Air Quality Testing with the Spore Trap Method

The term air quality refers the condition of air in and around our surroundings. The air is invisible and exists in gaseous form and encompasses biological, chemical and physical constituents. The composition of these constituents are responsible for determining the quality of air. The optimal quality of air is significantly influenced by them. Microscopic particulates that float in the air are also known as “Aerosol”. The biologically originated aerosols are commonly known as “Bio-aerosols”.

Bio-Aerosols

Some of the important Bio-aerosols includes viruses, mycoplasma, bacteria, fungi, pollen grains, mites, insects & their particulates, plant trichomes and many other plant and animal-borne materials. These entities are identified as one of the air-pollution causing agents; in other words they can cause poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Poor IAQ can adversely affect health and hygiene. Therefore, it is essential to understand these pollution causing agents in and around our ambient air.

Spore Trap

The evaluation of air for the above contaminants is the key element to improving air quality. The “Spore Trap” method is one of the scientifically proven mechanisms to collect the airborne particulates for air quality investigation. This method is rather inexpensive and suitable for most of the applications to collect air samples for examining the air particulates utilizing microscopic techniques. It’s also a well explored commercial method to collect air particulates.

How it Works

There are different kinds of Spore Traps available that utilize the same basic method to collect air samples.

Most of the spore trap products consist of a flat transparent “glass slip” with an adhesive selected media onto which particulates are collected passively by drawing an air jet, naturally or mechanically. The collection efficacy may vary depending on a number of parameters such as particle size, air velocity and other environmental factors. Techniques for examining the collected samples may vary depending on the project need. For example, if mold spore or particulate identification is the goal of the project, then light microscopy is used with or without using a stain such as “Lacto phenol”.

To avoid suffering from these air-borne particulates, consider testing your air quality using the “Spore Trap” method.  A professional IAQ firm can conduct testing using Spore Traps and other methods. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) test kits also provide sampling supplies for the Spore Trap method. The collected samples are then submitted for analysis to a qualified laboratory.

For more information on Bio-aerosols, the Spore Trap method or to have your Indoor Air Quality Testing please contact us or call 1-800-422-7873 today!