Inexpensive Screening Test for Mold: Author's Response to Replies

[Guest guest]

Name: Dan ()

Date: 10-17-02 06:08

Homepage:

First, I thank all of you who have responded to my request for

suggestions regarding " an inexpensive screening test for mold. " They

were very helpful.

It appears that there is a " thread " that suggests that " professional "

and " trained " interpretation is the best, even when expensive.

Current methods include 1) collecting spores/hyphae by sticky tape

contact or by pulling air via a pump and collecting spores onto a

sticky filter. These are then analyzed by trained people using

microscopic techniques. These enumerate viable (living) and nonviable

components. 2) culturing methods of a collected sample. These

enumerate viable parts of the sample and do require trained labor for

interpretation.

I believe that these methods are too dependent on trained labor,

yield results that are too detailed to be useful, and are time

consuming. What is needed is what I have to offer: An inexpensive

(not a $300-$600 calibrated pump) vacuum that is used to sample 1)

air for spores 2) solid surfaces for organisms 3) carpet for residue.

This can be done by anyone, professional or consumer alike. The solid

residue in the airstream is collected by electrostatic/adsorbant

wafers that hold the collection. Multiple wafers collect replicate

samples coincidentally.

The wafers are then processed by 1) the addition of proprietary

reagents which react with and detect fungi producing a color change

whose intensity is proportional to the viable and nonviable mold

collected in them. This is performed on the site in a matter of

minutes. From this result, if deemed necessary, a duplicate wafer

that had been collected simultaneously is processed using culturing

techniques. These can be done professionally or sent to a central lab

as is the case currently with some DIY methods.

As one can see, all the rooms and floors of a residence or commercial

building can be done easily with prompt results. This is a screening

test: low mold OK; high mold bad and test further that specific area

more thoroughly.

Again, any suggestions or criticisms? Please contact me. All are

welcome. Thanks.