Mold spores are ubiquitous in the atmosphere but will only generate if the conditions are favourable for growth. This would normally mean a damp substrate that is a suitable food source. The water activity would need to be quite high normally around 0.8 or more or the surrounding RH around 80%. Therefore if you can get an RH probe into the space behind the panelling or floor and take some readings it could tell you the conditions are favourable or not. You could also measure the moisture content of the wood, using a capacitive moisture meter that can read below the surface. But a simpler method if there are and reasonably sized cracks or holes (8mm) is to use a cheap USB inspection camera that plugs into a phone. Something like this https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F362766530124
------------------------------ Andrew Calver Consultant Heritage Conservation Solutions Manningtree +44 (0) 7813037022 ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 10-16-2019 06:56 From: Martin O'Brien Subject: Mold Detection Other than seeing actual mold present on wooden surfaces, is there any inspection technique or analysis that would reveal the presence of mold? A client of mine suspects mold presence on both furniture and architectural woodwork in their home. No mold is present, but they are concerned with mold that might be behind paneling and under flooring. Other than a visual inspection, I am at a loss as to how to advise them to proceed. ------------------------------ Martin O'Brien PA-AIC Wooden Artifact Conservator in Private Practice Winston Salem, NC 336-773-1334 ------------------------------ Reply to Sender : https://community.culturalheritage.org/eGroups/PostReply/?GroupId=481&SenderKey=df5cb0b2-0409-4993-ba03-bc56e7baf7dc&MID=9134&MDATE=756%253e46546%253c&UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e Reply to Discussion : https://community.culturalheritage.org/eGroups/PostReply/?GroupId=481&MID=9134&MDATE=756%253e46546%253c&UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions&MDATE=756%253e46546%253c&UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e&GroupKey=757a8f16-505f-4323-8e74-e376757aa9f7.
