Mold Sampling
EATechs is on the cutting edge when it comes to inspections, sample collections, and understanding what the collected information means. Mold sampling is not just sucking air and sending the samples off to the lab for analysis. The Environmental Consultant (EC) must understand why he/she is sampling before any samples are taken.
Many questions must be considered prior to mold sampling, i.e. what is the purpose of collecting samples? How many are reasonable? How many should be collected at each location? Should outside samples be collected as background? Is the outside sample the only way to determine background? Can the weather influence the outside sample(s)? How do I compare the sample collected in the compliant area to the unaffected location?
Lab Results
What do the lab results really mean? This question has plagued the industry professionals for years. Which lab do I use? Many labs are not accredited and the results may not mean a whole lot if challenged. At EATechs, a Council-certified Consultant (CMC) will come out and inspect the location prior to sampling.
When Should Mold Sampling Be Done
Many experts do not agree on when mold sampling should be done although they are beginning to come to better understanding of when not.
Should I Have Mold Sampling Done After The Mold Remediation Has been Completed
According to the industry, sampling should be conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the remediation contractor cleaning ability. Due to the limits of insurance covering mold cleanup, many mold contractors are not following industry standards. Why? Because they are bidding below what it takes to properly restore the property back to the pre-contaminated state. Mold spores and body fragment are not always visible to the unaided eye. If the air and surface samples require lab analysis, how do we think we are able to detect the spores and/or fragments without a visual aid (microscope)? If the spores and fragments are below visual detection, than a simple walk through inspection is inadequate.
It is the opinion of this EC that the only feasible means to determine if the Remediation Contractor (RC) has adequately cleaned up the elevated contaminants would be to conduct testing. Under certain conditions, the sampling cost may be covered by your insurance. Call our office to set up an inspection to determine if your situation qualifies.
When you hire EATechs we will help bring sense to an misunderstood science.