Which type of sampling technique can be used for measuring fungal spores in the air?

Air sampling is the appropriate technique for measuring fungal spores in the air because it directly captures and quantifies airborne spores during a specific period. This method involves using devices such as air pumps or impingers that pull air through a filter or media designed to trap fungal spores, allowing for accurate assessment of spore concentration in the environment.

Understanding that air sampling provides real-time data about the airborne fungal load is crucial, as it reflects the immediate exposure risk to occupants in an area. This type of sampling is essential in mold assessments to gauge the dispersion and potential impact of fungal spores on indoor air quality.

The other sampling methods, while useful for different purposes, do not effectively measure spores in the air: bulk sampling involves collecting a material sample from a surface, surface sampling assesses mold presence on surfaces directly, and swab sampling focuses on retrieving samples from small surface areas. Each of these methods serves specific functions but does not capture airborne spores like air sampling does.