How To Test For Black Mold In Your House

How To Collect Air Samples For Mold Or Bacteria Testing

Volumetric air samples for culture analyses are taken by impacting a known volume of air onto a suitable growth medium. Commonly used samples are Reuter Centrifugal Sampler or the Anderson Single Stage Sampler. This process is particularly important if you request MBLs bacteria testing service. Please refer to the manufacturers instructions on how to take samples using your sampler.

Key Points To Remember:

• The type of analysis required
• Turnaround time required for non-viable analysis: regular or rush (24 hours

If you are within the GTA region, you can either deliver the samples to the laboratory by hand or send them by courier or post. Samples from anywhere else in Canada may be sent by courier or post.

Note: It is recommended that wet and/or culturable samples be sent to the laboratory on the same day if possible) or by overnight courier, and should be shipped under cool conditions .

When we test for moulds or bacteria, our turnaround time for all culture analyses is 10-14 days. Non-culture analyses takes 1-3 days for regular service and 24 hours for rush service.

Online Training

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Plastic Cutting Board

Look For Signs Of Moisture Or Mold

• Mold can have a cottony, velvety, granular or leathery texture
• The color of mold can vary from white, gray, brown, black, green or other colors
• Mold damage may look like discoloration or staining on the surface of building materials or furnishings
• Noticeable mold odors are described as musty or earthly

Indoor Environmental Sampling And Analysis

Professional mold testing is more detailed and specialized than any DIY test. The accuracy of home mold test results vary widely, and these tests may not offer insight into the concentration of mold spores in indoor air or which species of fungus are growing in a home. These tests may also not differentiate between active growth and desiccated airborne mold spores from past growth.

Having a property inspected and tested by certified experts can provide a clearer sense of the scale and severity of a fungal infestation. Indoor environmental hygienists and other specialists trained in assessing mold damage may take air, batch or surface samples to submit for lab analysis. Air samples may also be taken from a central HVAC system. These results can include information about the species of mold present in a structure and whether growth is active or old, and can be used to guide remediation work.

Even professional mold tests cannot determine whether individuals have been exposed to mold spores, mVOCs or mycotoxins. Such information requires lab testing of biological samples taken from the residents of a home or regular occupants of a commercial building with a mold problem. Only licensed healthcare professionals are qualified to interpret the results of medical mold exposure testing.

Read Also: How To Mitigate Black Mold

Testing For Mold In The House

If you suspect you have mold growth in your house, its important to determine the type of mold and severity of the growth with a mold inspection. In some cases, mold has been suspected of making people sick, causing allergic reactions, and leading to expensive repairs if left untreated.

Also, bear in mind that mold remediation only removes the symptom. Therefore, if you want to have peace of mind about the health of you, your family, and your home, then locate the source of the moisture leaking into your home and make those repairs as you clean up the mold. When testing for mold in the house, professional services are available to help you find hidden mold and moisture problems in your home.

Mold Identifications: Black Mold Vs Regular Mold

It is also important as a homeowner that you do not confuse toxic black mold with regular mold. In fact, both types can look similar to each other. However, the regular type of fungus does not pose as much risk to your home or your family.

Act Now and Remove Mold from your HomeCall a Professional Mold Remediation Specialist or Get Up to 4 Quotes Now.

The regular variety may be black in color but is not toxic. Toxic black mold can be either green or black. It releases mycotoxins that can make you seriously ill if you come into contact with or inhale them.

Also Check: How To Properly Clean Mold Off Walls

How Are Mold Allergies And Exposure Diagnosed

There are no proven tests that show when or where you may have been exposed to mold.

But your doctor may check for mold allergies by reviewing your symptoms and performing one of the following tests:

• Blood test. Your doctor takes a blood sample and then sends it to a laboratory to measure the number of certain antibodies, which can indicate your immune systems sensitivity to different mold species.
• Skin prick test. Your doctor takes a small amount of mold and applies it to your skin using a tiny needle. Your skin will break out in bumps, a rash, or hives if youre allergic to that type of mold.

How To Test For Toxic Mold

If you have mold in your home, your nose is one of the most inexpensive devises you can use to detect it. Mold smells, and chances are, youll be able to detect the distinctive odor that taints the air around moldy walls, carpeting and other objects. The struggle is in understanding when mold is dangerous to your family or home.

