TESTING OPTIONS
Air
Scope:
Collect a specific amount of air in a chosen indoor living area and compare the types and amounts of fungal spores detected to the air collected outside of the home.
Advantages:
- Less expensive than viable sampling.
Scope:
- Non-viable: Identification of fungal organism groups only. No species identification.
- Results represent fungal spores detected in the tested area during the collection period only.
- Sample area is limited to approximately 100 SF of open space.
- Fungal spores may exist on surfaces without being released into the air.
Recommended:
- To all occupants / owners upon completion of remediation process to ensure spores in the air are at or below the outdoor environment (clearance).
- To mostly healthy occupants / owners, if living areas have visible signs of current or previous water damage or repairs.
- To mostly healthy home buyers, if home purchase disclosures indicate previous water intrusion or repair work.
Swab
Scope:
- Collect a surface sample in each area with potential mold growth or visible residue.
Advantages:
- Less expensive than viable sampling.
Limitation:
- Non-viable: Identification of fungal organism groups only. No species identification.
- Results represent area sampled only.
- Elevated levels of fungal spores may still exist in the air even after treating visible mold on surfaces.
Recommended:
- To all occupants / owners in living areas with visible signs of discoloration, residue or elevated moisture levels.
Dust
Scope:
Collect dust accumulated in the living areas and examine it for mold particles attached.
Advantages:
- Viable: Identification of fungal species.
- Dust accumulates over time, thus results represent history of the home for up to 10 years.
- Results represent area where dust was collected. This may be done in an individual area or home as a whole (several samples required).
Limitations:
- More expensive than non-viable sampling.
Recommended:
- To all occupants / owners interested in obtaining history of water damage in the living areas.
- To occupants / owners with health concerns, allergies, autoimmune disorders, if living areas have visible signs of current or previous water damage or repairs.
- To home buyers with health concerns, allergies, autoimmune disorders, if home purchase disclosures indicate previous water intrusion or repair work.
