Texas Mold Assessment Consultant Practice Exam

Which sampling device is appropriate for determining respirable and non-respirable viable airborne mold spores?

1. Air-o-cell cassette

2. Vacuum pump

3. Microscope slide

4. Petri dish

The correct answer is: Air-o-cell cassette

The Air-o-cell cassette is specifically designed for air sampling of mold spores and particulates, making it appropriate for determining both respirable and non-respirable viable airborne mold spores. This cassette allows air to be drawn through a collection medium that captures the spores, enabling accurate analysis of their presence and concentration in the air. This device facilitates the collection of viable particles and allows detailed laboratory analysis of the spores collected. The captured spores can be cultured to determine viability, which is essential when assessing the potential health impacts of mold exposure. Other devices, while useful in different contexts, do not provide the same level of specificity for airborne mold analysis. Vacuum pumps can collect a broader range of airborne particulates but are not specifically designed for viable mold sampling. Microscope slides are typically used for direct microscopic examination rather than air sampling, and Petri dishes, while useful for culturing collected samples, do not have the means to actively collect airborne mold without additional components. Thus, the Air-o-cell cassette stands out as the most suitable choice for this particular sampling need.