The term toxic mold is a little confusing. Some molds, like Stachybotrys chartarum or black mold, produce mycotoxins, toxic substances that cause health problems in some people. There is no direct link yet between mold-produced toxins and serious conditions like idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants, but there are concerns that exposure to these toxins can exacerbate existing lung conditions and allergies, and possibly cause problems in otherwise healthy people. Common molds that arent considered toxic also have the potential to cause reactions in some people, which makes it important to get rid of any type of mold you find in your home as soon as possible, particularly if you suspect that someone in your family is having a reaction to it.

Mold can be scary. There are potential health implications for your family, and a mold outbreak can take a financial toll, too. Once established, mold can be very invasive, releasing millions of spores into your home. Many homeowners insurance policies now exclude or limit coverage for mold related problems.

First up, lets learn a little more about household mold.

Read Also: How Much Does Servpro Charge For Mold Removal

How Do You Prevent Black Mold Exposure

To prevent exposure, first you must remove any black mold in your living or working space. If you find mold growing on any surfaces or materials, either discard them if possible or clean them with a bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.

If carpets, insulation, drywall or other porous surfaces become saturated with water, they should be cleaned and dried within 48 hours to prevent mold growth. If they cant be dried promptly, its best to remove and replace them.

There are also other ways to lower your risk of black mold exposure, including:

• Lower the humidity in your home. If you live in a humid climate, using air conditioning or a dehumidifier will help reduce the level of humidity in your home. Aim to keep humidity levels between 30 to 50%.

• Remove carpet from bathrooms and basements, which are more likely to be humid or have a lot of moisture.

• Improve the ventilation in humid rooms of your home. Fans that remove moisture from bathrooms and kitchens will help lower humidity and help prevent mold growth.

• Clean bathroom tiles and other damp areas regularly.

• Fix leaks in roofs, walls or plumping promptly.

• Remove books and newspapers from damp areas, and get rid of them if they become moldy.

• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth while mowing the lawn or doing other yard work to prevent inhaling mold.

• Stay indoors on days when airborne mold counts are high.

Recommended Reading: How To Find Mold In Your Home

Common Places For Mold To Grow

If you have had water damage to your home, its important to be on the lookout for possible mold growth. For example, mold in basement walls or floors can occur after flooding or severe water damage. Also chronic or persistent leaking from appliances, sinks, and showers can also lead to mold growth.

To find hidden mold, look for evidence of water intrusion which is often a sure sign that you either have mold in the home now or will be growing it soon. While it can be difficult to detect mold in the walls, its important to look for these signs of mold growth, to identify the problem as quickly as possible. Moisture meters and particle counters can be used by a certified inspector to source the water leak and fungal growth and even help detect if there is mold in your walls.

If you suspect mold growth in your home, here are some of the most common locations to check for mold to grow in the house:

Keep in mind that mold is a sign of excessive moisture and water intrusion and can be visible or hidden behind many different surfaces. Whether its from a leaking pipe or previous water damage, mold can lead to costly building repairs and even adverse health effects, which is why it should be handled promptly.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Yard Mold

How Can I Know If Theres Mold In My Carpet

The plush fibers of a carpet can be a thriving spot for mold spores. Its easy for the spores to stick to the surface, and theres often a significant amount of dirt, dust, and bacteria. Once moisture is introduced, mold will likely begin to grow.

Mold can grow inside the carpet or underneath. The padding or backing of carpets is likely to have mold if exposed to moisture.

A tell-tale sign of mold in a carpet is a musty or even sour odor. However, the best way to know whether or not theres mold growing in your carpet is to pull it up and inspect it.

If you do find mold, consider the severity of it and whether the carpet is worth trying to save or not. You can easily remove the area affected by mold and replace it with new carpeting. Adding additional waterproof padding can help keep mold and mildew at bay.

Condensation On Windows Window Frames And Sills

• Promptly repair any leaks.
• Lower the indoor moisture levels.
• Use exhaust bathroom fans and a kitchen range hood.
• Keep window coverings open to move the warm air over the windows .
• Keep baseboards or heating vents clear of furniture to make sure the heat flows.
• Dry your window frames and sills daily to keep water from dripping and causing mould to grow.
• Leave interior doors open for good air and heat flow.
• Unplug and remove humidifiers.

