~Mold Services~

Northern is pleased to provide the following scope of services to document the presence/absence of mold in residential, commercial, and hospital buildings

Bioaerosol Sampling is performed using spore trap cassettes or agar plates. Samples are collected from specific locations in the building where elevated concentrations of mold spores are suspected to exist. Spore trap cassettes identify both viable and non viable mold spores present, with results presented as total count per cubic meter of air (m3).  Agar media of cornmeal, malt extract or potato dextrose are used for isolation of culturable or viable mold spores. Northern uses the Andersen® N6 impactor sampler. Results are reported as colony forming units/cubic meter.

Surface Swab Samples are collected with a sterile swab from areas where visible mold growth is present. The swab can be analyzed by direct microscopic examination or by culturing on an agar plate.

Carpet Dust Samples are collected using a vacuum pump and Zefon filter cassettes.

Tape Lift Samples are collected by applying the adhesive side of tape lightly to the surface of the suspect material then carefully removing the tape and placing it onto a glass slide. The Slide is placed into a plastic holder, labeled and placed into a ziplock bag.

Bulk Samples are collected from building materials, which appear to be water damaged, are likely to contain hidden mold or have visible mold present.

Moisture Testing is performed to locate excess moisture in building materials where microbial amplification may be occurring. Northern uses the Protimeter® Surveymaster to perform moisture tests

Thermal Imaging:  Northern owns and operates a Flir Thermal Imaging camera. The camera is an important tool for the identification of leaks around doors and windows, water leaks and potential mold problems.