Microbial Consulting
Microbiological contamination refers to the non-intended or accidental introduction of microbes such as bacteria, yeast, mould, fungi, virus, prions, protozoa or their toxins and by-products.
Microbiological Contamination
Exposure to microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and their biological by-products, may cause disease and allergic responses in building occupants. Human exposure to pathogenic microorganisms and their by-products in an indoor environment usually occurs by inhalation and contact with the mucous membranes. In order to achieve acceptable indoor air quality, airborne exposure to fungi and other pathogens should be minimized.
For airborne exposures to microorganisms to occur, several events must happen. First, there must be a reservoir (i.e., a location where an unusually high concentration of microorganisms is present). Second, the microorganisms must be allowed to reproduce. Favorable conditions are needed for reproduction to occur. For example, fungal growth is usually optimized when moisture levels are high. Last, the microorganisms must be released into the air.
Microbiology testing services are a crucial requirement across many industries worldwide where products, processes and human health are at risk of being negatively affected by the presence and breeding of micro-organisms such as specific pathogens, bacteria, yeast and moulds.
Every day, products and materials come into contact with micro-organisms. Although many are harmless, many can cause significant contamination, damage and risk to human health. Some microbes can utilize your product as a food source, breaking the material down into nutrients and irreversibly changing the product whilst other microbes can spoil food, negatively affect production environments, products and infrastructure. They can cause severe illness or contaminate sterile environments.
Our independent microbiology testing services offer world-class capability across many industries including food, consumer products, cosmetics and beauty products, medical devices, fuels, drinking water and oil exploration.
