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Using EPA Technology to Identify and Quantify Molds
Science
The presence of molds in homes, schools, and businesses has become of growing concern in the United States. In order to begin to understand their significance, a standardized technology was needed to identify and quantify these molds. In May 2002, the EPA was granted patent 6,387,652, which describes mold DNA sequences that can be used to do just that. This technology has been licensed by many U.S. firms and one in the United Kingdom, shown below.
The patented technology teaches the best available DNA sequences to use for over 130 of the major indoor air fungi. Perhaps the best part of the technology is that it is fast. A licensed company can go from sample to result in only a few hours. This eliminates the need for plating and culturing or identifying and counting. Other analytical techniques can take days to weeks to complete. Even better, it can be performed by a technician and lends itself to automation. Any of the typical sampling systems can be adapted for use with this technology. Anyone, anywhere, if the technique is used properly, should get the same identification and quantification for the target molds as anyone else.
Applications
Determining if an environment is abnormally mold contaminated; testing homes for potentially pathogenic molds; testing water for pathogenic molds; monitoring hospitals to prevent nosocomial mold infections; rapid diagnosis of mold infections so that treatment can begin earlier; monitoring food and drugs for mold contamination; measuring the risk for mold associated allergic and asthmatic disease; diagnosing chronic rhinosinusitis; monitoring crops for mold pathogens in an integrated pest management program, thus reducing use of pesticides.
Current Licensees
Aerotech Laboratories, Inc.
Ambient Group, Inc.
CENAS AG
Digital Diagnostic Systems, LLC
EM Labs
EMSL Analytical, Inc.
Forensic Analytical
Galson Laboratories
Genetic ID
Healthy Office Co. UK Limited
Microbac
Microbial Insights, Inc.
Pure Earth Environmental Laboratory, Inc.
P&K Microbiology Services
EPA Contact Information
Steve Vesper
U.S. EPA
26 W. M.L. King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
Phone: 513-569-7367
Fax: 513-569-2512
E-mail: vesper.stephen@epa.gov