ISO 16000-20 Indoor Air - Part 20: Detection and Counting of Molds - Standard Test Method for Determining Total Spore Count

EUROLAB, with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, provides precise and fast testing services within the scope of ISO 16000-20 testing. ISO 16000-20 specifies requirements for air sampling from molds. Following the given instructions, samples are taken for microscopy to determine the total concentration of spores.

Mold is the common name for filamentous fungi from different taxonomic groups (Ascomycota, Zygomycota and their anamorphic states known as Deuteromycota or fungi imperfecti). They form a mycelium and spores, where they become macroscopically visible. Most spores range in size from 2 µm to 10 µm, some up to 30 µm and only a few up to 100 µm. The spores of some mold species are small and very easily airborne (eg Aspergillus, Penicillium), while others are larger or embedded in a slime matrix.

Mold spores are widely dispersed outdoors and therefore occur in varying concentrations indoors as well. However, mold growth in indoor environments should be considered a hygienic problem because epidemiological studies have revealed that damp or mold growth in homes is closely related to health problems affecting building occupants.

Coherent methods for sampling, detecting and counting molds, including standards for sampling strategies, are important for the comparative assessment of mold problems in indoor areas. Before making any measurement, a plan for the measurement strategy should be made.

A defined amount of air is drawn from an impactor containing a sticky solid surface that can then be used for microscopy. Particles in the air stream act on the surface due to their inertia, the air stream bends to bypass the solid surface.

EUROLAB assists manufacturers with ISO 16000-20 test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.