How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification of Mold Spec

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

Mr. Phillip Fry is a Certified Mold Inspector and a Certified Mold Remediator. He has written Mold Health Guide and DIY Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing and Remediation. He has also co-authored the ebook Mold Legal Guide.

---

Planning Permission Tips UK - Agricultural Plots of Land for Sale - The Latest Mug Punter Scam?

The first part of most years brings a flurry of... Read More

There Is Always Something To Improve Or Innovate For Comfort

In this fast moving world of the 21st century, we... Read More

If You Want to Bring Your Bathroom Up to Date, Consider Fitting a Shower Stall

Modern shower stalls look sleek and stylish. If you have... Read More

The Great American Dream

Are you ready to starting building your dream home. House... Read More

Make Your Hardwood Floors Shine

You have just installed hardwood flooring in your home. Now... Read More

Faux Fireplace, on the Cheap!

Does the coming winter chill remind you how much you... Read More

Your Home is Your Symphony

"Dr. Carl Sagan once wrote, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting... Read More

The Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for a Mattress

Buying a new mattress is a daunting task that few... Read More

How to Layout Recessed Lighting

One of the most important principles to understand when designing... Read More

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages

Many of us know that solar energy is a good... Read More

The Benifits of Home Ventilation

The purpose of a home ventilation system is to maintain... Read More

How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification of Mold Spec

How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold... Read More

Chiminea ? Buy It for the Versatility of Enjoying Both Fireplace and Grill!

I recently visited friends who served me a dinner of... Read More

Professional Asphalt Paving Contractors In California

Choosing an asphalt paving contractor can be a major event... Read More

Log Homes - Whats Different About Log Homes?

Newcomers to the world of log homes will notice that... Read More

In The Mood

Creating a Designer Home With LightingTraditionally, spring is the time... Read More

What Are Circuit Breakers?

Circuit Breakers are devices that stop the electrical current of... Read More

Portable Air Conditioners Ensure Economy And Convenience

Small is beautiful and convenient and so is the portable... Read More

Kitchen Design ? No Need to Do It Alone

You can't opt out of the process altogether, though, because... Read More

Concrete Cutting - Adding a Pre-Cast Concrete Stairway Bulkhead to Your Home

Installing a pre-cast concrete stairway to your home's basement is... Read More

Flooring: Installing Ceramic Tile

Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a... Read More

The Four Major Types of Air Filters

Hygienic air is essential to human life, and in this... Read More

Single Pane Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame, Part 2

This week we are going to continue our series on... Read More

3 Kinds Of Wood Used In Real Wood Furniture

Real wood furniture is the most popular furniture in existence.... Read More

Add Value To Your Home With A Home Improvement Loan

Buying a home is a big and important investment for... Read More

What Two Words Will Double the Space in Your Home?

Just two words and a bit of explanation about them... Read More

Do-it-Yourself Roofing, Is It Advisable? Some Tips and Guidelines

Many do-it-yourselfers pride themselves in their handiwork, you can just... Read More

Making the Most of a Small Bathroom

In bathroom terms at least, bigger doesn't have to be... Read More

Building Your Dream Home ? Part 2

Razing the CottageWith new house plans and permits in hand,... Read More

Asphalt Paving Driveway Maintenance Tips

Asphalt paving or Hot Mix Asphalt is typically what one... Read More

Tips To Improve The Quality Of Your Outdoor Space And Patio

It's easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out just... Read More

The $27,000 Toilet Seat - Funny DIY Story

This story was told to me by a plumber I... Read More

Simple Way to Get More Heat from Your Fireplace

For some people, a fireplace might as well be a... Read More