CMI Mold Identification & Sampling Techniques 3

Question 1

Which sampling method is considered the 'gold standard' for determining whether a mold colony is viable (alive)?

Accepted Answer

Culture-based sampling on agar media

Answer

Tape lift with direct microscopy

Answer

Spore trap air sampling

Answer

Bulk sample with PCR analysis

Question 2

An outdoor air sample collected at the same time as indoor samples serves which primary purpose in a mold investigation?

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline for comparing indoor spore types and counts

Answer

To measure carbon dioxide levels as a baseline

Answer

To determine whether HVAC filtration is adequate

Answer

To identify the species growing on building materials

Question 3

Aspergillus and Penicillium spores are often reported together in laboratory results because:

Accepted Answer

Their spores are morphologically indistinguishable under light microscopy

Answer

They always grow in the same substrate

Answer

Both are black molds associated with toxic exposures

Answer

They are the only molds that produce mycotoxins

Question 4

A moisture meter reading above what percentage in wood framing is generally considered a threshold indicating conditions favorable for mold growth?

Accepted Answer

19%

Answer

5%

Answer

10%

Answer

30%

Question 5

When an inspector observes a white fuzzy growth that turns black near the base on drywall, the most likely identification is:

Accepted Answer

Chaetomium indicating deep water damage and cellulose degradation

Answer

Penicillium/Aspergillus on the surface only

Answer

Efflorescence from mineral salts migrating through gypsum

Answer

Fusarium requiring irrigation water source

Question 6

ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) analysis uses which sample type to assess long-term mold history in a building?

Accepted Answer

Settled dust collected from vacuuming carpets or floors

Answer

Spore trap air samples

Answer

Tape lift from visible colonies

Answer

Bulk material from wall cavities