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Air Sample Analysis
Air samples are examined by the lab for spores that are not visible but may be present in the air.
The indoor sample(s) are analyzed against an outdoor "control" sample.
By comparing against the outdoor baseline, indoor samples are analyzed to determine whether mold is at an elevated level.
Additionally, comparing indoor and outdoor mold levels may help determine whether mold growth is occuring inside.
Surface Sample Analysis
Surface samples, including swab, tape lift or bulk samples are analyzed by direct microscopic examination.
The lab checks to see whether or not mold is growing on the surface sampled and if so what kinds of mold are present.
At times, there are indications of mold growth in the vicinity based on the mix of spore types present in the sample.
If mold growth is found, it is recommended that the mold be removed and that the root cause of the growth be addressed.
Lab Analysis Report
Tanjun Mold Inspections helps customers understand the results of the lab tests.
Once all of the information is gathered from the visual inspection combined with the lab results of any air or surface samples taken,
we provide a summary of our findings along with remediation recommendations when the results indicate a mold growth problem.
Lab results for post remediation verifications will either indicate that the mold has been successfully removed or that more remediation work is necessary.
How Does Lab Analysis Help with Mold Assessments?
- When recommended, air or surface samples may be taken from your property to be sent for lab analysis to assess issues with mold growth.
- With the help of microscopes, the professional lab technicians determine whether the sample contains mold, the species and at what levels.
- Whether you experienced water damage, are in the process of buying or selling a home or have just completed a mold remediation, lab testing may be a key element of the Findings and Recommendations Report.
tanjunmold@gmail.com
What Kind of Information is Contained in Lab Reports?
Samples are sent to an AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) accredited laboratory that specializes in environmental microbiology.
They provide very technical and detailed information that we analyze and summarize so that it is more friendly and useful to our customers.
The lab analysis will report on any mold found as well as spore counts as detected in the samples.
We determine whether the sample indicates:
- Normal fungal ecology: An indoor environment that reflects a normal fungal ecology
- Settled Spores: An indoor environment that is contaminated with some settled spores
- Actual Growth: An indoor environment that is contaminated with actual mold growth and associated spores
Samples are sent to an AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) accredited laboratory that specializes in environmental microbiology.
They provide very technical and detailed information that we analyze and summarize so that it is more friendly and useful to our customers.
The lab analysis will report on any mold found as well as spore counts as detected in the samples.
We determine whether the sample indicates:
- Normal fungal ecology: An indoor environment that reflects a normal fungal ecology
- Settled Spores: An indoor environment that is contaminated with some settled spores
- Actual Growth: An indoor environment that is contaminated with actual mold growth and associated spores
Why perform mold sampling if it already looks like mold?
At times, the mold growth is obvious and very widespread.
When the mold growth is that extensive and problematic, mold remediation often is the next logical step for that area.
However, even to a trained professional, at times it can be difficult to definitively identify certain types of mold by a visual inspection alone.
Surface samples sent to the lab can help either confirm or rule out mold as well as detect the spore counts.
Additionally, even within the same property where there is confirmed mold growth in one room or area, there may be advantages of performing surface or air sampling in another room or area where there is suspected growth and to assess if there has been mold travel.
Ultimately, the earlier the mold is detected and remediated, the greater the benefits.
Lab testing early on can help identify whether there is a mold problem. The earlier moisture and mold issues are addressed, the more you can minimize the damage.
What are common mold types found indoors?
Alternaria
Alternaria is one of the most common molds and is abundant worldwide. This genus contains around
40 to 50 different species, only a few of which are commonly found indoors.
Alternaria spores are easily dispersed through the air by wind.
Alternaria can grow on a variety of substrates indoors when moisture is present.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium is an abundant mold worldwide and is normally one of the most abundant spore types
present in both indoor or outdoor air samples. This genus contains around 20 - 30 different species.
Cladosporium produces dry spores that are formed in branching chains. Spores are released by
twisting of the spore-bearing hyphae as they dry. Thus, the spores are most abundant in dry weather.
Cladosporium can be found anywhere indoors, including textiles, bathroom tiles, wood,
moist windowsills, and any wet areas in a home. Some species of Cladosporium grow at temperatures near or below
0(C) / 32(F) and can often be found on refrigerated foodstuffs and even frozen meat.
Penicillium/Aspergillus
Penicillium / Aspergillus are two separate genera of molds that are so visually similar that they are
commonly discussed together as a group. Together, there are approximately 400 different species of Penicillium /
Aspergillus.
Penicillium / Aspergillus produce dry spore types that are easily dispersed through the air by wind.
