Use a steel... Read More
Are you considering using renewable energy resources to heat water... Read More
Thinking about installing a home theater system? You're not alone.... Read More
Anyone that has a home office or bedroom in the... Read More
Shopping for window shutters can become confusing because of the... Read More
Spa treatments in your own home? Sounds to good to... Read More
As I sit on a plane in route from Chicago... Read More
I broke my promise to myself and stripped wallpaper again.... Read More
Do you know that formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas can... Read More
Awnings are an economical and efficient way to shade a... Read More
What's in a name? Whirlpool baths have been around forever,... Read More
For many years copper has been the main raw material... Read More
1. Orientation, layout and positioning of your house on the... Read More
As we have discussed before, all overload relays have one... Read More
Remodeling a kitchen is one of the best investments a... Read More
One of the advantages of using machines to control processes... Read More
Up until a few years ago, my professional experience was... Read More
When you begin decorating your home there are some important... Read More
Welcome to my essential tips for replacemnent windows and double... Read More
One of the most rewarding home improvements I made to... Read More
Are you aware that you can lose all your personal... Read More
Before getting your house valuated think about the list below... Read More
Some people will dream of the perfect patio. They dream... Read More
General advice.Negotiate fairly with suppliers. Don't expect to get all... Read More
It is quite unusual in the UK for a new... Read More
Bathtubs have become an important necessity of our daily life... Read More
If there is one way to throw a new light... Read More
Home Improvement |