Sampling Methods

Sampling

• Purpose– Detect and quantify– Identify sources/amplification– Assess potential virulence– Assess effectiveness of controls

Cladosporium

Steps in Sampling

• Selection of a laboratory

• Selection of analyts

• Selection of methods

• Sensitivity of method

• Field sampling QC

• Reporting and lab support

Approaches to Sampling

• Qualitative - Type

• Quantitative - Concentration

Overview of Microbial Sample Collection Methods(Liquid Impinger)

Overview of Microbial Sample Collection Methods (Fungal Spore Sampling & Spore Traps)

Overview of Microbial Sample Collection Methods(Impactor Samplers)

Overview of Microbial Sample Collection Methods(Sedimentation Settling Plates)

Overview of Microbial Sample Collection Methods(Airborne Particulates & Bulk Samples)

Overview of Microbial Sample Collection Methods(Dust & Tape Lifts)

Tape Lift Sampling

Overview of Microbial SampleCollection Methods(Swab/Wipe & Surface Contact Plate)

Overview of Microbial Sample Collection Methods(Water Sample & Endotoxins in air)

Overview of Microbial Sample Collection Methods(Mycotoxins in Air)

Overview of Microbial Sample Collection Methods (MVOC’s in Air & β-1,3-D-Glucans in Air)

Overview of Microbial Sample Collection Methods(MVOC’s in Air & β-1,3-D-Glucans in Air)

Microbial By Products(Ergosterol in Air)

Notes:*Can also analyze for in bulk, surface and water samples.CFU-colony forming unitsM3-cubic metres of airMg-milligramsNg-nanogramsPpm-parts per millionMl-milliliterG-gram**References used to general Table 1 above are listed below 1-8

environmentaleducation.com

Air

Pump Rotameter

Biosis

Flow Valve

Plate Sampling

Plate Sampling

Stacked Plate Samplers

Impinger Sampling

• Impingement– Liquid media

Impinger Sampling

• Types of Impingers– AGI-30– AGI-4

Impinger Sampling

Air Sampling

• Types of Filtration– Membrane filter cassette

Passive Sampling

• Deposition– Gravity on agar

Passive Sampling

• Types of gravitational– Settling plates

Air Sampling (Spore Trap)

• Collects “everything”– Viable,non-viable,pollen,

• Unable to differentiate

Carpet Sampling

• Collect spores in the carpet pile using air pump

• Identifies type of mold

• Looking for uncommon types

• Provides historical information

Carpet Sampling

Data Interpretation

• Concentration inside versus outside.• Mold types inside versus outside.• Presence or absence of a specific

mold.• Location of unknown source.• Change in concentration following

remediation.• Is a “snap shot” in time.

Stachybotris

Aspergillus

environmentaleducation.com

TO INTERPRET YOUR REPORT

1. Using the table below, locate the type(s) of mold identified on the reverse side of this report. 2. Moving across the columns, determine in which column(s) an “X” appears. The heading at the top of the column

indicates the hazard associated with that type of mold. 3. Refer to the description section for more information.

Mold sp. Allergen Mycotoxin Pathogen Absidia sp. X Acremonium sp. X X Alternaria sp. X X

Aspergillus X X X Basidiomycetes X Bipolaris sp. X Chaetomium sp. X Cladosporium sp. X Curvularia sp. X Epicoccum sp. X Fusarium sp. X X Gliocladium sp. X Helminthosporium sp. X Histoplasma sp. X Humicula sp. Mucor sp. X Nigrospora sp. X Paecilomyces sp. X Penicillium sp. X X Phoma sp. X Pithomyces sp. Rhizomucor sp. X Rhizopus sp. X Rhodotorula sp. X Saccharomyces sp. X Scopulariopsis sp. X Sporobolomyces sp. X Sporothrix sp. Sporotrichum sp. X Stachybotrys sp. X Stemphylium sp. X Syncephalastrum sp. Torula sp. X Trichoderma sp. X X Trichophyton sp. X Trichothecium sp. X Tritirachium sp. X Ulocladium sp. Verticillium sp. Wallemia sp.

Descriptions Allergenic molds are normally not dangerous, but they can cause allergic or asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing or runny nose. These molds can be abated safely without the assistance of a professional. It is suggested that personal protection, in the form of gloves and disposable particulate-removing respirator be used, especially in those who experience allergies and/or asthma. Mycotoxic molds can cause serious health effects in humans and animals. Health effects range from short-term irritation to immunosuppression to cancer and even death. If any toxic molds are identified in this report, it is suggested that you seek the advice of an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for guidance. The abatement of these types of mold should NOT be attempted by the average homeowner. Pathogenic molds can cause serous health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems, those taking chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, or auto-immunity disorders. If any pathogenic molds are identified in this report, it is suggested that you seek the advice of an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for guidance. The abatement of these types of mold should NOT be attempted by the average homeowner.

References