DIN Standards Committee Materials Testing
DIN ISO 16000-20
Indoor air - Part 20: Detection and enumeration of moulds - Determination of total spore count (ISO 16000-20:2014)
Innenraumluftverunreinigungen - Teil 20: Nachweis und Zählung von Schimmelpilzen - Bestimmung der Gesamtsporenanzahl (ISO 16000-20:2014)
Overview
Mould is a common name for filamentous fungi from different taxonomic groups (Ascomycota, Zygomycota) and their anamorphic states former known as Deuteromycota or fungi imperfecti. They form a mycelium and spores by which they become visible macroscopically. Most spores are in the size range of 2 µm to 10 µm, some up to 30 µm and only few up to 100 µm. Spores of some mould genera are small and become airborne very easily (for example, Aspergillus, Penicillium) while others are bigger and/or embedded in a slime matrix (for example, Stachybotrys, Fusarium) and less mobile. Mould spores are widely distributed in the outdoor environment and, therefore, occur in varying concentrations also indoors. Growth of moulds in indoor environments, however, has to 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. Harmonized methods for sampling, detection and enumeration of moulds including standards for sampling strategies are important for comparative assessment of mould problems indoors. Before doing any measurements a plan for the measurement strategy should be made. This part of ISO 16000 is based on parts of VDI 4300 Part 10 and describes methods for air sampling of mould spores for subsequent microscopic analysis. A defined air quantity is drawn through an impactor containing a sticky solid surface. The adhesive surface is then microscopically examined. After sampling, the mould spores are counted under a microscope. No cultivation is performed. Therefore, the total spore concentration, including culturable and non-culturable spores can be determined.
