Once you suspect mold in your home or business, you should contact a mold testing professional. Mold can exacerbate or cause several health issues, especially in those susceptible to respiratory illness. It can also cause damage to your home or business. You may be tempted to try to get rid of the mold yourself, but because thousands of types of mold can grow in your home, do-it-yourself kits may not work. In certain situations, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you hire a mold professional to test for mold, and then perform mold remediation to get rid of it. Some mold, such as Stachybotrys doesn’t usually spread with airborne sporulation and may not be detected by do-it-yourself kits.
When a professional mold testing company such as The Mold Pros comes into your home or business, it can sample for several things. Proper mold testing can determine the type of molds, how much mold is in your home or business, and where the mold is located — including in HVAC vents. Testing can provide insight if a dark substance is soot or dirt, but not mold. Mold testing can better define the scope of work needed to solve a mold problem and can save money by not over or under treating a mold problem.
In many cases, yes. Testing is the only way to determine what type of mold is in your home or business and where it is located. Not all mold testing professionals use an independent, accredited lab to determine what mold spores, if any, are in your home or business. When engaged to perform a mold assessment, The Mold Pros technicians always use an independent lab to determine the type of mold and the extent to which the mold is growing in your home or business. Please complete the “Speak with a Mold Professional” form on our website for more information regarding mold testing and remediation services.
Since molds are ubiquitous, the expectation isn’t to remove all molds. The goal of the remediation is to return the home to normal levels. Post Remediation Sampling by a mold assessor and sample analysis by an independent laboratory is recommended. The lab results determine if the building has been returned to a normal fungal ecology.
Mold samples taken by professional mold assessors can determine the type of mold in your home or business. There are thousands of mold types, including Penicillium Aspergillus, Stachybotrys and Chaetomium. Some mold types are associated with harmful toxins, some with other health problems. Once laboratory analysis determines the types and levels of mold is in your home, we can determine the best course of action to treat the type of mold in your home or business. The Mold Pros’ mold remediation procedure can successfully treat all types of mold.
Moisture issues are the key to indoor mold growth. Utilizing state of the art equipment (infrared thermal cameras, moisture meters and hygrometers), our inspectors search for moisture issues which are the root cause of an indoor mold problem.
Molds are found in our natural environment and we should expect the levels and types of molds inside buildings to be relative to the molds on the exterior of the structure. An exterior baseline air sample is collected to determine the types and levels of molds common for the area and interior air samples are taken to determine indoor mold counts. Air testing is a helpful tool in determining mold counts in HVAC systems and duct work, which can be a perfect environment for indoor molds.
Since all molds are not “airborne” (some molds spread through water and insects), there are several different tests to provide the best insight of the microbial growth within a structure. The Mold Pros may take five different kinds of samples to test for microbial presence: air, tape lift, swab, DNA and bulk. Each sample type is appropriate for certain conditions and your technician will determine what is most appropriate during their inspection and testing process. As a general rule, it is recommended to obtain air sample each level of open livable spacethe structure and one air sample per 1,250 sq. ft. of open living space.
Mycotoxin Testing: Certain molds are known to produced toxins (known as mycotoxins). Penicillium, Aspergillus, Stachybotrys, Chaetomium and Fusarium are just a few molds which are linked to mycotoxins. The Mold Pros may perform mycotoxin testing which may determine if there are harmful mycotoxins within your home or business.
The Mold Pros uses some of the top laboratories in the nation. Using a nationally accredited, third party lab is important as it provides an unbiased, professional result which reflects a mold elevation in your home or business. Results are provided in an easy to read report that provides information as to types and quantities of mold present in each sample. A Mold Pros technician is able to review the report with you, answer questions and make recommendations for your property.
All buildings have mold because mold is everywhere. When interior mold levels are higher than exterior levels, it may be time for you to be concerned. You may start seeing mold growing on the walls, material in the home, such as carpets, furniture and clothing and in dark, damp spots. More commonly, you may not see the mold at all. It could be in the HVAC duct work or in other hard-to-see locations. You may also have increasing respiratory problems, increasing allergy flare ups and may also notice musty or mildew odors.
Once a technician takes the samples, they should be forwarded to an independent lab for analysis. It is this information, combined with special bio-remediation training which can be used to determine how to best treat the mold in your home or office.
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