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Mold Sampling
The Classic Microbial Problem

We’ve all seen mold, whether in our fridge, or in those areas of our home prone to moisture. Mold can cause several health issues, with those with asthma or allergies especially vulnerable, and can make it hard to breathe within your home. The best way to control mold is to control moisture, but in the event of unforeseen events such as a flood or a leaky pipe, you might not also be able to prevent growth in those exposed areas.

 

Mold is a microbial substance commonly found in nature for the purpose of breaking down dead organic matter. They reproduce through tiny spores, which then attach themselves to wet surfaces. Many people are affected by an allergy to mold, which can make inhaling, or coming into contact with it, an uncomfortable experience given the possibility of a reaction. You can often tell a presence of mold by the odor, which comes in the form of that classic mildew smell. If you suspect or see mold growth in your home, you may want to consider a mold test as the first step to remediation.

Get A Water Test For Your Home

Air Sampling

Air Samples can be taken in any room and will indicate if any, what type and how many mold spores are in the air.

Swab Sample

Swab Samples can be taken off a surface. The test will show whether or not the growth is mold and what type it is.

Limited

This is a visual, non-invasive inspection done on a single floor or area of concern. A written inspection will accompany the lab report.

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Report

After the inspection, you will receive a detailed report on your property from the inspector.

Sample Report
Common Questions About Mold Sampling
What can mold do to you?
Mold can trigger a range of allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin irritation. For people with asthma, mold can make their symptoms worse, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to mold can also cause respiratory infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
Mold sampling should be done whenever there is visible or suspected mold growth within a building’s interior. This can include visible mold on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors, or the presence of a musty odor, which can be indicative of mold growth. It is also recommended to conduct mold sampling after any water damage or flooding event in order to identify potential mold growth.
There are various methods for mold sampling, including air sampling and surface sampling. Air sampling involves collecting airborne mold spores using a specialized tool that captures particles in the air. Surface sampling involves taking physical samples of mold growth on surfaces, such as by swabbing or cutting out a piece of material for analysis.
The worst seasons for mold growth are typically the seasons with the highest humidity levels – spring and summer. During these seasons, air conditioning units are frequently running, and windows are often open, leading to higher moisture levels inside the house. Furthermore, warm temperatures allow mold to grow and spread quickly. Fall and winter are less conducive for mold growth, as the humidity levels are generally lower, and the air is drier. However, it is crucial to note that mold can still grow during these seasons if moisture levels are left unaddressed.
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain species of fungi(Mold). Mycotoxins can cause a variety of adverse health effects in humans and animals, including acute toxicity, long-term exposure risks, and potential carcinogenic effects. Mycotoxins are considered dangerous due to their potential to contaminate food and feed, leading to serious health problems for animals and humans alike. These toxins can cause a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, allergy-like reactions, intestinal irritation, and even death.
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, damp, and humid environments. It spreads by releasing tiny spores into the air, which can be inhaled and cause health problems. Mold can grow anywhere in your home, including on walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, and furniture. It can cause a musty odor and discoloration, and in severe cases, it can cause structural damage. The problem with mold is that it’s not always visible. Sometimes, it can grow behind walls or under carpets, making it difficult to detect. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional mold test company to conduct a thorough inspection of your home. They have the tools and expertise to detect mold growth, even if it’s hidden. By detecting mold early, you can take action to prevent it from spreading and causing further damage to your home and health.
Some homeowners may attempt to test for mold themselves using DIY kits. While these kits may seem like a cost-effective solution, they’re not always reliable. DIY kits may not be able to detect all types of mold, and they may produce false negatives or false positives. Professional mold test companies, on the other hand, use specialized equipment and techniques to detect mold growth accurately. They can also identify the type of mold present and assess the severity of the problem. They can provide you with a comprehensive report that outlines the findings and recommends next steps. It’s important to note that not all mold test companies are created equal. When choosing a company, make sure they’re certified and experienced in mold testing. Ask for references and check their reviews online. A reputable company will be transparent about their methods and communicate clearly with you throughout the process.

When you hire a professional mold test company, they’ll conduct a thorough inspection of your home. This will involve a visual inspection, moisture measurements, air sampling, and surface sampling.

 

A visual inspection involves examining your home for signs of mold growth, such as discoloration, musty odors, and water damage. The inspector will also look for sources of moisture, such as leaking pipes or water damage.

 

Moisture measurements involve using specialized equipment to measure the humidity levels in your home. High humidity levels can indicate the presence of mold.

 

Air sampling involves taking samples of the air in your home to detect the presence of mold spores. This can help identify areas of mold growth that may not be visible.

 

Surface sampling involves taking samples of surfaces in your home, such as walls or floors, to test for the presence of mold.

 

After the inspection is complete, the mold test company will provide you with a report that outlines the findings and recommendations for remediation

The mold test report will provide you with information on the type of mold present, the severity of the problem, and the recommended next steps.

 

If mold is present, the report may recommend that you hire a mold remediation company to remove the mold. The report may also recommend steps you can take to prevent mold growth in the future, such as fixing leaks or improving ventilation.

 

It’s important to take action quickly if mold is detected in your home. Mold can spread quickly and cause health problems if left untreated. Contact a reputable mold remediation company to remove the mold and take steps to prevent future growth.

Mold can grow anywhere in your home, but there are some areas that are more prone to mold growth than others. These include:

 

– Bathrooms, especially in the shower or around the tub

– Kitchens, especially around the sink or dishwasher

– Basements or crawl spaces

– Attics

– Laundry rooms

 

Mold can also grow on carpets, furniture, and clothing if they become damp or wet. It’s important to keep these areas dry and well-ventilated to prevent mold growth.

As we mentioned earlier, mold isn’t always visible. However, there are some signs that may indicate that mold is present in your home. These include:

 

– Musty odors

– Water stains or discoloration on walls or ceilings

– Peeling or bubbling paint or wallpaper

– Warped or bulging walls or floors

– Allergic reactions, such as sneezing or coughing

 

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a professional mold test company to conduct an inspection.

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