WHY YOU NEED A
MOLD INSPECTION AND NOT JUST MOLD SAMPLE RESULTS

Mold sample analysis is sometimes a very important part of a mold inspection. However, sample analysis is not the whole picture. Mold spore sample analysis has it’s limitations as discussed here in part one of this two part article, we also discuss it here. One problem with sample analysis is the inherit variability in the process. To learn more about mold analysis and why it cannot replace a certified mold inspector continue reading. If you need the services of a certified and licensed mold inspector click here.

THE TEDIOUS NATURE OF MOLD SAMPLE ANALYSIS

Sample analysis can be unbearable boring and tedious for anyone who cannot stand to stay behind a desk all day. A lab worker can easily make mistakes if the person becomes board and burnt out. Such human errors can lead to variability in mold analysis results.

AN ANALOGY

Under the microscope spores look a little like beans, and seeds, and they serve the same reproductive role. Counting and identifying mold spores under the microscope is like counting and identifying many types of beans, grains, and seeds, while viewing them from 100 yards away with binoculars. Let’s make the analogy more real. Analyzing mold spores under the microscope is more complex and challenging than just counting seeds on a gardeners table through binoculars from 100 yards away. Many other objects would have to be on the table obstructing the view. Imagine a table with seeds that you have to count, in addition you have berries, twigs, dirt, and small stones partially obstructing your view. This is what mold spore analysis is like.

WHATS UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

Dirt, dust, soot from car exhaust, air born tire rubber, synthetic fibers, and pollen are common. Such particles can and often do partially block the observers view of spores. If an inner wall air sample is being analyzed large amounts of dust are present. Drywall dust or plasterboard dust heavily contaminate such samples. With inner wall samples the debris factor as they call it can make proper analysis impossible.
At the bottom of the lab report a debris factor number ranging from 1 to 5 is often given. If the level is 4 or 5 then much debris obstructed analysis. If the debris factor is low then debris levels were low.

SPORE LOOK ALIKES

Making the process more difficult is the fact that many spore look a-likes are often present. Tiny air bubbles can be present. Eroded and rounded grains of wind-blown sand can be present in high numbers. Sometimes air sample are taken near the sea as many of our samples are during mold inspections in South Florida. In such cases, it can be difficult to tell rounded and eroded sand and salt or bubbles from Pen Asp mold spores. Like Pen Asp spores these tiny objects are often round and clear or opaque.

IN CONCLUSION

So, in conclusion, air samples have an important place in helping to tell how moldy your air is. They can tell you what type of spores are in your air. Labs should be appreciated, and lab analysists work is not easy, it should be appreciated as a valuable asset. However, some problems with mold sample results are common, and lab report results are not absolute and concrete. Far too often certified mold inspectors who should know better put too much emphasis on samples and not enough on the inspection.

It is important to not rely on an inspectors test results solely. If you do obtain a home mold test kit, or if you have a mold inspector do the testing for you, make sure you also have an inspector fully inspect your property for you. Your inspector should be able to figure out if you have a true mold problem, and why you have mold, and what to do next.