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Air Sampling Air samples are collected by extracting an established amount of air, 15 liters per minute (lpm), via a mechanical pump through a Zefon Air-O-Cell™ Cassette. This method of sampling allows for a rapid collection of viable and nonviable mold spores and subsequent analysis through direct microscopy by a certified lab.  -The air flow travels through an inverted, conical sample slit and impacts an adhesive glass slide. The mold
spores and other particulates are ‘trapped’ on the glass slide and the air exits through a cavity on the opposite
end of the sample slit.-The 15 lpm is the optimal speed for collecting air samples. Lower rates may occasion a decreased level of
collected particulates in the air. At higher rates, particulates slated for collection may change structural
formations due to the heightened air flow.-A chain of custody accompanies each air sample.
*VM3 Environmental conducts routine calibration on its Air-O-Cell™ equipment using a soap bubble meter to
calibrate the flow rate to a constant 15 lpm.
Swab Sampling In accord with IESO Standards, VM3 collects all its swab samples using a wetted wash solution that will not amplify microorganisms. Once the swab has been stroked across the intended mold area, the swab sample is placed inside the transport tube and labeled accordingly. As with air sampling, swab sampling carries a respective chain of custody. Swab sampling affords the persons involved with the residential structure under examination an avenue to rapid qualitative and quantitative analyses. These analyses are conducted via direct microscopy. Protimeter Moisture Meter Readings To measure the moisture level of non-conductive and porous building materials, VM3 utilizes GE Surveymaster Protimeter Dual-function Moisture Meters. The meters’ dual modes of search and measure fortify VM3’s ability to ascertain the extent and profile of excess and to assist in detection of moisture related issues. A digital display offers the actual or relative moisture level of the material in question. In addition, VM3’s Protimeters contain an LED scale which measures the state of the material’s moisture. 1) GREEN represents a safe, dry air state2) YELLOW indicates a marginal state3) RED alerts VM3 of a damp conditionTemperature Humidity Meters To measure the relative humidity (RH) and temperature of a particular area,VM3 operates Fluke Model 971 Temperature Humidity Meters. This device affords VM3 the ability to rotate from ambient temperature readings to wet bulb readings to dew point readings and back again to ambient mode. In reference to relative humidity, the Fluke 971 ranges from 5 to 95% relative humidity (accurate ±2.5% RH) and produces accurate readings within 60 seconds. Generally, an RH level of 60% or higher indicates a high water vapor pressure presence. Lower temperatures coupled with a high RH level can lead to condensation on the materials in the area. This wet condition can support a viable environment in which mold can grow. VM3 adheres to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), which promotes healthy indoor air ventilation among other topics. Particular to mold, RH levels, and temperatures, ASHRAE specifies that indoor temperatures should range 68-74º F in the winter and 73-79º F in the summer. Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO) Standards of Practice At VM3, we adhere to the guidelines provided by the IESO, an organization that offers a national forum to develop and publish consensus standards for the analysis of indoor environments. IESO’s Standards Volume I lists basic standards for sample collection and the assessment of indoor environments for mold contamination. Currently, IESO Standards require ISO 17025 qualified laboratories *IESO standards currently call for ISO 17025 qualified laboratories to perform analytical work. To comply with this standard, VM3 employs EMLab for all of its sampling analysis. Environmental Microbiology Laboratories, Inc. (EMLab) EMLab carries over 30 years experience testing and remediating mold and analyzing bioaerosol. Its analytical staff are presently (or in the process of becoming) certified by the Pan American Aerobiology Certification Board (PAACB). EMLab is also one of only two American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) certified laboratories in California and operates according to ISO 17025. www.emlab.com |
