Mold testing

Mold is all around us. It plays a natural part in the environment by breaking down organic matter such as dead trees, leaves, etc. Mold reproduces by means of microscopic spores that are invisible to the naked eye and float through the indoor and outdoor air. It begins to grow and become a problem indoors when it lands on damp surfaces that provide a good source of nutrition for the mold, such as drywall and wood. Mold can cause many health problems. People are affected differently by mold. Some mold can produce allergens, irritants, and potentially toxic chemical substances known as mycotoxins. Allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. People diagnosed with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems can be very sensitive to mold. Exposure to mold may cause itching of eyes, nose, throat, and skin, respiratory problems, fatigue, frequent headaches, mood swings, chronic pains, and digestive problems. 

Visual Inspection-The the first step is identifying possible contamination problems, including visible water leaks or moisture problems. The entire structure will be checked visually, and if needed, a moisture meter and/or hygrometer will be used. Mold air sampling may be recommended if there is noticeable mold growth, musty odors, visible water stains, etc. 

Air sampling-The purpose of air sampling is to determine the type and amount of airborne contamination in a building. The testing is conducted by pumping a defined amount of air into an enclosed microscopic slide for a specific period of time, depending on the type of slide used. The slides are then analyzed by a certified lab to determine the types of mold as well as the number of mold spores per square meter of air. This is key in determining if a mold problem exists. 

All mold testing comes with a report issued by the lab and a recommended course of action by the inspector.  Once the visual inspection and mold sampling is complete, a plan of action can be developed to clean mold and prevent future contamination. Very small areas of mold can be cleaned and removed with a variety of commercial mold cleaning products. However, if the mold problem is severe, a professional mold remediation company should be consulted for the removal.  

The cost for the mold sampling can be found on the left side of the page in the "Prices" section.