Don’t Miss: Does Kilz Paint Kill Mold

How To Choose A Mold Inspector

Once the decision has been made to hire a professional, the next step is to actually hire one. Some tips to keep in mind when choosing a mold inspector are:

• Compare several different companies near your house for price and services.
• Ask friends and family for referrals to inspection companies they have used.
• Ask the company near you for recent referrals. Take the time to call these prior customers to find out how their experience was and if they would use the service again.
• Make sure that a written evaluation is provided that specifically states the areas of the house that were inspected, the cause of the mold, the extent of the growth, how the problem can be fixed, and an approximate cost.
• Make sure that the laboratories that are being used to analyze the mould samples are accredited by either the American Industrial Hygiene Association or by the EPA.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau to learn the status of the company and to learn if any complaints and/or lawsuits have been filed against them.

As with any service, it is Buyer Beware, but if you do your homework and you know exactly what type of Inspection Company you are contracting with, the process should go smoothly.

How To Test For Mold In Air

Mold is a fungus that can grow indoors as well as outdoors. There are countless species of mold, some of which are more harmful than others. Mold grows in dark, damp, and warm areas, such as bathrooms or basements.

However, not all mold is visible.

Sadly, if you have mold in one area of your home, spores could fly around. Thats right, mold spreads and reproduces through spores, which can survive severe environmental conditions . So, if your allergies are agitated, it might be due to mold spores flying around in the air.

Well show you how to test for mold in the air so that you can take the next steps for tackling the issue.

• Getting to the Root of the Problem

Don’t Miss: How To Paint Over Mold

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Having Mold In Your House

Whether youre selling a home, preparing to buy one for the first time, or just performing regular maintenance, the issue of mold may worry you particularly if your home is in a damp environment.

In most cases, a typical home inspection wont include mold inspections and testing. You will need to hire a professional mold inspector to check your home for issues like black mold.

So, to help you understand whether or not you may need a home inspection for mold, weve put together this comprehensive guide that will help you understand the signs and symptoms of mold, know what next steps to take if you think you have mold issues, and provide you with other helpful information and tips that will help you deal with a potential mold problem.

How Much Mold Exposure Is Harmful

Molds are a type of fungi, which can flourish both indoors and outside. There are millions of mold species.

Mold is important for the planets ecosystem, because it helps break down waste products and organic matter, such as leaves, dead trees, and garbage.

Some people get sick from exposure to mold. Others have no symptoms and dont experience ill effects of any kind.

In this article, well talk about the potential dangers of mold exposure, identify whos most vulnerable, and provide solutions for keeping your environment mold-proof.

Recommended Reading: Can Black Mold Cause Fever

Also Check: Does Home Insurance Cover Mold Issues

Tips For Mold Prevention

Wondering how you can prevent mold from affecting your home? Here are a few tips that may help you prevent mold from forming altogether.

Also Check: Swing Jig Mold

Finding The Right Mold Inspector

Look for a contractor with specific experience and expertise in mold inspections and remediation. Ask them how many mold remediations theyâve done in the last six months. Call around your area and get a few estimates. There might be a wide price range, so shopping around could save you a few hundred dollars.

Check your state health department or labor department to see if mold inspectors are required to have a special license or certification. If so, you obviously want to make sure you only work with a properly certified contractor.

You May Like: How To Get Mold Off Shower Grout

Read Also: How Can I Find Mold In My House

How To Get Rid Of Mold In Your Home

Although there is no determined amount of how much mold is harmful to your health, its important to act quickly. If necessary, hire professionals to clean it.

There are mold remediation contractors on these websites:

Use a dehumidifier to keep your air moisture levels below 50%. Ventilate your rooms, and make sure to turn on the bathroom fan when youre taking a shower.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration declared bleach as ineffective to use, and it can even increase the toxicity of mycotoxins, worsening your mold exposure symptoms.

Suppose I suspect a Patient is suffering from Biotoxins illness or Mold Toxicity Exposure. In that case, several tests can help us understand why you feel the way you do and understand how severe of an exposure we are dealing with.

• Traditional Lab Testing: VEGF, Transforming Growth Factor Beta -1, VIP, HLA-DR, C4a, Alpha-MSH, cortisol, Leptin, ADH, DHEA-S, and Testosterone MMP9 blood level.
• VCS Test: The Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test shows if you could be suffering from mold exposure.
• Great Plains Lab Testing: The MycoTOX Profile is another invaluable tool to assess mold exposure.
• Genetic Test: The HLA-DRB1 gene provides instructions for making a critical protein role in the immune system.