These fungi serve as a food source for mites, and therefore can be dispersed by mites and various insects as well.
Penicillium / Aspergillus are found throughout the home. They are common in house
dust, growing on wallpaper, wallpaper glue, decaying fabrics, wallboard, moist chipboards, and behind paint. They
have also been isolated from blue rot in apples, dried foodstuffs, cheeses, fresh herbs, spices, dry cereals, nuts,
onions, and oranges.
Chaetomium
Chaetomium is a common mold worldwide. This genus contains around 80 - 90 different species.
Chaetomium spores are formed inside fruiting bodies. The spores are released by being forced out
through a small opening in the fruiting body. The spores are then dispersed by wind, water drops, or insects.
Chaetomium can grow in a variety of areas indoors, but is usually found on cellulosebased
or woody materials in the home. It is very common on sheetrock paper that is or has been wet.
Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys is ubiquitous in nature. This genus contains about 15 species.
Stachybotrys produces wet slimy spores and is commonly dispersed through water flow, droplets,
or insect transport, less commonly through the air.
Stachybotrys is common indoors on wet materials containing cellulose such as
wallboard, jute, wicker, straw baskets, and other paper materials.
Alternaria
Alternaria is one of the most common molds and is abundant worldwide. This genus contains around 40 to 50 different species, only a few of which are commonly found indoors. Alternaria spores are easily dispersed through the air by wind. Alternaria can grow on a variety of substrates indoors when moisture is present.Cladosporium
Cladosporium is an abundant mold worldwide and is normally one of the most abundant spore types present in both indoor or outdoor air samples. This genus contains around 20 - 30 different species. Cladosporium produces dry spores that are formed in branching chains. Spores are released by twisting of the spore-bearing hyphae as they dry. Thus, the spores are most abundant in dry weather. Cladosporium can be found anywhere indoors, including textiles, bathroom tiles, wood, moist windowsills, and any wet areas in a home. Some species of Cladosporium grow at temperatures near or below 0(C) / 32(F) and can often be found on refrigerated foodstuffs and even frozen meat.Penicillium/Aspergillus
Penicillium / Aspergillus are two separate genera of molds that are so visually similar that they are commonly discussed together as a group. Together, there are approximately 400 different species of Penicillium / Aspergillus. Penicillium / Aspergillus produce dry spore types that are easily dispersed through the air by wind. These fungi serve as a food source for mites, and therefore can be dispersed by mites and various insects as well. Penicillium / Aspergillus are found throughout the home. They are common in house dust, growing on wallpaper, wallpaper glue, decaying fabrics, wallboard, moist chipboards, and behind paint. They have also been isolated from blue rot in apples, dried foodstuffs, cheeses, fresh herbs, spices, dry cereals, nuts, onions, and oranges.Chaetomium
Chaetomium is a common mold worldwide. This genus contains around 80 - 90 different species. Chaetomium spores are formed inside fruiting bodies. The spores are released by being forced out through a small opening in the fruiting body. The spores are then dispersed by wind, water drops, or insects. Chaetomium can grow in a variety of areas indoors, but is usually found on cellulosebased or woody materials in the home. It is very common on sheetrock paper that is or has been wet.Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys is ubiquitous in nature. This genus contains about 15 species. Stachybotrys produces wet slimy spores and is commonly dispersed through water flow, droplets, or insect transport, less commonly through the air. Stachybotrys is common indoors on wet materials containing cellulose such as wallboard, jute, wicker, straw baskets, and other paper materials.
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Please let us know of any questions and concerns you have or contact us to schedule an inspection:
818-964-1533
tanjunmold@gmail.com
Happily serving our customers in Granada Hills, Porter Ranch, Northridge, North Hills, Reseda, Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Encino, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Malibu, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Newhall, Valencia, Canyon Country, Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray, Glendale, Pasadena, Alta Dena, Burbank, Studio City, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, West Hollywood, North Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley and the Greater Los Angeles Area.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
~ Water Damage Assessments
~ AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) Accredited Lab Testing
~ Presale Home Inspections
~ Post Remediation Clearance Testing
~ Air & Surface Sampling
~ Mold Remediation Protocols
~ Findings & Recommendations Reports
~ Environmental Testing
~ Mold Inspection Los Angeles
~ Certified Mold Testing Services
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MICRO Certified Mold Inspector CMI # 86294
InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) Certified Mold Inspector
Member # NACHI25081826 Certificate # 1755634505
IAC2 Certified, IAC2 Mold Certified (International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants)
Certification ID: IAC2-95070
