Check Your Petri Dish
After 48 hours, check your petri dish for signs of mold growth. If you do not see mold, wait another 24 hours and check again. If you still dont see mold, wait again for 24 hours and check one last time. If you do not see mold growth after 96 hours, your test did not detect any mold. If you do see mold on your test plate, you should take additional steps to remove the mold.
Identify And Remove The Mold From Your Environment
Once you have removed yourself from the environment, the next step is to identify and remove the mold from your home or workplace. If you can remove the mold, this may be all you need to do to feel better. Again any improvement will be closely associated with your genetics. The worse your genes, the less chance you will feel better from just removing the mold.
Mold Testing Is Easy And Quick
You may be wondering how do you test for mold in a home and what is the process?
The best option is to hire a professional company to conduct an inspection. With a mold inspection, professionals will search the entire home, including the common hiding spots, for mold. Professionals will also give scientific information on the mold type and the cause of growth.
Air labs is a professional mold detection company in Montreal, Canada that uses the following process to accurately test for mold:
The results will be given to the homeowner within a few days and the inspection takes only a few hours to run the entire test.
You May Like: Remove Mildew From Bathroom Ceiling
Most Toxic Mold Is Hidden From View
Even after you have conducted a visual home inspection for signs of mold, it can still be lurking in your home. Toxic mold can be hiding in or around any areas of your home that have been exposed to damp air. This includes the places youd least expect such as behind your drywall, under the carpet, or in crawlspaces.
Further, mold spores are often invisible to the naked eye until it starts to spread. A professional mold testing is the only way to truly know if a house has toxic mold before it is too late.
How To Tell If You Have Mold In Your House
It can be hard to tell if you have mold in your house. Obviously, if you see mold somewhere, youve got a mold problem in your house, but mold can hide in walls, ventilation ducts, crawl spaces, and in other hard-to-see areas.
A common way to check for mold is to smell for it. A musty smell in an area of your home is often an indicator that there is some kind of mold present. Symptoms like a persistent runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and throat irritation could also be indicative of mold.
In addition, anywhere that has been exposed to a significant amount of moisture such as water damage from flooding is a potential area where mold may be growing. Look for water where it shouldnt be, and check areas which may have flooded in the past.
You May Like: Mold On Shower Grout
What Is A Professional Mold Inspection
A mold inspection occurs when a licensed professional examines and assesses the inside and outside of a home for mold issues. The mold inspector is looking for evidence of mold, including obviously visible mold and other cues like rust-stained walls orwarped baseboards.
During the inspection, the inspector will survey the extent of any mold damage and attempt to locate the source of the problem. When mold is located, the inspector takes a sample of the mold for furtherlaboratory testing to identify its type.
Following the inspection, the inspector will typically prepare a written report for the customer detailing their findings and the results from laboratory testing.
Itâs important to note that a mold inspection does not usually include the cleaning and removal of mold. This is generally done by a separate mold remediation company.
Gene Testing For Mycotoxin Susceptibility
If youre aware that you are susceptible, youll know you need to take immediate action, even if no one else has symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning. Youll also be able to quickly identify the signs if it happens again. For example, if you check into a hotel room and begin to feel mycotoxins symptoms within a few hours, youll know to request a different room or even move to another hotel.
HLA-DR Testing
If you learn you have been exposed to mycotoxins, you may find HLA-DR testing helpful. As I explained previously, nearly one-fourth of the population lacks the HLA-DR gene, which prevents your body from clearing mycotoxins.
The HLA-DR mold toxicity test is a simple blood test for the immune response genes on chromosome six. Since your genes dont change, you only need to test once in your lifetime. While we cant change our genes, knowledge is definitely power.
Glutathione Panel
Mycotoxin poisoning can decrease the formation of glutathione, a natural antioxidant produced in your body, due to decreased gene expression of the enzymes needed to form glutathione. Compromised glutathione production can result in an excess of oxidative stress that leads to tissue damage and systemic illness.
However, keep in mind that even people without the gene can still be affected by mycotoxin poisoning. Thats because anyone with a compromised immune system can become sick from mycotoxins.
