Mold is a natural microorganism that thrives on plants, dead wood, soil, and nearly any organic material. It requires a warm environment and ample moisture to grow. In colder climates, it typically flourishes from late spring until the first snowfall. Indoors, mould can persist in a semi-dormant state, but it requires water to actively grow. Detecting mould is often an early sign of water leaks, hidden condensation, or other construction issues. When the concentration of mould in your indoor air exceeds outdoor levels, your space may be contaminated.
LCS Laboratory’s DIY Air Sampling Kit
LCS Laboratory offers an air sampling kit designed for self-evaluating mould spore levels in your home or office. This DIY kit is particularly beneficial for those allergic to mould or investigating potential contamination. The sampling procedure is quite simple and can be seen here:
What’s Included in Your Sampling Kit?
Your kit includes a sampling manual, an air sampling pump, and cassettes for testing multiple rooms. The cost covers prepaid laboratory analysis and a comprehensive report with a certificate of analysis. The sampling procedure, based on ASTM D7391, is straightforward and takes approximately 10 minutes per room. Simply collect samples and return them to our laboratory for testing.
Planning Your Test
Individuals have varying sensitivities to allergens, making official limits for mold in the air unique to each person. This kit accommodates different needs:
- Identify Mold Sources: Recommended for finding the origin of contamination. Samples are collected near potential mold sources, revealing concentrations near ductwork outlets, flooded basements, or rooms with expected water damage.
- Evaluate Cleaning Procedures: Ideal for homes, offices, and the hospitality industry to scientifically assess cleaning efficiency. Collect samples before and after cleaning to gauge allergen concentration reduction, indicating the effectiveness of your cleaning procedures.
Laboratory Analysis
Our chemists employ high-resolution microscopy to identify various forms of biological dust and estimate their concentrations. The analysis includes the identification and quantification of spores such as Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and more.
Understanding Your Results
The results can be used for self-evaluation of allergic symptoms, discussing air quality with healthcare professionals, or as a certification of your rental property or business’s air quality.
Order Your Kit Today!
To order your kit, email us your address, specify the desired test, and indicate the number of rooms to test. We will promptly provide a quote. The typical cost for instrument rental and laboratory analysis starts from $200 CAD plus shipping. For a more accurate quote, please order your kit online by following the link below. 
We look forward to assisting you in ensuring the air quality of your space. Once we receive the samples back, our laboratory analyze them and send you a formal report. Please contact us to request your kit and discuss your project.
