Overview
EN ISO 16000-19:2014 (ISO 16000-19:2012) - "Indoor air - Part 19: Sampling strategy for moulds" is a CEN-adopted ISO standard that defines a harmonized measurement and sampling strategy for the detection of fungi (moulds) in indoor environments. The standard describes suitable sampling and analysis methods, guidance on applicability and interpretation of results, and measures to maximize comparability of measured data for defined measurement objectives. It is intended to assist in identifying mould sources but does not replace building inspections or provide quantitative exposure assessments for occupants.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope and purpose: Guidance for planning and executing mould sampling campaigns in indoor air to detect airborne fungi and support source identification.
- Sampling methods referenced: Filtration and impaction approaches are covered (see ISO 16000-16 and ISO 16000-18 for method details). The standard discusses total spore counts and culturable fungal detection.
- Measurement strategy: Selection of appropriate procedures according to the measurement objective, sampling design and comparability considerations.
- Properties and occurrence: Background on origin, behaviour and indoor occurrence of moulds to inform sampling decisions.
- Quality and uncertainty: Requirements and considerations for data quality, biological preservation efficiency, and uncertainty estimation to increase reliability of results.
- Interpretation: Guidance on applicability and limits of measurement data; notes that methods do not enable direct quantitative exposure assessment.
- Informative annexes: Moisture damage indicators; devices for total spore counts and culturable fungi detection; recommended field inspection report items to document sampling procedures and potential mould damage.
Practical Applications and Users
Who uses ISO 16000-19:
- Environmental and indoor air consultants
- Industrial hygienists and occupational health professionals
- Microbiologists and analytical laboratories performing mould testing
- Facility managers, building owners and remediation contractors
- Researchers and public-health practitioners studying indoor air quality and damp-related health effects
Typical uses:
- Designing a sampling strategy to locate mould sources in buildings
- Standardizing sampling protocols to ensure comparability across sites and studies
- Documenting sampling programs and interpreting laboratory results to inform remediation decisions
- Supporting research and monitoring of indoor airborne fungi (spore counts, culturable fungi)
Note: The application presupposes familiarity with ISO 16000-1 and is not a substitute for qualified field inspections or building-physics procedures.
Related Standards