AIHA Accreditation ISO:IEC 17025 awarded to Sporometrics
Published: August 19th, 2010
Revised: December 30th, 2010
We are delighted to announce that Sporometrics has recently become
fully accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard by the
Environmental Microbiology Program (EMLAP) of the American Industrial
Hygiene Association Laboratory Accreditation Programs, LLC.
EMLAP accreditation represents the single most comprehensive and
widely recognized international credential in the performance of
environmental microbiological laboratory analyses of a range of
matrices from the built environment.
Our dedication to the ongoing and rigorous quality assurance practices
mandated by this accreditation represents our continued commitment to
you and your clients. We thank you for your business and value your
suggestions as we continue to improve the quality of our services.
Women of EACO
Published: July 24th, 2010
Revised: December 29th, 2010
On Wednesday November 17, 2010 the Environmental Abatement Council of Ontario (EACO) hosted its first Women of EACO Pub Night at Marlowe’s in Richmond Hill. Kristine White of Sporometrics approached the EACO board of directors with the idea of hosting this inaugural event to recognize and support the involvement of women who work in the environmental industry. The EACO Board supported the idea, and the result was more than 30 women getting together for a fun night of networking, reconnecting with old colleagues and meeting new people in the industry.
The atmosphere of the night was friendly and relaxed, and the general consensus among the women present was “why didn’t do this before?” Involvement in the industry we work in is important, and this event recognized the need for getting as many people involved as possible. Hopefully we can keep the momentum going and hold more events to encourage the involvement of all EACO members, including the females in the industry.
If you would like to ensure you are on the distribution list for future Women of EACO events please email Mary Thornburn of EACO at or Kristine White of Sporometrics.
White-nose syndrome of bats
Published: June 11th, 2010
Revised: June 14th, 2010
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a grave new disease of overwintering bats that has stricken bats throughout North America over the last few years. WNS is caused by a newly-described fungus, Geomyces destructans, first discovered in New York state in 2006. It has so far been found in 11 states and 2 Canadian provinces. The affected bat pictured here was from a Massachusetts (photo by Dr. Jeremy Coleman, US Fish & Wildlife Service)
Bats affected by WNS develop a whitish discoloration on their noses and wings consisting of fungal mycelium emerging from the bat’s skin resulting ultimately in mortality of the affected animal. A wide range of ecologically beneficial bat species are affected. In addition to consuming mosquitoes, many bat species are important predators of night-flying insects such as moths which may be agricultural pests.
Geomyces destructans is a mould that produces densely branched, curving chains of bean-shaped spores. This photo shows a microscopic mount from a 7 day old colony grown on Potato Dextrose agar prepared by our colleague Professor Kathie Hodge from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. The fungus does not appear to present an infectious hazard to humans or other animals apart from bats. In bats, the transmission of G. destructans is believed to transmitted by contact; however, it is unknown if the fungus affects only unhealthy bats or if it can infect normal, healthy animals. Although unproven, it is possible that the fungus may “hitchhike” from cave-to-cave on clothing and footwear of inadvertent spelunkers.
Dr. Scott is currently part of a volunteer scientific advisory panel on WNS led by scientists at the US Geological Service. Both Dr. Scott and Dr. Summerbell have published extensively on the fungal group to which G. destructans belongs. Our expertise on this agent uniquely positions us to provide authoritative consultation on this new and devastating pathogen.
Ferro Canada Grand Prix!
Published: June 10th, 2010
Revised: June 10th, 2010
On May 13th two of Sporometrics team raced in Ferro Canada Grand Prix customer appreciation event. It was a fun day of F1 Go Kart racing with the top consulting / engineering firms, property / facility management firms, and a few people from the public sector. The rain didn’t dampen anyone spirits, the wet track probably should have slowed us down, it certainly had us spinning (out, off the track…). It was a great day of racing and the adrenaline filled atmosphere lent itself well to getting to know the people we work with better. Thanks Ferro for hosting this event, it was exactly what one would except from Ferro, superb!
H1N1 and hand cleansers
Published: December 25th, 2009
Revised: December 25th, 2009
The recent emergence of pandemic influenza caused by the H1N1 strain of influenza virus has prompted considerable public concern, and inspired many people to take steps to prevent their exposure to the virus. The use of hand sanitizers is not useful for the prevention of most influenza viruses (they are mostly transmitted through the air). However, recent evidence suggests that contact transmission may be an important means of transmission of the H1N1 strain. Recently, Dr. Scott gave an interview to Metro News on the subject.
