Mold Testing – Understanding the Process and Importance
Mold testing is an essential part of a thorough home inspection. With it, you may only catch problems in your home once it is too late to prevent costly remediation and possible health risks.
Mold testing, provided by companies like Pure Maintenance Nevada involves taking air, surface, and bulk samples from suspected areas of mold. These are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Air Sampling
Air testing provides a very precise measurement of the type and quantity of mold spores in an indoor space. Depending on the species, these spores can cause various health effects, including respiratory issues, allergies, itchy eyes and skin, and more severe illnesses in those with compromised immune systems.
This type of testing consists of drawing a sample from the indoor air using a plastic cassette, which is sent to a lab for analysis. These samples typically reveal the presence of many mold spores and other airborne contaminants, such as dust mites and pet dander.
Air sampling also reveals the mold growing in the colony from which the airborne spores originated. This information can help a client determine the scope of a mold remediation job. However, unlike surface and DNA tests that identify specific spores (such as Stachybotrys chartarum), this type of testing only tells the client the general species of mold in the colony, not the exact species of mold present.
Surface Sampling
Surface sampling involves taking a sample directly from the suspect surface, such as a drywall or carpet. It is typically done along with air testing and is dispatched to a lab for testing. This method can provide valuable information, including determining and identifying molds growing on the surface being tested. It can also help identify “marker” spore types that indicate an indoor mold problem.
Surface samples are often collected using tape lifts, swabs/wipes, or contact plates. These can be analyzed by direct microscopic examination.
This type of sampling allows us to collect a sample that can be cultured for species identification or analyzed by direct microscopy for genus identification. This can be an effective alternative to bulk (destructive) testing of materials such as drywall, baseboards or carpeting. This technique can also be used for food that cannot be removed or destroyed. Gray fur on forgotten bologna or fuzzy green dots on bread can signify harmful mycotoxins that could cause death if eaten.
Bulk Sampling
In bulk sampling, a physical non-air based sample of material with actual or suspected mold growth is cut or removed and sent to the lab for analysis. This type of sampling is typically done with a surface test (tape, swab or microvacuum) and is often used to determine the genus and species of spores on or in the material.
This is a more comprehensive than an air sample, allowing the inspector to determine if the material contains a toxic or pathogenic mold. It also measures the number of colony-forming units per cubic meter.
This is a more destructive testing process than an air or surface sample, but it is often necessary to perform if significant mold damage has occurred in a home or building. Ideally, the property owner should be prepared for this by being organized and providing clear access for inspecting and removing furniture and items that would hinder the process.
Laboratory Analysis
Laboratory analysis helps to fill in the gaps that cannot be discovered through visual inspection. Sampling techniques include:
- Drawing air from a wall cavity to test for microscopic mold spores.
- Sampling bulk material like carpet or wood.
- Swabbing suspect areas.
- Testing using specialized Swiffer cloth-like wipes called composite samples.
The lab tests help identify specific types of mold and determine if they produce mycotoxins. These mycotoxins are substances that can harm living tissue if inhaled. The tests can also indicate the ratio of indoor to outdoor mold spores. Lastly, they can help locate the source of mold by identifying which samples are coming from water-damaged or unfinished parts of the home. Depending on the results, your inspector will recommend appropriate action. The best action is often to remove and clean any visible mold growth or water damage areas. This will protect against further damage to the structure and reduce health concerns.