Frequently Asked Questions

Equipment Used for Sampling

1. What type of equipment is used by GEMCO Inspectors for Sampling?

GEMCO Inspectors use a variety of Industrial Hygiene and Indoor Air Quality equipment during various assessment processes. The equipment used provides our Inspectors with ‘real time’ as well as ‘grab sample’ type data that conveys important information on the condition of the Indoor Environment at the time of Assessment.  Instruments provide comparative type data for specific rooms or areas which provide an overall picture of the Indoor Environment.  Like the Visual Inspection, the Instrument Survey is an important part of the Assessment and the development of a Laboratory Sampling Strategy (if required).

GEMCO Inspectors may use the following equipment to conduct their assessments:

Spore Trap Air Monitoring involves collecting air samples.. This type of sampler uses an Air-O-Cell (AOC) cassette, which is a proprietary spore trap that captures Viable (living) and Non-viable (dead) mould spores. Air is drawn through the AOC at 15 litres per minute for 5 minutes, impacting mould spores from the air onto an adhesive cover slip.  The impacted cover slips are mounted on a microscope slide with stain and examined by a Mycologist. 

Viable Air Samples are collected using an Anderson N-6 Impactor. This type of sampler draws air through the Impactor at a flow rate of 28.3 litres per minute for 3 to 5 minutes. The particles drawn in are deposited onto the surface of a collection medium (petri dish). 

Tape Surface Lift Samples are collected using a 3” strip of clear adhesive tape.  The tape is placed over the area of suspected growth to be sampled and the surface of the tape is lightly pressed against the surface to collect a sample.  After collection, the Tape Lift Sample is placed into a sterile, sealable plastic bag (in some instances the Tape Sample is applied to a glass slide).  The Sample bag is then labeled using our Standard Labeling Protocol. 

A Protimeter Digital Hygrometer (humidity meter) and Thermometer is used to record Relative Humidity and Temperature levels. 

Laser Particle Counter is used to assess the levels of Aerosolized Dust and Particulate on a room-by-room basis.  This type of equipment provides real time data which can assist in providing assessment information associated with the indoor environmental conditions and therefore assists in determining a mould sampling strategy.

Multi Gas Meter is used to record the levels of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide on a room-by-room basis.

Volatile Organic Compound Monitor (Photoionization detector) is used to record the levels of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC’s) in parts per billion (ppb) on a room-by-room basis.

Thermal Imaging Camera is used to view areas of temperature variations within floors, walls and ceilings.  The camera is used on areas not readily accessible to determine if they require further investigation.

Protimeter Survey Master Non-Penetrating Moisture Meter is used to determine moisture content of building materials identified during the Visual Inspection.  The Moisture Meter accurately measures moisture content and provides quantitative readings in wood, gypsum wallboard (drywall), plaster, masonry and a variety of other building materials.  The Assessment of moisture and damp conditions is also important in determining Remedial Strategies

A PPB RAE Volatile Organic Compound Monitor (Photoionization detector) is used to Record the Levels of TVOC’s in parts per billion (ppb) on a room-by-room basis. Photoionization detectors (PIDs) are direct-reading instruments that detect airborne chemicals by first breaking them into electrically charged fragments by means of an ultraviolet (UV) lamp, then detecting the fragments (ions) on a metal screen. Note that identification of the individual chemicals present is not possible and measurements are given in Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC’s).