What is a MoldScore? The MoldScore is used by EmLab laboratories to interpret if mold maybe likely inside your home. In plain terms, mold inspectors may use the value of this number to associate the likely hood that mold maybe growing inside your home. From a mold inspector stand point, the number should only be used in combination with a well performed visual mold inspection and a moisture analysis of the water damaged building materials.
The MoldScore is a numerical value given to assist in the interpretation of the indoor to outdoor mold spores with respect to spore trap data. The data only improves in value when you can increase the number, total time taken and assessing the best locations for each sample. All outdoor mold samples should be collected first close to the primary entry, then indoor samples.
Mold score can be used in many different types of environments. It is possible to use the MoldScore analysis of mold samples in residential and in non-residential buildings. Just as with residential buildings, outdoor samples should be taken first. Problems may arise when assessing multiple stories of a building. The natural (outdoor) aerosol concentration diminishes the longer you are in the space. The value may fluctuate and thinking of these effects of indoor sampling may change the protocols and help you decide on the total number of samples you may need to take.
Th most important part of a mold inspection is a visual inspection. If the MoldScore results indicate a likely hood that that the mold is coming from the indoor spaces, then it would be prudent to take another look around. If no mold is visible, it may be likely that the mold score is incorrect. In the case when the mold score is low and visible mold growth is present, consider relying on the visual presence as an important tool in the IAQ survey.
Mold Inspection & Testing
