introduction
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a global alliance of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The development of international standards is usually carried out through ISO technical committees. Each member institution interested in a subject on which a technical committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising with ISO are also involved in this work. ISO works closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrical standardization.

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ISO 9022-11-2015 – Environmental test methods for optics and optical instruments – Part 11: Mould growth

Any trade names used in this document are provided for the convenience of the user and do not constitute an endorsement.

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The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 172, Optics and Photonics, Subcommittee SC 1, Basic Standards.

The second edition cancelled and replaced the first edition (ISO 9022-11:1994), in which it constituted a minor revision.

ISO 9022 consists of the following parts under the general heading Optics and Photonics – Environmental Test Methods:

ISO 9022-11-2015 – Environmental test methods for optics and optical instruments – Part 11: Mould growth

– Part 1: Defining and testing the scope

– Part 2: Cold, heat and wet

– Part 3: Mechanical stress

– Part 4: Salt spray

– Part 6: Dust

– Part 7: Resistance to dripping or rain

– Part 8: High internal pressure, low internal pressure, immersion

– Part 9: Solar radiation and weathering

– Part 11: Mold growth

– Part 12: Pollution

– Part 14: Dew, frost, ice

– Part 17: Combined pollution, solar radiation

– Part 20: Humid atmospheres containing sulfur dioxide or hydrogen sulfide

– Part 22: Combination of cold, dry heat or temperature changes with bumps or random vibrations

ISO 9022-11-2015 – Environmental test methods for optics and optical instruments – Part 11: Mould growth

– Part 23: Low pressure combined with cold, ambient temperature and dry and humid heat

introduce
Optical instruments are subject to many different environmental parameters during use, which need to be resisted without significantly degrading performance and remaining within prescribed specifications.

The type and severity of these parameters depend on the conditions under which the instrument is used (for example, in a laboratory or workshop) and its geographical location. The environmental effects on the performance of optical instruments in tropical and subtropical regions are completely different from those found when used in the Arctic. Each parameter will have different overlapping effects on the performance of the instrument.

Manufacturers try to ensure that, naturally, users expect the instrument to be resistant to the rigors that its environment can bring throughout its life cycle. This expectation can be assessed by exposing the instrument to a range of simulated environmental parameters under controlled laboratory conditions. The severity of these diseases is often increased in order to achieve meaningful results in a relatively short period of time.

To evaluate and compare the response of optical instruments to appropriate environmental conditions, ISO 9022 contains detailed information on many laboratory tests that reliably simulate a wide range of different environments. These tests are mainly based on IEC standards, modified if necessary to take into account the special functions of the optical instrument.

ISO 9022-11-2015 – Environmental test methods for optics and optical instruments – Part 11: Mould growth

Due to the continuous progress in various fields, optical instruments are no longer just precision designed optical products, but also contain other components from other fields, depending on their range of application. Therefore, the main functions of the instrument will be evaluated to determine which international standard should be used for testing. If optical functions are important, then ISO 9022 is applicable, but if other functions take precedence, then appropriate international standards in the relevant fields should be applied. There may be situations where ISO 9022 and other appropriate international standards need to be applied simultaneously.

Although the species of fungus chosen for testing is generally not harmful to humans, some people may experience allergies or other reactions. Experienced and trained personnel need to be used to ensure the fungus is handled correctly and tested properly. Therefore, it is recommended that the test performance required in this part of ISO 9022 be delegated to microbiology laboratories, as such laboratories have the appropriate equipment and trained personnel.

1 Range
This part of ISO 9022 specifies methods related to environmental testing of optical instruments, including other components from other fields (such as mechanical, chemical and electronic equipment) under equal conditions to resist the effects of mold growth.

ISO 9022-11-2015 – Environmental test methods for optics and optical instruments – Part 11: Mould growth

However, complete instruments or components are only tested in exceptional circumstances in accordance with this part of ISO 9022. Typically, representative samples (such as mounted optical components, material samples, or surface coatings on representative samples) are used for testing.

The tests described in this part of ISO 9022 are designed to select materials and components for instruments that may be used in environments conducive to mold growth, rather than for conventional production control.

The purpose of the test is to investigate the extent to which the optical, climatic, mechanical, chemical, and electrical (including electrostatic) performance characteristics of the specimen are affected by mold growth.

In addition, the tests in this part of ISO 9022 are designed to assess the extent to which metabolic wastes excreted by fungi, such as enzymes or acids, cause etching, corrosion, or short circuits, such as in printed circuit boards.

ISO 9022-11-2015 – Environmental test methods for optics and optical instruments – Part 11: Mould growth

2 Normative references
All or part of the following documents are referred to normatively in this document, and their application is difficult or lacking. For dated references, only the cited version applies. For undated references, a new version of the reference (including any revisions) applies.

ISO 9022-1, Optics and photonics – Environmental test methods – Part 1: Definition, test scope

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