Overview
ISO 16000-16:2008 - Indoor air: Detection and enumeration of moulds - Sampling by filtration - specifies requirements for long‑term (0.5 h to several hours) sampling of moulds in indoor air by filtration. The standard defines how to collect airborne mould spores onto filters to obtain samples for subsequent culture‑based detection and enumeration (cultivation and counting) as described in ISO 16000-17. It is intended for area monitoring and investigation of indoor air quality - not suitable for personal sampling.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Sampling principle: Draw a defined air volume through a filter to retain airborne mould spores; spores are later suspended and cultured (ISO 16000-17).
- Filters: Gelatine filters (sterile, 3 µm pore) are recommended for high total sampling efficiency; polycarbonate filters (sterile, 0.8 µm pore) may be used underneath for stability. Other filters may be used only if they show ≥90% relative recovery compared with gelatine filters.
- Flow velocity and rates: Filter face velocity shall be 100 mm/s to 250 mm/s. For an 80 mm filter this corresponds to ~25 L/min to 55 L/min (≈1.5 m³/h to 3.3 m³/h). The method was validated at 217 mm/s.
- Sampling duration: Long‑term sampling from 0.5 hours up to several hours to collect representative airborne spore counts.
- Apparatus: Stand, sampling head, sterile filter holder, gelatine and polycarbonate filters, vacuum pump providing constant flow. Sample tubing inner diameter: 8–10 mm.
- Quality controls: Field blanks, calibration of flow rate, function control and maintenance, documentation via sampling protocol. The standard addresses sampling efficiency, biological preservation efficiency, physical sampling efficiency, and overall performance characteristics.
- Safety and handling: The document contains a warning that hazardous materials and procedures may be involved; users must implement appropriate health and safety practices.
- Ancillary content: Includes informative annexes for recovery trials, technical device descriptions, sampling protocol templates and validation trials.
Applications and users
ISO 16000-16 is used by:
- Indoor air quality consultants and environmental professionals investigating mould contamination
- Microbiology and environmental laboratories performing culture‑based mould enumeration
- Building inspectors and remediation specialists assessing dampness/mould problems
- Occupational health and safety practitioners monitoring workplace indoor air
Practical applications include baseline indoor air surveys, post‑remediation verification, building diagnostics, and comparative studies where standardized, culture‑based airborne mould data are required.
Related standards
- ISO 16000-17 - Culture‑based detection and enumeration (required follow‑up method)
- Other parts of ISO 16000 series (sampling strategies and VOCs) for broader indoor air assessments
Keywords: ISO 16000-16:2008, indoor air, mould sampling, sampling by filtration, gelatine filters, polycarbonate filters, air sampling, mould detection, ISO 16000-17, flow velocity, colony forming units.
