Hello Martin, Aside from general experience or sending out swabs for culturing, there are several techniques for mould detection though they generally require a trained user to carry out or interpret the tests:
A recent mould specific testing device is the Mycometer Surface, which works on a swab + bioluminescent reaction basis, but does require user training and is relatively expensive. Pros: identifies mould only. Cons: price, few conservation studies yet, requires some lab skills. Some conservation institutions are using rapid ATP/adenylate bioluminescent swab testers, which detect any organic matter with a simple swab + test tube package ---> bioluminescent reaction method. I have carried out some research on the devices and have found it helpful to track mould cleaning processes, but less effective as a detection device. Pros: simple to use. Cons: nonspecific to mould, detects all organic matter including dust and dirt (i.e a dirty surface can read quite high). Tape sampling and microscopy can be useful to identify any surface growth of mould as it will have characteristic branching structures, but again requires some practice and equipment. In case you're interested, this paper is an overview of current mould technologies in conservation: Sanmartin, P., DeAraujo, A. and Vasanthakumar, A. (2018) 'Melding the Old with the New: Trends in Methods Used to Identify, Monitor, and Control Microorganisms on Cultural Heritage Materials.', Microbial Ecology, 76(1), pp. 64–80. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-016-0770-4 <https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-016-0770-4>. Best, Tiffany Eng Moore ------------------------- Book & Paper Conservator Ottawa, Canada ------------------------------ Tiffany Eng Moore Conservator in Private Practice Ottawa ON ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- 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=519cbe7e-63fe-4163-8897-bc4c0a060620&MID=9176&MDATE=756%253e46546%253d&UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e Reply to Discussion : https://community.culturalheritage.org/eGroups/PostReply/?GroupId=481&MID=9176&MDATE=756%253e46546%253d&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%253d&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.
