What do "bulk samples" refer to in the context of mold assessment?

Bulk samples in the context of mold assessment refer specifically to samples that are taken directly from suspect materials, such as drywall, insulation, or other building materials that may be contaminated with mold. These samples are collected to be analyzed in a laboratory for mold spores, hyphae, or fragments, allowing assessors to determine the type and extent of mold presence within the material itself.

By analyzing bulk samples, assessors gain valuable insights into the conditions of the materials and their potential impact on indoor air quality and health. This method is particularly useful because it directly examines the source of the problem rather than relying solely on the presence of mold spores in the air, which may not provide a complete picture of the mold situation in a building. The other options pertain to different types of sampling methods that are also useful for mold assessment but do not define bulk samples as accurately as option B does.