How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification of Mold SpeciesWritten by Phillip Fry
How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification of Mold SpeciesVANCOUVER, CANADA. Many property owners, apartment landlords, renters, employers, and employees want to know, and need to know, precise identities of various mold species infesting their moldy house, rental unit, or place of employment, according to Phillip Fry, Certified Mold Inspector and author of book Do-It-Best-Yourself Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing, & Remediation. The accurate identification of mold species requires two steps: (1) physical collection of mold samples from moldy building; and (2) mold laboratory analysis of collected mold samples. The least costly way to collect mold samples is do-it-yourself approach carried out by gathering actual samples of mold growth to submit for mold laboratory analysis ($20.00 or more fee per sample analyzed). Bulk Physical Mold Sampling If a property owner or occupant sees mold growing on a wall, ceiling, floor, heating or cooling duct register, or any other surface, he can scrape mold particles off mold growth area into a small ziplock bag. Collecting such a physical sample is “bulk mold sampling” or “physical mold sampling.” During such scraping of mold growth, tester needs to wear rubber gloves and a full-face respirator mask with organic vapor filters (such as 3M brand from a large hardware, home improvement, or safety store). To do scraping, use a new or thoroughly disinfected (with ethyl or rubbing alcohol) paint scraper. Disinfect scraper after each individual sampling to remove any possible mold contaminants, and thus avoid mold cross-contamination in sampling process from one source or location to another. Print clearly and neatly on a large pressure sensitive label property owner’s name, property address, precise test location at that address, testing date, and type of sampling method (“bulk sample”), along with tester’s name and contact information. The label should also include each individual test number, as listed on mold chain of custody form, available free from mold laboratory. Attach label to ziplock bag containing that respective, numbered mold sample. Alternatively, tester can scrape mold particles directly into a mold test kit (Petri dish) to start growing (“culturing”) of mold sample. This “viable testing” growth process takes 5 to 7 days for accuracy in mold species identification. The tester can then either watch test kits for mold growth, or send mold test kit to mold lab immediately, or after self-observation growth period. Another bulk physical sampling technique is to cut out a small section (no larger than 2 inches by 2 inches) of a building material or home furnishing that contains significant mold growth. Then, put that cut piece into a small ziplock bag, or press firmly moldy side down into a mold test kit. Follow same labeling instructions explained above. Examples of moldy materials from which bulk samples can be cut for mold lab analysis are wood timbers, drywall, plasterboard, wallpaper, ceiling tile, carpeting, padding, heating/cooling system filters, clothing, furniture upholstery, and any other favorite mold food.
| | Natural cure for Flatulence (wind)Written by Disco Stu Collins
Why does it always happen in a crowded elevator? That's what I'd like to know. Or even worse, you are out with a potential new boyfriend or girlfriend, and you really want to impress, when all of a sudden, WOOMPPFF! Embarrassing or what???But don't despair! The problem is probably a simple result of eating wrong foods or too much beer. Lets check out some darn fine ways of dealing with bad smells that don't cost much, and are totally natural. Tip 1 - try eating 'activated charcoal'. Charcoal tablets absorb gases that cause wind, and you can eat 'em inconspicuously several times a day if problem is really bad. Tip 2 - Chew food thoroughly. At www.freeremedies.com we always chew our food 100 times, whether it needs it or noMore chewing means less air when you swallow, and less air means less ammo for old 'asscannon'. Tip 3 - avoid know 'hell raiser' foods like cabbage, beans, sweetcorn, brussel sprouts, spinach, squid and monkfish. Although high-fibre foods are useful in your diet, they can lead to bloating, and unpleasant sound effects, especially when fermeted internally with any kind of alcohol.
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