Mold Bacteria Consulting Services

Serving Ontario and British Columbia

You are here: Home / Archives for Fungi

Choosing a mold testing laboratory that is right for you

Mold testing professionals and other users should consider several factors in choosing a mold testing laboratory. This article refers to laboratories that specializes in identification and enumeration of mold and bacteria commonly detected in air, fluids and bulk samples collected from homes, schools, offices, hospitals, industrial, agricultural, and other work environments. Mold testing laboratories are generally not regulated by provincial or federal agencies. Consequently, it is important for mold testing professionals to investigate these laboratories by obtaining information about their performance, operation, and service before sending mold samples for analysis. A mold testing professional requires assurance that the test results will be of quality, be credible, and meaningful. Specific guidelines are discussed here to aid the mold testing professional in evaluating a mold testing laboratory.

Factors to Consider
Test Methods – The use of appropriate test methods is very important in order to accurately identify and/or enumerate mold spores or colony forming units (CFU) in an air sample.

Laboratory Proficiency – The proficiency of a mold testing laboratory refers to its ability to produce accurate and precise test results. It is difficult for a laboratory to independently assess this factor. Thus, reputable labs participate in AIHA sponsored EMPAT program. The Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing (EMPAT) Program is a voluntary performance evaluation program, administered by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), for environmental microbiology laboratories. A main purpose of the EMPAT is to provide proficiency testing samples to laboratories who wish to monitor and improve the quality of their mold testing data. Participating laboratories receive a summary of their performance for each field of testing (FoT). Continued self-evaluation and adjustment improves the integrity of the mold test results. A prospective client should ask the laboratory management if they are members of the EMPAT program.

Laboratory’s EMPAT Results – It is important that a representative of the mold testing laboratory review with the potential client their EMPAT quarterly test results with those summarized for all EMPAT participating laboratories. Information for each FoT of interest to the client should be included. Mold testing professionals should ask for this comparison in order to make a good decision about a laboratory. Some laboratories that participate in the EMPAT program are not proficient.

Other Customers – The potential client should ask the mold testing laboratory to provide the names and telephone numbers of some customers. This allows the mold testing professional to evaluate the laboratory from the perspective of users like themselves.

Laboratory Results – Ask a laboratory representative for copies of sample results and ask them to explain the meaning of the units if they are unclear.

Turn-Around Time – Ask how long it takes the mold testing laboratory to do the routine mold testing and return the results. In order for the results and recommendations to be useful, the turn-around time must be as short as possible. A good laboratory should be able to provide the results in two to three working days for the routine mold tests of direct microscopic examination. It is also very important to make sure the laboratory does not sacrifice accuracy by short cutting the methods to attain this turn-around time. It is a good idea to check the turn-around time with those who have used the laboratory.

Visiting the Laboratory – Where possible, it is important to visit the mold testing laboratory before submitting samples. A representative of the laboratory should not hesitate to show a potential client the testing area. During the visit, observe the orderliness and cleanliness of the work area. Ask how the samples are handled. In addition, ask how the data is handled and ask about quality control that is used.

Sampling Supplies – Most mold testing laboratories supply test media such as agar, air-0-cells, and swabs to their customers. Find out about the supplies and how they are obtained from the laboratory.

Professionals Mycologists – Find out if the mold testing laboratory has professionals who are trained in mycology (the study of molds and yeasts) or microbiology to work with the customer. Before deciding on a mold testing laboratory, visit the laboratory and meet with a professional to discuss concerns about testing mold. When visiting a mold testing laboratory, ask to review the educational credentials of the professionals. Find out about the training background of the analysts.

Laboratory Test Prices – Prices for mold testing often vary greatly from one laboratory to the next. Ask about the prices. Determine if the price for each test or test package is given in writing. Also find out if discounts are given for large numbers of samples and whether prices are negotiable.

If you’re looking for a mold testing laboratory, please call 905-290-9101.

What Are Mold Spores?

