Mold Testing FAQ

Questions Often Asked by Our Customers About Mold Testing

What Is Mold Testing?

Mold testing is a way of finding out if there is a greater mold related health hazard in any interior space compared to the normal air we all breathe outside.

When Should Mold Testing Be Done?

Mold testing should be done when…

  • You are considering buying a home that you suspect may have had a mold problem in the past and you don’t want it to cause your family to get sick.
  • You suspect there may be a mold related health hazard in your home.
  • You want to make sure the company that did mold removal in your home did a good job.

When Should Mold Testing Be Done?

Mold testing is usually not necessary when visible mold is seen on building materials. The rule of thumb is that if mold is seen, remediation should be done. The same holds true for mold odors in a home. If you smell mold but don’t see it, there is almost certainly mold present but it is concealed by a wall, ceiling or floor.

What Should I Look For When Selecting A Mold Testing Company?

Look for a company that…

  • Has great reviews on an Internet search.
  • Has good prices and fast service.
  • Performs only the services you want and does not try to sell you on unnecessary services.
  • Always calibrates the test equipment before each sampling job.

What Kind Of Test Should I Ask For?

Generally speaking, you should ask for “Non-Viable Air Sample” testing. This type of test is quite accurate to determine the quantity of mold particles in the tested area at the time of sampling and a general description of the varieties found.

How Many Tests Should Be Run and What Areas Should Be Tested?

You should always ask for a minimum of three samples to be taken. The test locations should be…

  • Test #1 should be taken outside to determine the mold content of the air that is normal and natural for your neighborhood.
  • Test #2 should be taken inside the area of the home that is of greatest concern as it relats to a possible mold health hazard.
  • Test #3 should be taken outside AGAIN to make sure that varying conditions are accounted for and an average of the two tests can be considered.
  • More tests can be ordered if you are suspicious of more than one area inside the home.

What Is Considered a "Safe Level" Of Mold In A Home?

Since everyone reacts differently to mold in the home, the only answer we can give to that is “it all depends on the occupants’ sensitivity or allergy to mold”. Some people react severely to even small amounts of mold and others could be living in a home with black mold half way up the walls and not really have an immediate problem with it. One thing for sure is that children may be more susceptible to the effects of mold exposure than adults.

What Are The Different Types Of Mold Testing

There are numerous methods of mold testing but the two general categories are live spore testing (viable) and non-viable mold testing.

  • Non-Viable Testing – This is the most common type of test because it is quite accurate, fairly inexpensive and the results can be obtained quickly. This test checks for visible presence of mold-like particles but does not show whether the particles are alive, dead or dormant. It is evaluated by microscopic examination at a lab. Simply stated, the two main sampling methods are…
    • Air sampling which is performed by using a machine that blows ambient air (either outside or inside the home) onto a sticky glass slide.
    • Surface sampling is typically performed by applying a piece of clear sticky tape onto a surface to be tested. The tape is then lifted off and submitted to a laboratory for microscopic analysis.
  • Live Spore Testing – This test is less common but is still useful in certain situations. These tests can show many spores (and what type) will grow in a controlled environment after several days. Simply stated, the two main sampling methods are…
    • Air sampling which is performed by using a machine that blows ambient air (either outside or inside the home) onto on a petri dish type of plate with a nutrient material on it.
    • Surface sampling is typically performed by rubbing a cotton swab over a surface to be tested and then wiping the same swab over a petri dish with a nutrient material on it. The dish is visually analyzed after several days of growth is seen in the dish.

What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages Of The Different Types Of Mold Tests?

There are numerous methods of mold testing but the two general categories are live spore testing (viable) and non-viable mold testing.

  • Non-Viable Testing
    • Pros
      • Fast Fast sampling time (usually a few minutes per sample)
      • Fast results (usually 24 hours)
      • Measures ALL spores in the air regardless of whether alive or not.
      • Fairly accurate to determine presence of mold particles in the air
    • Cons
      • Does not differentiate between live, dead or dormant spores.
  • Live Spore Testing…
    • Pros
      • Shows live spore types that are present in the tested area.
      • Shows current mold growth status as opposed to older growth
    • Cons
      • Results take up to two weeks to obtain

What Is The Difference Between Live Spores, Dead Spores and Dormant Spores?

Live spores are active, growing, possibly containing toxins. Dead spores are not viable and cannot reactivate even when high moisture conditions exist). Dormant spores are not growing typically because the source of moisture has been eliminated.

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