You May Like: How To Remove Bathroom Ceiling Mold
How Vocs Affect My Health
It wasnt the smell alone that was worrying me. It was the aching burning sensation in my eyes. The tears streaming out of my eyes as I was laying down because my eyes hurt so bad. My throat was closing up and scratchy with the smell.
I couldnt sleep. I was literally in pain. And worried sick.
The next morning I woke up coughing. I knew what was happening. It was formaldehyde exposure. So I opened every single window and the screen door. We put on every fan we had. I stole back the potted pothos plant that I had given to my mom who was still in town .
I turned on the air conditioner full blast. We NEEDED to get air circulation in this RV to get the old air out and new air in. On an 85 degree day in our Florida RV resort, Im sure fellow campers thought we were crazy running our air conditioning with the window open. I did not care.
This continued on all week. It wasnt getting better.
Then a deep rumble developed in my lungs. I woke up every morning hacking. I started coughing so violently every morning that I would gag on my own coughing. I couldnt breathe. I felt like I was having an asthma attack.
Turns out Im not the only one who has had serious health problems after moving into an RV. Check out this story, too and the lack of any regulation limits with formaldehyde in RVs.
A month later, after airing out the RV incessantly at every stop and every night, I was still coughing violently. I had never, ever had this cough before moving into the RV.
Poor Reason For Testing #5 To Determine If The Environment Is Safe
At this time, it is unknown what level of mold is safe or how much is necessary to cause health problems. Mold tests cannot measure all the molds in an environment or how much occupants are exposed to. Such testing can also miss evidence of problems and results may mislead or be misused. MDH recommends assuming that any visible amount of mold may potentially cause illness and advises that the best approach is to remove this potential threat as soon as it can be done safely. MDH also suggests that it is also reasonable to conclude that an area should be relatively safe with regard to mold, if all visible growth was removed, the surrounding areas thoroughly cleaned, and it remains dry and free of mold odors.
Don’t Miss: Mold On Shower Ceiling
Testing For Hidden Or Airborne Mold
Black Mold Testing In San Jose
Most molds do not harm healthy people, but a small number produce mycotoxins which can cause significant health problems, particularly in vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, or those with immune deficiency or allergies. While not all mold that appears black is Stachybotrys Chartarum or toxic black mold, the only way you can find out is by professional inspection and testing to rule out other common mold species such as Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Drechslera.
Also Check: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Walls And Ceiling
When You Should Get A Mold Inspection And Testing
If you notice mold, it is a good idea to call an inspector to test the home for mold. You should also heed the advice of your home inspector if they notice any signs of water damage or moisture. Even if it appears to be old water damage, mold could still be an issue.
A mold inspection is also recommended if you notice a strong musty smell. Mold could be growing behind drywall or in a dark area.
Professional mold testing by qualified and experienced professionals is recommended. The specialist will have the experience in collecting samples as well as testing for the air quality, and will be better able to provide you with accurate results and recommendations for mold remediation.
Another reason to opt for professional mold inspection and testing is because the number of mold spores can fluctuate and move throughout the home. A professional mold inspector usually performs a few different types of mold tests to ensure the most accurate results. Home tests cannot provide this level of accuracy.
Interplay Between The Brain Immune System And Gut
At this educational event, youll learn:
- Key factors that contribute to real immunity
- Connections between trauma, stress & your brain-immune-gut axis
- Protocols to maximize energy, reduce inflammation & support detoxification
- Keys to resolving leaky gut & other digestive issues
- Practical strategies to address food reactions, pain, brain fog & exhaustion
- Steps to mental clarity, reduced cravings & hormone balance
Take an in-depth look into the complex interconnection between your brain, immune system and gut, and join dozens of the worlds leading experts in nutrition, exercise, longevity, integrative health and anti-aging to explore the latest medical breakthroughs in chronic illness prevention and recovery.
Youll learn the why of your symptoms and gain a new understanding of how to regain agency over your health and solve your own health puzzle.
The key to a healthy smoothie is the right balance between proteins, fats and carbs.
Most smoothies people make or sold in stores are sugar-laden milkshakes in disguise.
They actually can cause weight gain and blood sugar problems, a common cause of fatigue, depression, anxiety and memory loss.
One of the quickest and most effective ways to improve brain function and energy is to stabilize your blood sugar.
This informative, 26-page eGuide provides power-packed recipes that are fast, fun and easy.
