MOLD TESTING
With the use of specialized mold testing equipment, we can determine whether harmful molds are present in a home, business, or virtually any location.
A variety of methods can help us determine the location and extent of possible mold in your location, including surface sampling, air sampling, carpet fiber testing, and/or inner-wall air sampling.
For an additional fee (in addition to the mold test itself) we offer Infrared thermal imaging which can determine areas in your home, business or RV that moisture exists that can be leading to mold growth.
With the use of moisture meters we can assess the extent of moisture levels in related areas of the home or property.
Health Effects
Can mold make me and my family sick?
Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it.
The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time, and from person to person.
Should I test for mold?
We do not recommend testing for mold yourself. Instead, you should simply assume there is a problem whenever you see mold or smell mold odors. Testing should never take the place of visual inspection and it should never use up resources that are needed to correct moisture problems and remove all visible growth.
Sometimes, mold growth is hidden and difficult to locate. In such cases, a combination of air (outdoor and indoor air samples) and bulk (material) samples may help determine the extent of contamination and where cleaning is needed. However, mold testing is rarely useful for trying to answer questions about health concerns.
What is Mold?
Molds are fungi. Molds grow throughout the natural and built environment. Tiny particles of mold are present in indoor and outdoor air. In nature, molds help break down dead materials and can be found growing on soil, foods, plant matter, and other items. Molds produce microscopic cells called “spores” which are very tiny and spread easily through the air. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions.
What does mold need to grow?
Mold only needs a few simple things to grow and multiply:
- Moisture
- Nutrients
- Suitable place to grow
Of these, controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth.
Some Interesting Facts About Mold:
Exposure to bacterial and fungus in the air inside of homes has emerged as a significant health problem in residential homes as well as in business and school settings.
There are numerous types of molds, some of which can be poisonous and toxic to humans.
Molds can create a large range of health problems depending on the exposure and tolerance levels of different persons. Those that can be affected most are generally immune deficient people (pregnant women, asthmatics, cancer patients, those with respiratory concerns, and more), but any person can be affected depending on their body’s particular tolerance levels.
Mold, whether wet or dry, creates very tiny spores that pose a larger health concern because they become airborne and can be inhaled, and also cause the mold to continue spreading throughout the home.
The health related problems associated with exposure to mold range from allergic reactions, to respiratory tract inflammation, toxic effects from micro toxins, and infections.
Some molds can be extremely dangerous such as Legionella, which is the cause of Legionnaires Disease.
The most common symptoms of mold exposure are runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, and aggravation of asthma. Individuals with persistent health problems that appear to be related to mold or other types of air quality contaminant exposure should see their physicians for a referral to specialists who are trained in occupational/environmental medicine or related specialties and are knowledgeable about these types of exposures.
