The Healthy House Institute (HHI) announced the group has engaged the technology and support of Mycometer, Inc., (USA) to verify the completion of a successful mold remediation project in the Boise metro area.

According to the company, “Mycometer test assays are patented methods developed specifically to rapidly detect and quantify fungi on surfaces, in bulk materials and in air. The Mycometer test has been developed by microbiologists at Copenhagen University working closely with building inspection and mold remediation specialists (Reeslev and Miller, 2000).”

HHI engaged the services of Paul Tierney, of Environmental Services and Consulting LLC to verify remediation in a new construction project in which wet-cutting of terra cotta tile indoors during winter while running heat without adequate ventilation created a major condensation and mold issue in the attic of the new structure.

Gordon Dean of Clean Pro Restoration completed the remediation, and Tierney provided independent verification of outcomes.

According to Tierney, “The Mycometer-tested air and surface samples helped to provide onsite verification that the job was done correctly.”

“What impressed us about Mycometer is its ability to precisely detect mold (alive or dead) based on a specific enzyme found in mold mycelium and spores,” said Tierney.  “Mycometer also dutifully required us to become proficient in the use of the technology before they would provide access to it.”
“To ensure correct and reliable measurements, all personnel performing the Mycometer test must complete a class and proficiency certification training program provided by Mycometer,” noted Rogers.

“HHI was pleased to apply this leading technology to verifying the restored condition of the Boise home in question, and wishes to thank Mycometer, Inc., (USA), for generously making this advanced measurement device available to us at no cost,” added Allen P. Rathey, HHI president.

According to Lisa Rogers of Mycometer, the test is based on "fluorometric detection of an enzyme present in filamentous fungi (Miller et al., 1998). It is a quantitative method that provides results based on fungal biomass density in the sample collected. The Mycometer test can be performed in less than one hour, independent of whether one or twenty samples are being analyzed. Surface, bulk, and air samples can be used with this method. It is the only rapid test for fungi that has been verified by the USEPA.” (The sample collection method is also described in the ACGIH Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control, (1999) Chapter 12, Section 2.2.2.)