Mold Testing
Studies have found that mold is the #1 cause of allergic symptoms.
Stachybotrys, (the black mold found in home, office, and school environments), has been linked to fatal pulmonary disorders.
To help detect the possibility of mold, do you notice any of the following?
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Discoloration or black mold on baseboards, wallboards, or wallpaper
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Cracks in shower tile, lack of caulking, loose toilet seal, leaks under sink
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Carpet and padding in direct contact with concrete slab
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Poorly maintained or dirty air conditioning/heating vents and filters
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Damp basement or crawl space
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Water penetration (water marks on walls, mold spots on walls)
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Musty and/or moldy odor
If you answered YES to any of the above questions, then you could be exposed to Mold
Mold Swabs and Surface Samples
Surface testing takes samples from household surfaces to find the amount of mold growth and spores deposited around the home. Samples are collected by swabbing and later analyzed in a laboratory.
Like with air testing the results can vary because mold growth and spores aren't spread evenly across surfaces in the home and can change over time. Unlike air testing, surface tests can't identify the exact concentration of mold spores in the air.
Why You Should Test for Mold?
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You notice signs of mold such as a musty or moldy smell
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You are having symptoms of being exposed to mold such as respiratory problems such as asthma, inflammation of skin, mental impairment, tiredness, nausea, etc.
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To identify the species of mold in your home
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To help you find where mold is growing
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To test indoor air quality by measuring the amount of spores in the air
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To test if mold in your home has been fully remediated
Identifying Mold Species
It is important to determine what kind of mold is in your home for a variety of reasons. Extra caution needs to be taken to safely remove toxic mold from the home.
Two well-known toxic molds are Stachybotrys (often called toxic black mold) and Aspergillus. If you see mold which looks like a toxic species or if you are suffering toxic symptoms then you should have the mold tested before you try to remove it.
The only way to identify the species of a mold colony for certain is to have the mold tested by a certified professional.
