Collecting an outdoor air sample is a key step in performing air sampling for mold. Since the naturally occurring mold in the outdoor air is constantly changing, it is important to capture the current levels at the time of your assessment. However, we often get questions about testing during abnormal weather conditions and what the best way to proceed is.
We have compiled a short list of conditions that may require some special considerations below. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the weather you may encounter, but it should give you some good principles to add to your sampling knowledge base.
Cold
When the weather is below freezing, it is important to make sure to protect your sampling cassettes from the frigid temperatures. If the cassettes are exposed to the cold, make sure they are acclimated to room temperature before beginning sampling.
Wind
When sampling outdoors in periods of high winds, there are a few considerations to take when setting up your sampling equipment. If possible, orient the sampling inlet of the cassette into the direction of the wind.
Snow
In areas with seasonal snow cover, there are some important things to remember when collecting outdoor samples. With snow or ice cover on the ground, the outdoor mold levels can be near zero.
Rain
In periods of active rain, you want to do your best to keep the sampling cassette out of the rain. Sampling under an umbrella or other cover are good options to keep your equipment dry.
Why It’s Important
Here’s a real-life example to highlight why these tips matter: an inspector collected a sample on a rainy day but didn’t keep the sampling cassette dry. As you can see in the image, we received a very wet slide which can distort the results. The inspector had to go out, resample, and spend extra time on a job that could have been avoided with proper precautions.
By taking simple precautions, like using an umbrella or working under a cover, you can keep your equipment safe, protect your samples, and avoid the hassle of redoing work. These proactive steps not only save you time but also help you deliver faster, reliable results to your clients.
If you have any specific questions about sampling in inclement weather, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