Mold spores are tiny propagative units similar in function to plant seeds but they do not contain preformed embryo. They can be produced by sexual or asexual means.

Types of Mold Spores
Various terms are used to describe mold spores:

  • Ascospores: spores produced by ascomycetes, e.g., those of the mold Chaetomium;
  • Basidiospores: spores produced by basidiomycetes e.g., those of mushrooms;
  • Conidiospores (conidia): spores produced by most members of the deuteromycetes, e.g., those of molds such as Aspergillus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys;
  • Sporangiospores and Zygospores: spores produced by Zygomycetes, e.g., those of the mould Rhizopus.

Some mold spores can remain viable for many years.

Bacterial and Fungal Contamination of Metalworking Fluids (MWFs)

Metalworking fluids are used to cool and/or lubricate metal works during machining, grinding, cutting, milling, etc. MWFs can get contaminated when good hygiene practices are not followed or when fluids are not properly managed or maintained. Bacterial and fungal contamination of metalworking fluids (MWFs) is a major concern in the industries which use these fluids. Contamination may cause equipment malfunction, off-odors, degradation in the fluid quality, economic losses and finally, they pose as a major health hazard. Several Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria are found as contaminants. These include Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Proteus sp. and Coliforms. Fungal contaminants include, Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp. and Cephalosporium sp.

Major health concerns of bacterial and fungal Contaminated metalworking fluids include skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and, occasionally, breathing difficulties such as bronchitis and asthma. Learn more about contamination of metalworking fluids.

Canadian Mould Remediation Guidelines

There are a number of mould remediation guidelines in Canada. These include:

Mould Remediation Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry

The mould remediation guidelines prepared by the Canadian Construction Association offers practical advice on mould-related issues (legal, insurance, and health considerations). It also offers helpful information on how to minimize mould growth, identify and measure it, and step-by-step instructions on remediation.

The guide is free to download from the CCA website http://www.cca-acc.com/documents/electronic/cca82/cca82.pdf and hardcopies can be purchased from your local construction associations.

EACO Mould Abatement Guidelines

Environmental Abatement Council of Ontario prepared this mould remediation guidelines to assist building owners, constructors, contractors, subcontractors and workers who have duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations to safely perform work activities involving Mould (Microbial) Abatement and remediation. 

OAA Mould Control Practice Guide

The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) issued the Mould Control Practice Guide to assist and educate its members with respect to certain matters related to mould and mould in buildings. 

Fungal investigations in public buildings, workplaces, and homes

Investigation of fungal contamination in indoor environments normally includes visual inspection and sampling. The samples to collect, the number, when and where to collect them and the methods to be used for sample analyses depends on the objectives or goal of the investigation. The samples that may be collected include air, dust or bulk samples. Swabs or clear cellophane tape can be used to sample for fungi from contaminated surfaces. The samples can be analyzed by either direct microscopy or by culture methods depending on the type of data required.

Salmonella food poisoning and symptoms

Salmonella food poisoning has been a growing concern in recent news. It has frequently lead to recalls of beef, salads and organic products and, even peanut butter products. Salmonella food poisoning occurs when one eats raw or undercooked foods such meat, poultry, eggs or egg products. Properly cooked food can get contaminated with Salmonella if […]

Legionella pneumophila – Guidelines for Laboratory Interpretation

Legionella pneumophila is a Gram negative, aerobic bacteria that is characterized as an opportunistic pathogen. It is the cause of Legionnaires’ Disease, a severe form of pneumonia and, it is the cause of Pontiac fever, a non-pneumonic form of L. pneumophila infection. Legionella spp.’s mode of transmission is through aerosols or aspiration of contaminated water. The Public Health […]

The Indoor Mold Is An Early Warning Device

The mold (or mould, in the Queen’s English) has been the victim of a bad press. Mention the word and it conjures up an image of something rotting or in the process of decomposition. And yet, were it not for the mold that inspired the discovery of penicillin millions of lives would have been lost. […]