Also Check: What Would Cause Mold On Ceiling
How To Test Your House For Mold
Mold is a part of nature and it serves a valuable role in breaking down decaying organic matter such as dead leaves and trees. Thats outside, of course. In the home, however, it is a nuisance that may cause health problems for you or your family. At the very least mold creates a musty, mildew smell. Testing is a good way to determine if you have a problem or not, but many homeowners are unsure of how to test their houses for mold. Well tell you how to do that yourself, but first, heres some more information on common molds.
Plan Of Attack To Removing Mold From Your Home
What can you do when you find a mold source in your home, what plan of action is required next? First and foremost, when you locate mold growth in your home you will want to examine the underlying cause of the mold growth, whether there was a moisture leak or what type of conditions surround the mold in the environment.
Second, you will want to call a mold remediation specialist to assist you in the removal of this mold from your homes surfaces. Often times we will try to utilize different methods of mold removal that we find online, but in reality, the best solution is having a trained professional come to your aid to ensure that proper removal occurs of this mold.
Third, eliminating the mold spores that have traveled into your air. We often dont consider that mold can compromise the quality of your homes air by collecting mold spores released from mold.
How can you eliminate these mold spores from your air? The enhanced chemical reactivity found in the EnviroKlenz Cartridge makes it ideal for removing harmful mold-generated VOCs.
The EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Air System is a portable air filtration machine that contains this enhanced chemically reactive technology that can effectively work at taking in mold spores and capturing them from your air.
Recommended Reading: How To Kill Mold In Washing Machine
Find The Right Mold Inspector
If a mold problem is detected in a house youd like to buy, you could ask the seller to take care of it. Some states require the seller to provide full disclosure about any mold or water damage in the house if you ask.
If youre buying a home and want a better grasp of mold related issues, hire a home inspector with expertise in mold inspection. You can here to find a WIN Home Inspection expert near you, and one of our expertly trained home inspectors can assist you. Alternatively, call 309-6753 or email us at and one of our experts will contact you promptly.
The Facts About Mold In Your Home
Mold is a fungus that reproduces by creating small spores that work like seeds. Every home has mold. Mold spores can be unwelcome guests floating in on the breeze through an open window or door, hitching a ride on clothing or hiding in plain sight on packaging materials like cardboard or paper. Once established, it will look like fuzzy spots or blotches that can be black, green, brown, yellow, and even orange or white.
There are nearly 1,000 types of household mold. A few common culprits are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium. The dreaded black or toxic mold that you see in the headlines, Stachybotrys chartarum, also know as Stachybotrys atra, isn’t a common mold, but it’s not rare either. It will look dark green or black.
You can’t keep mold out, but you can make it less welcome. Household mold needs hospitable conditions in which to thrive. One key ingredient in establishing and maintaining a mold colony is moisture. If you don’t have a consistent source of moisture, mold won’t be able to survive.
In the next section, we’ll take a look at ways to check for mold.
- Inside ductwork
- Above ceiling tiles
The nose knows, and if you can’t find any mold but the smell persists, there’s probably mold hiding somewhere nearby.
In the next section, we’ll discuss ways to get help dealing with mold in your home.
You May Like: Mold Around Ac Vent
How To Test For Black Mold
Do you keep getting a whiff of something musty in your bathroom or basement? Afraid it might be mold? Learn about three of the most popular kits to test for mold at home.
Its no secret that damp areas of the home provide the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to grow. Whether your nose knows, or your eyes spy dark spots in strategic locations, you want to make sure.
Mold doesnt just eat away at your wood, wallpaper, or grout. Its spores get airborne and cause all kinds of health problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says enough evidence exists to link mold to upper respiratory tract symptoms like itchy eyes and runny nose to cough and wheeze in otherwise healthy people.
Dont Want To Use Chemicals Heres How To Test For Mold In Your Home Naturally
If youre concerned about the effects of harmful chemicals when testing for mold in the house, worry not. Testing for mold doesnt use any chemicals, and kits are non-toxic.
In fact, the main thing you should be worried about when testing for mold is the mold itself. If you are collecting direct samples of mold using the swab technique, wear gloves and a mask to reduce your exposure to the mold.
Recommended Reading: How To Kill Black Mold On Ceiling
