Mold Testing
by Phillip Fry
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
About the author:
Mr. Phillip Fry is a Certified Mold Inspector and a Certified
Mold Remediator. He had written DIY Mold Prevention,
Inspection, Testing and Remediation ebooks. He had also
co-authored the ebook Mold Legal Guide.
Feature Article Release Date: March 28, 2005
Contact: Phillip Fry, Manager, Mold Inspector Laboratory
International, Ltd.
Phone: 63-921-352-1287
Email: moldinspector@yahoo.com
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