Mould Spore Atlas
In 1988 the report: Harmonization of sampling and analysis of mould spores was published (Ref 1). The aim of the project, which was financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers, was to harmonize the measurement of mould spores by light, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy methods. Laboratories from four Nordic countries and England participated in the project.
The report recommended as a follow-up project to produce an atlas of scanning electron micrographs of identified mould spore types. Such an atlas would be an important tool for classification of spores collected in the work environment. This proposal was not granted, however.
In spite of this, researchers at the National Institute of Occupational Health in Sweden in particular collected information for this purpose. The following procedure was used:
(1) Spores from different work environment were collected, cultured, isolated and identified; (2) Identified strains were cultivated; (3) spores were collected from mature colonies, and (4) spores were prepared for scanning electron microscopy, viewed and photographed. Due to lack of funding the spore atlas was not completed. The existing material was most generously handed over to us and represents now a core collection in this particle atlas.
The strains are in most cases presented with two images, one in low magnification and the other one in high magnification to show spore surface details. We have also included information about the work activity or environment where the spores were sampled.
Ref 1 Nordisk Ministerråd 1988 Harmonization of sampling and analysis of mould spores. Nord 1988:88. pp. 70.
