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"To
determine if mold spores disseminated through air ducts, Dr. Morey directs
his team to air sample with two SAS Super 180 Air Samplers. ...." From Bioscience World,
Summer 2000
SAS
Televised on CBS
By Bioscience Staff
"Warning...Do Not Enter...Biohazard" reads the sign on a bolted door
of a condemned home in Austin, Texas. Amid furnishings, stocked refrigerator
and closets, lurks a silent invisible intruder, Stachybotrys Atra. Former
residents of this and a second mold-contaminated home lead the television
crew of 48 Hours on an eerie tour. Suited in protective Tyvec suits, gloves
and respirators, they share the tragedy of their lost health and homes with
the world. Stachybotrys Atra can cause allergies and serious illness.
Investigator of one of the homes, Dr. Philip R. Morey, Director of Indoor
Air Quality of AQS Services, said "The first concern in building
contamination is water problems. They only get worse if not fixed. The
degree of water damage depends on the amount of moisture and how quickly it
dries. Even if it dries out completely, there may still be contamination."
Second, he recommends inspection for visible mold. Third, he advises that,
"Recognizing not all mold is visible, you need to air sample."
Cameras follow him to the contamination source, building materials
encasing the air conditioner. Muffled by his respirator, Dr. Morey removes
insulation and announces, "We have one hundred percent visible mold
coverage." To determine if mold spores disseminated through air ducts, Dr.
Morey directs his team to air sample with two SAS Super 180 Air Samplers.
"There are no numerical guidelines, no cookbook for indoor air
monitoring," Dr. Morey cautions. "The key is, before you pick up your air
sampler, to have a clear objective that is building specific, because every
case is different. Every building has unique problems."
Dr. Morey has used the SAS Air Sampler since 1984, starting with the SAS
Hi Flow with a flow rate of 180 liters per minute. Recently, he upgraded to
the new SAS Super 180, which offers the same l80-liter speed with greater
programmability, portability and lighter weight. (See attached article.)
Daryl Sawyer, AQS Industrial Hygienist, said, "Increased programmability of
the SAS 180 allows sample volumes settings from 1 to 1800 liters and, with
SAS, we can use any style contact or petri plate."
Amorphous cellulose dampened by a leaky pipe or roof is the primary food
of Stachybotrys Atra and other molds. Gypsum wallboards, ceiling tiles,
blown-in and even fiberglass insulation can be lined with cellulose. "If
these materials get wet, stay chronically wet or are not dried out quickly
enough, there can be microbial growth and ventilation can blow spores
throughout the house," Daryl Sawyer said.
Remediation includes removing all dust, moldy porous gypsum board and
carpets and clearing rooms with a hepa vacuum. Smooth hard surfaces are damp
wiped. Further information on assessment and remediation of Stachybotrys
Atra is available in SAS Application Note #93.
For More Information Contact:
Bioscience International
11607 Magruder Lane, Rockville MD 20852-4365
Tel: 301-230-0072
FAX: 301-230-1418
Internet: BioInfo@Biosci-Intl.com
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