Sure thing, Tim! I actually just ordered a nice POV camera, so I’ll be sure to capture some first-hand video of me using the manometer on an upcoming investigation. Thank you for the continued support!
Like your video and style! I wrote and authored what is known as the Mold & Moisture Damage Comprehensive. It is taught at the ASHI School. We should connect!
Excellent question! For my professional needs, I think that the devices that I utilize are worth their weight. Even this manometer referenced in the video is inferior to another one that I use at times. For the vast majority of use cases though, this one works like a charm! The thermo-hygrometer in this video is considered to be a “gold standard” when collecting psychrometric readings from varying environments. Many of these devices are accurate within a certain range (e.g. 30-70% RH), but tend to be a lot less accurate when you venture outside of that range. With the Vaisala unit in the video, the meter is calibrated at 11% RH and 75% RH, so you’re ensuring accuracy across a wide range of moisture content. To answer the question of whether or not these devices are worth the cost, I think that really depends on one’s use case. These units are overkill for your average consumer. Even a prosumer likely doesn’t need units as renown as these. However, a professional should certainly be looking to utilize the best that they can get their hands on, as the devil is in the details. Not to mention that consumers hire professionals for professional-level information. Accuracy and consistency are key.
@@IAQJosh thanks for your response Josh. Really what I’m looking for is instruction or examples on how these tools are used in detail with regard to mold investigations. Do you have any videos or know any resources that really goes into using these devices in the field? Not just an explanation of how it works but practical applications shown in video? Do you have any videos like that ?
Hi McCoy! For mold sample analysis, I use a lab here in Pompano Beach, Florida by the name of AEML. The were recently acquired by Eurofins P&K, but are still operating in the same great manner that they have been for years. If you’re interested, they offer free shipping labels for professionals to use to mail their samples in. If I recall, you may create a shipping label via their website. You can always call them with any questions.
What is your opinion of Buck vs Zefon pump? My inspector always used the Zefon Bio pump plus but that's being discontinued. I recently purchased the newer IAQ 15 which is great but has had a lot of battery issues
You know, I’ve always wondered how the two pumps compare. However, I’ve never actually put them head to head. I saw the IAQ 15 online, but never in person. Looks like a pretty nice pump. Bummer to hear that they’re having battery issues. I have a colleague with Zefon pumps… Maybe I’ll see if I can borrow and compare them in a future video. Appreciate the idea!
@@IAQJosh do you think battery powered units are less reliable than plug ins? I always double check calibration before every sample but I wonder if over time they start to get weaker and it may compromise the samples
So I have a few question because I have called some Mold removers and haven’t really gotten in touch with people who can explain things or really seem to have the patience to explain . How does something like an air pump give better results than Petri dishes ? I was told Petri dishes will always show mold , ok, but I can also get those dishes lab tested to give me the types of mold and identify if there are the typical worst types showing up in my place . So why is that not a good way to test for mold in air? I was told that can be old mold from years ago (apparently?) and also I won’t know if it’s “active” mold .or the mold count to say the levels are too high . So I don’t get the implication of high numbers , are they implying mold spores they are otherwise not a problem can turn into a problem if too much? So it’s not simply about identifying the worst types of mold? I mean I figure if you get results for bad mold then now you can take the step to get rid of it . I don’t get why the pump would be better ? I was also told using ozone was a myth and vaguely told it can make problems worse. That sounds like a lie to me, as far as I know if ozone touches mold it destroys it and it’s mycotoxins. Also, if spores only spread during high humidity, isn’t it better to do testing during higher humidity like 50 versus low humidity days like 20 percent in the cold dry winter? They told me no difference but is the idea mold spores are always spreading? I was convinced mold spores only spread during high humidity which is what they also said. So honestly I don’t get what they are telling me Also the devices you show seem to sometimes depend on high humidity, which I’m assuming isn’t an issue in 10 degree ultra dry weather and so those devices may be better used in hotter more humid weather Can you please explain this to me?
Petri dishes open to the indoor environment are one form of mold sampling, as is spore-trap sampling via a pump. Spore-trap sampling, like Petri dishes both have some overlapping limitations. They both can only provide what’s going at a single point in time. While I prefer spore-trap sampling over setting out Petri dishes, they can both provide you insight on the types of mold present. As far as humidity goes, spore-traps and other air sampling devices actually work better when the indoor environment is drier. By better, I mean that you’ll typically have more airborne fungal activity. When the air is saturated, spore-trap samples often come back very low - which can be misleading if the operator is unaware that they are sampling within a very damp environment.
Josh, need help,please I am a Mold inspector certified…getting calls about doing air quality inspections….what else do I need to do IAQ tests? I have the tools for mold inspection, pump for air samples, thermal camera….I’m talking about a tool that measures VOC’s, And whatever else an IAQ test requires?
Hey there! First and foremost, when a prospective client calls and asks for an indoor air quality test, they often unfortunately don’t actually know what they’re asking for. In many instances, they actually are simply looking for a mold assessment w/ sampling. Because the term Indoor Air Quality is so broad, I would always ask the caller the following question: “When you say you’re looking for an IAQ assessment/testing, what do you mean by that? Are you concerned with mold, odors, something else? What’s the reason why you are leaning toward an IAQ assessment?” You’ll be amazed at the responses you get when you start asking the right questions. Furthermore, the caller’s answers will often dictate what type of tools/meters/etc. will be needed for their assessment. In general, investing into a quality laser particle counter, Photoionization Detector (PID), and multi-gas meter would be a good start. A particle counter is great for evaluating an array of particulate types within the indoor air. A PID will look at the VOCs within the indoor air and a multi-gas meter will look at the other gases that a PID doesn’t pickup on. In general, there is no one meter that does everything. However, there are multi-functional meters like the TSI Q-Trak which do a good job of reading many elements of the indoor air simultaneously. I have this meter and find it very useful as part of the initial screening process when I’m evaluating different elements of IAQ. Beyond meters, you may want to look to Enthalpy Analytical for laboratory VOC testing. Because PIDs won’t differentiate between different types of VOCs, laboratory analysis is the only way to find out the different VOCs and accompanying quantities. Getting yourself a two pump VOC sampling kit would be a worthily investment. I frequently use the kit I have from Enthalpy. Best of luck! Feel free to reach out with any more questions.
@IAQ Josh Hey Josh, thank you so much for that incredible reply. It's exactly what I was looking for. I'm over in the New Orleans area so same climate as where you are, lately I've been crushed with Mold Inspection requests. I'll try and figure out how to PM you but again, your help is greatly appreciated and I love the videos you post! Thanks
The one that I have is the Wohler VE 400. This is by far the best borescope I’ve owned to date. One of my favorite features is the ability to switch from the camera at the tip to a second camera installed on the side of the tip. Below is a link to this unit. www.wohlerusa.com/shop/ve-400-hd-video-endoscope.html
