Sporatec is a startup company that focuses on microbial detection and identification of harmful organisms in indoor environments. Our homes, schools, hospitals and work environments are not sterile and we are surrounded by fungi and bacteria. In most cases, this is completely normal and the microorganisms in our immediate environment poses no significant threat to our health and well-being. We as
humans can do a lot to maintain this healthy equilibrium and maintain a safe working and living environment. However, it does happen that this equilibrium are disrupted and the microbial communities then becomes dangerous to our health. The risk will be unique for every environment and currently, there is no national guidelines for consumers or service providers to follow. We specialise in fungal and bacterial air sampling of indoor environments. In many cases we are called in as a result of visible growth or when occupants experience feelings of unwell in a particular environment. During the last 8 years, we have developed a sampling protocol and preliminary guidelines for indoor environments. As a service to clients we do a site visit to investigate the environment for visible fungal growth. At the same time, we measure the humidity and gas levels in the environment and take air samples to enumerate the total spore load in the air. Depending on the client’s requirements and the environment, we will use different microbial growth media for the enumeration. Based on the samples, we can provide the client with a risk assessment of the dwelling, aligned with international protocols and recommendations. We also draw from a 10 year research base of fungi in our immediate environment to make our recommendations. Because we are able to identify the organisms, we can show if inhabitants were exposed to pathogens or allergens from their environment. Based on the results we usually recommend a strategy for maintenance and managing mould in the indoor environment.
