scope:

This guideline describes the measurement strategy for the detection of moulds in indoor environments.

The prime objective of this guideline is to provide assistance in locating mould sources. Sampling and assessment of mould sources in indoor environ ments require a field inspection by technically qualified professionals. A detailed description of the building physics- and building engineeringrelated procedures applicable to field inspections is not subject of this guideline. The methods and procedures presented do not allow any exposure assessments with regard to the room occupants.

Furthermore, this guideline presents different sampling and analysis methods together with a description of their applicability and the interpretation of the measurement results. This distinguishes this guideline from the other guidelines of this series which deal exclusively with the measurement strategy and refer to other appropriate guidelines, e. g. VDI 4301, for the sampling and analytical methods.

This guideline provides guidance for the field inspection and inventorying of the affected room or building and recommends suitable sampling and analysis methods to maximize the comparability of the measured data obtained for a given measurement objective.

The application of this guideline requires the knowledge of guidelines VDI 4300 Part 1, VDI 4252 Part 2 and VDI 4253 Part 2.