Spore trapping and counting is extensively used in crop protection to: determine the concentration of pathogenic spores carried by wind forecast a disease outbreak get facts about periodicity of spore showers on crops as one of several infection requirements determine correct timing of protectant sprays and other control measures. Spore trapping and counting also provide useful information about airborne spores that cause respiratory allergies such as rhinitis, asthma, and … [Read more...]
Results Of Tapelift Samples
October 28, 2008 by
When Laboratory Results Make No Sense Use of tapelift sampling is a perfect method to determine the type of mould growing on a substrate, say on a wall, ceiling and other flat surfaces. Since the mould sticks on the tape with it's structures intact, identification of most moulds is possible to genus if not species. Results from a tape sample are generally a listing of the identified moulds in a ranking order. Due to lack of standardized methods labs tend to report analytical results of tape … [Read more...]
Legionella
October 24, 2008 by
Apart from the global economic chaos, Ontario also seems to have been affected by a series of nasty bugs. First, it was the Listeriosis outbreak in Toronto and GTA last month. Then, the E.coli outbreak in North Bay and now it is Legionella. An update released by the Peel Public Health in September says that there has been an increase in legionellosis cases noted in Peel and other jurisdictions around the Golden Horseshoe. Hamilton Public Health also confirms seven cases of legionellosis since … [Read more...]
How to collect bacteria samples
October 22, 2008 by
Various methods can be used to collect bacteria samples. The procedure will depend on what is being sampled and the type of data required. One may may be interested in a specific bacterium, in which case the method of sampling should be suitable for the recovery of that specific organism. Sampling from surfaces Sampling of bacteria from surfaces is usually performed using sterile swabs. Results from this test could be as simple as presence or absense of the bacterium of interest for … [Read more...]
E.coli
October 18, 2008 by
Here we go again...talking about E.coli. Just a few days ago, we heard about the outbreak in North Bay, Ontario where the number of confirmed and suspected cases of E. coli O157:H7 poisoning has risen to 159. The source of the bacterium has been linked to a fast food restaurant this time. So what is this E.coli and why is it so important? You can't see it, smell it or taste it. But it can leave you fighting for your life, especially if your immune system is weak or compromised. E. coli or … [Read more...]
Sick Building Syndrome
October 14, 2008 by
What is Sick Building syndrome? Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health symptoms that appear to be linked to the time spent in a building with no specific cause that can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. SBS related complaints have increased in recent years and result when a building is operated or maintained in a manner … [Read more...]
Testing Carpets For Mold
October 11, 2008 by
Carpets are reservoirs of health hazard particulates including mold spores, dust mites, and animal hair. These particulates are allergenic to some people when inhaled. Mold spores are very tiny and easily become airborne when the carpet is disturbed as people walk in the house or when the carpet is being cleaned. Cleaning the carpet with a good vacuum cleaner on regular basis significantly reduces the number of settled mold spores and other particulates. In fact there is no need to test … [Read more...]
Monitoring And Documenting Air Quality
October 4, 2008 by
Monitoring and documenting air quality, especially in hospitals, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries environments is very important. Contamination of these environments can originate from nearby or far away sewage plants, landfill sites, and waste separation plants. Therefore, monitoring on a regular basis of air quality in operating rooms, production lines, and other controlled areas is critical. To assess the level of microbial contamination in the air, air is sampled for … [Read more...]
Chaetomium
October 2, 2008 by
Chaetomium species are strong producers of the enzyme cellulase. They are, therefore, adapted to growing on cellulosic (cellulose containing) materials. They thrive particularly on paper, straw and cotton. Chaetomium species have caused problems in libraries, military equipment and food. Apart from causing spoilage of various materials, they are also producers of mycotoxins. Because of their strong ability to biodegrade organic materials, several strains are used in mold growth testing. The … [Read more...]
