Carroll County Times Articles
Mold Detection Canines
by Steven Yerger – March 5, 2006
Mold has become a growing problem in many areas of the country, as has been evidenced in particular in the aftermath of Katrina. But epic flooding is not necessary for mold to affect homes. Any water intrusion can allow mold to grow wherever that moisture remains. Many times it is in places unseen and not perceptible to even the most experienced mold inspector. That's a good time to consider a scent detection canine trained to mold.
History
The use of dogs for mold detection began in Europe over 20 years ago. The Europeans developed this method of detecting mold and have refined it to become a very reliable inspection method. In America, mold detection dog use is becoming more widely seen as a premier inspection tool. Trained dogs are able to reveal mold hidden from sight and can even detect the early growth of mold prior to the onset of any adverse health effects in people.
Advantages
Dogs have a very sensitive olfactory system and are a valuable tool to the mold investigation procedure. It has been proven that canines can detect some substances in parts per trillion. It is not known just how prolific all species of mold are in production of odor. However, based on trained dogs' track record in finding hidden mold, it is safe to assume that dogs can detect unseen mold in small quantities. This means molds that may have been missed in the past by other instruments and conventional detection methods can now be located and detected using these specially trained canines.
Detect the Invisible
Mold colonies can exist in a variety of locations often not visible to humans, such as behind walls and under floor boards. A dog's keen sense of smell, however, gives it the ability to locate this "invisible" mold. If a mold infestation starts behind a wall, by the time it becomes visible there could be a fairly large infestation. A mold detection canine can detect this mold before it grows to the point of visibility. Mold detection dogs have "X-ray" noses and can detect very small traces of the odor generated by mold. This allows a human inspector to detect mold growth early, many times preventing the exposure of occupants to the health risks associated with mold and also preventing further infestation and potential damage to the structure.
George Carroll, Ph.D. of Mould-Works, LLC, with over 30 years of experience in mycology and a recognized expert says, "The appearance of mold-sniffing dogs is a brilliant solution to the problem of locating sources of household mold. Dogs, when properly trained, are in fact exquisitely sensitive walking gas chromatographs with a proven record in locating moldy substrates even when hidden behind partitions or on the insides of walls. Once the moldy areas are located, the molds can be identified by optical examination and culture of tape lifts, which provide a degree of certainty that can never be attained with filters from air samplers."
The need to properly sustain and promote this unique canine capability has led to the founding of World Detector Dog Organization (www.wddo.org), a not-for-profit group of trainers and handlers for all types of detector dogs in the public and private arena. Their mission is to provide support for member organizations, as well as to educate the general public.
About the Author
Steven Yerger is President of BCRS K-9 Mold Detection, owner of Bearboy and Ginger, scent detection canines, and a member of the Carroll Technology Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating businesses, government and residents about technology issues. Questions are welcomed and may be addressed in future articles. Email advisors@carrolltechcouncil.org or go to www.carrolltechcouncil.org for a list of Advisor categories.
