What does a fungal analysis or investigation look like?

Are you thinking of contacting ecoPlus Services after a water incident for an analysis or fungal investigation?  Here’s what you can expect:

What is a fungal analysis?

A fungal analysis is usually done following a water incident, such as infiltration, leakage or condensation, and involves taking air samples to determine if a fungal environment is abnormal.

At the end of a fungal analysis, you will have a Fungal Air Quality Audit Report outlining the results of the laboratory analysis, including interpretation of the results (i.e., findings) and, if applicable, recommendations.

The steps of a fungal analysis:

1. When requesting a fungal analysis, an advisor will first have a telephone conversation with you to understand your problem and needs. This part of the service is free of charge and serves to confirm that you will receive a service tailored to your situation.

2. The advisor will then come to your home for a visual inspection.

The visual inspection of the building and its surroundings aims to:

• Observe the presence of mold if it is apparent or suspected.
• Contextualize the upcoming lab results 
• Determine the condition of building materials (moisture, wear, efflorescence, rot, stains, signs of insects or vermin, etc.).
• Understand construction methods (wall assembly, attic ventilation, presence of French drains, building ventilation, etc.).
• Understand the mechanisms that could lead to mold formation (poor plumbing, water infiltration in the building envelope, condensation points).

3. The advisor will then take air samples using a high-flow sampling pump and sample cassettes that he or she will then send to the laboratory. Samples will be taken in the home as well as outside.

4. Once the lab results are received, a report will be written and sent to you.

The objective of the air safety audit is to compare the fungal profile of the air in the sampled room with the control sample taken outside. The fungal profile is determined by the concentration of fungal particles and the distribution of mold species. It is considered acceptable when the concentration of mold in the room sampled is similar to that found outdoors and the distribution of species is similar.

Fungal analysis is a non-intrusive process. No walls or floors will be opened. The analysis report gives you a snapshot of the fungal particles present, but does not necessarily tell you the cause of a fungal problem and the extent of the damage to the building.

What is a fungal investigation?

The investigation is a more in-depth approach that makes it possible to discover the cause and impacts on the building of a fungal problem.  Generally, the investigation occurs when the fungal problem is proven and recognized.

At the end of a fungal investigation, you will have a Fungal Investigation Report, often accompanied by a Decontamination Protocol. This report will include the results of the laboratory analysis if samples were required; and will present the findings of the investigation (including the causes and materials affected), the risks if corrective measures are not taken, as well as a decontamination plan and a description of the work required to correct the situation.

The steps of a fungal investigation:

1. When requesting a fungal investigation, an advisor will first have a telephone conversation with you to understand your problem and needs. This part of the service is free of charge and serves to confirm that you will receive a service tailored to your situation.

2. The advisor will then come to your home for an inspection. A first visual inspection of the building and its surroundings is made to:

• Observe the presence of mold if it is apparent or suspected.
• Contextualize the upcoming lab results if sampling is required.
• Determine the condition of building materials (moisture, wear, efflorescence, rot, stains, signs of insects or vermin, etc.).
• Understand construction methods (wall assembly, attic ventilation, presence of French drains, building ventilation, etc.).
• Understand the mechanisms that could lead to mold formation (poor plumbing, water infiltration in the building envelope, condensation points).

Then, an intrusive inspection in the targeted areas may be required to see what is hidden behind the walls or under the floors.  A water incident, on its own, is not enough to cause a fungal problem. For mold to grow, three important elements are needed: water, organic substrate and time. The investigation will allow the advisor to understand the cause of the problem and identify the extent of contamination.

3. If required, the advisor will take air samples using a high-flow sampling pump and sample cassettes that he or she will then send to the laboratory. Samples will be taken in the home, as well as outside.

4. Once the lab results are received, a report will be written and sent to you.

Fungal investigation is a process that can be intrusive. The investigation report will allow you to have an analysis of the fungal situation, in addition to an explanation of the causes of the appearance of mold and the extent of the problem (including a description of the extent of affected areas).

The fungal investigation is usually accompanied by a decontamination protocol. This protocol will include a decontamination plan and a description of the work required to be submitted to your decontamination team.  The decontamination plan takes into account the safety of workers, the safety of the building, as well as the safety of residents and neighbours.

For more information and for an estimate of the costs related to your analysis or investigation needs, contact us!