The SpinCon® technology used in a line of air samplers from Sceptor Industries has proven effective in capturing airborne toxins from mold growth in so-called “sick buildings” for analysis and study, as documented in a recent study published in the scientific journal, Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
The article, “Detection of Airborne Stachybotrys chartarum Macrocyclic Trichothecene Mycotoxins in the Indoor Environment,” published in the November issue of the journal, reports on a study in which the air sampler from Sceptor Industries was used in seven mold-contaminated buildings to capture samples during inspection and remediation activities. Samples were later analyzed for the presence of airborne fungi and associated toxins.
The Sceptor machine was able to collect samples in times ranging from 10 to 120 minutes, making it possible to compare airborne levels of contaminants at various intervals during the work.
“The high-volume sampling capability of the Sceptor collectors allowed our research team to conclusively demonstrate that invasive inspection and remediation of infestations of mold release large amounts of particulates, including trichothecene mycotoxins,” said Dr. Trevor L. Brasel, author of the article. “These toxins are present in measurable quantities under normal conditions as well.
“People who inhale these toxins can suffer from symptoms such as nausea, motor control problems, mental confusion, and allergic responses. Based on these scientific findings, mold should be removed from contaminated buildings to protect the health of occupants, and the people who remove it should use protective equipment.”
SpinCon technology is also found in Sceptor’s portable OMNI 3000 air sampler.
The study was conducted by T. L. Brasel, J. M. Martin, C. G. Carriker, S. C. Wilson, and D. C. Straus of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas.
