Sampling procedures

Our certified inspectors are qualified to take a variety of sample types depending upon the conditions observed that led to the recommendation that samples be obtained. In situations where there is a concern about air quality, the inspector will likely recommend that air samples be taken.

The goal of air sampling is to compare the air quality indoors with that found outdoors. Molds are present in almost every environment, so our goal is to determine 1) if there are different molds found indoors compared to outdoors or 2) if the same molds are noted in both areas, whether the indoor levels are higher than the outdoor levels. Both of these scenarios would suggest that there is active mold growth somewhere indoors.

If indoor air samples are taken, then an outdoor baseline air sample must also be obtained for comparative purposes. To obtain the air samples we use the Cyclex-D MegaLite Pump with mounted 3-30LPM Rotameter that pumps air at a steady, controlled rate through a Cyclex-D air cartridge. Samples are collected at respiration height - mouth level - which is why it is important to know if children live in the home.

If mold growth is visible, the inspector will often recommend a swab sample. This is one of the best ways to determine precisely the type of mold that is growing - whether or not it is considered dangerous - which mold likely will dictate the measures used to remove it and whether the occupants should vacate the property until the mold remediation is finished. Other ways of sampling visible mold include tape samples (in which tape is applied directly to the mold, causing the mold to stick to the tape) and bulk samples (in which a piece of the mold is actually removed from the surface on which it is growing).

Another type of sample we may recommend is a carpet sample. Carpet sampling can effectively uncover previous or undetected mold problems because carpet tends to contain a “history” of mold that has previously been present in a property. Mold spores can land between the carpet piles where they can lay dormant or grow while protected by all but the most vigorous vacuuming or carpet-cleaning efforts. The same air pump used for air samples is utilized for taking carpet samples, though the air cartridge that gets sent to the laboratory is different.

Our inspectors use exacting chain-of-custody procedures to register any samples obtained and to ship them overnight to the laboratory for analysis.

Laboratory Analysis

The laboratory we use is Aerotech Laboratories, Inc., a full service indoor air quality testing facility specializing in the analysis of mold, bacteria, allergens and chemical testing. The laboratory is accredited through the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s (AIHA) Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP) and Industrial Hygiene Laboratory Accreditation Program (IHLAP). Aerotech’s BTOX division is also certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Program.