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Black Mould

The news media often refer to "black mould" or "toxic black mould." It is usually associated with Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of greenish-black mould commonly associated with heavy water damage. Not all moulds that appear to be black are Stachybotrys. The known health effects from exposure to Stachybotrys are similar to other common moulds, but have been inconclusively associated with more severe health effects in some people.


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Sampling Protocols   How it's done.

Mould Screening

Although there are no defined standards or exposure limits, it is possible to identify houses with mould contamination by comparing the indoor and outdoor levels of mould spores using the air sampling method. A review of the recommendations by the nation’s leading testing laboratories shows air sampling to be the method of choice for residential mould screening.

When properties are found to have higher levels of mould indoors than outdoors, further investigation is recommended. It is assumed that a higher ratio of indoor mould is indicative of an internal mould growth, which, if confirmed, should be corrected. It is generally believed by the scientific community that elevated levels of mould would inevitably lead to the discovery of some form of moisture penetration such as a leaky roof, hidden plumbing leak or other water infiltration problem.

The following are two common methods of screening for mould: air sampling and sterile swab sampling.,/p>

Air Sampling

Screening by air sampling (one of the most reliable, quick and cost-efficient mould tests available today) is recommended if, during an inspection or otherwise, conducive conditions or evidence of mould is discovered. This sampling method requires that at least two samples be taken, one outside and one inside the property. Air samples should be taken inside in any of the rooms where indications of mould are discovered. Only one sample is taken outdoors, called the reference sample, and it is used for comparison to all the other samples taken inside. Indoor/Outdoor mould ratios are often the primary evidence suggesting the likely presence of mould growth within the property.

Sterile Swab Sampling

Screening by sterile swab sampling can be performed when there are visible signs of mould growth. An individually packaged, sterile swab is used to wipe and collect a sample from the surface of the mould. A separate swab is used for each kind of mould found in the property.


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