Mold Sampling Services

Mold contamination is a common cause of indoor air quality (IAQ) complaints involving odors and respiratory concerns. In many cases, a specialist is called in to investigate the complaint. This often involves a visual inspection, talking with building occupants, and taking various types of measurements and environmental samples. 

Air sampling for mold, whether collected by a sampling device onto a collection plate for viable analyses or onto a spore trap are both techniques used by IAQ professionals. Samples are typically collected in suspect areas of a building as well as in non-suspect areas to develop information about the types of mold that are present and their concentrations.

The collection of an outdoor air sample also provides critical information. This is due to the fact that there is naturally occurring mold spores in both the indoor and outdoor air. Any mold found outdoors can make its way indoors through open doors, windows, air intakes, and even on the clothes of people.

“If an investigation finds high levels of a type of mold indoors, but not outdoors, this is important information,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Likewise, if high levels of a type of mold are found in an outdoor sample, it is quite likely the same type of mold will be found indoors at some level. It’s also important to remember that most techniques for air sampling provide information about just a snapshot in time. Mold concentrations can vary during the course of the day due to both indoor and outdoor activities as well as weather conditions.”

The indoor air quality professionals at EMSL Analytical, with dozens of laboratories across the United States and Canada, provide testing resources to IAQ professionals involved with mold and other types of building assessments. In addition to laboratory testing services and expertise, EMSL offers sampling supplies and collection equipment, air monitoring instruments, easy-to-use test kits, and building inspection tools.     

To learn more about mold or other environmental testing services and resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. To access test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.