DIN ISO 16000-18:2012-01

Mould spores are widely distributed in the outdoor environment and, therefore, occur in varying concentrations also indoors. Growth of moulds in indoor environments, however, should be considered a hygienic problem because epidemiological studies have revealed that dampness and/or mould growth in homes and health problems affecting the occupants are closely related. Standardized methods for sampling, detection and enumeration of moulds including standards for sampling strategies are important for comparative assessment of mould problems indoors. During sampling the particles in the air stream impact on the agar surface - due to their inertia - when the air flows bend to bypass the solid surface. Airborne moulds are thereby collected directly on the agar plates which are situated accordingly. Slit samplers or sieve samplers can be used and are available commercially). After sampling the mould spores are cultivated and counted. This procedure is described in DIN ISO 16000-17.