ADVICE FROM THE EPA about Mold Sampling

Is sampling for mold needed? In some cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. In specific instances, such as cases where litigation is involved, the source(s) of the mold contamination is unclear, or health concerns are a problem, you may consider sampling as part of your site evaluation. Surface sampling may also be useful in order to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling should be done only after developing a sampling plan that includes a confirmable theory regarding suspected mold sources and routes of exposure.

Consult an experienced professional. This individual can help you decide if sampling for mold is useful and/or needed, and will be able to carry out any necessary sampling. Sampling may help locate the source of mold contamination, identify some of the mold species present, and differentiate between mold and soot or dirt. Pre- and post-remediation sampling may also be useful in determining whether remediation efforts have been effective. After remediation, the types and concentrations of mold in indoor air samples should be similar to what is found in the local outdoor air.

Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals with specific experience in designing molds sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpretation of results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional guidelines. Types of samples include air samples, surface samples, bulk samples (chunks of carpet, insulation, wall board, etc.), and water samples from condensate drain pans or cooling towers.

A number of pitfalls may be encountered when inexperienced personnel conduct sampling. They may take an inadequate number of samples, there may be inconsistency in sampling protocols, the samples may become contaminated, outdoor control samples may be omitted, and you may incur costs for unneeded or inappropriate samples. Budget constraints will often be a consideration when sampling; professional advice may be necessary to determine if it is possible to take sufficient samples to characterize a problem on a given budget. * If it is not possible to sample properly, with a sufficient number of samples to answer the question(s) posed, it would be preferable not to sample. Inadequate sample plans may generate misleading, confusing, and useless results.

For someone without experience, sampling results will be difficult to interpret. Experience in interpretation of results is essential.

'Experienced investigators should evaluate the property; mold testing may be useful as part of an investigation, but it is never a substitute for a thorough visual inspection and exploratory techniques....' Allstate One Day Mold Removal.

* There are unfortunately less scrupulous Mold Inspection Companies who will charge less for their services and undercut their competition for your business. Regrettably this approach often reflects in the class of inspector, quality of work and viability of mold test results. There are 3 day, or online courses available which allow previously inexperienced individuals without engineering, construction, or science based back-grounds to call them selves a “Certified Mold Inspector”.

We urge you to ask the following questions of any company you are considering investigating your building for mold.

      1)     What are their qualifications?
2)       What experience does the inspector have?
3)       What type of mold test methods do they intend to use on your property? And why?
4)       How many mold samples are included in the price of a standard mold inspection? For reference, experts suggest that for an average size house, 4-6 samples should be taken including an outdoor control sample.
5)       Who interprets the results?
6)       Is the company a member of the Better Business Bureau?

Mold Samples obtained according to the standards of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)

R.SeelEnvironmental.JPG