About Mold Testing
If you suspect that your home or commercial property has a mold problem, the first thing you must do is test for the presence and type of mold. Testing for mold can be done by using one of many mold testing kits that are available or you can contact a professional mold remediator who can test for mold in your home or business. Learn all about mold testing methods to ensure your home and family are safe.
Mold Testing Kits
If you suspect that you have a mold problem, an affordable and rapid way to test for mold is by utilizing an at-home mold testing kit. These can be very useful, however, make sure your mold testing kit is approved by NIOSH, OSHA and the EPA. The basics of an at-home mold testing kit provides a pretreated Petri dish, a vile of potato dextrose agar and a sterile swab. Home or business owners can test areas where mold is suspected. Some test kits must be returned to the laboratory for results, others will provide results instantly. If the results are positive, you can then send your results to a lab, which can help you to determine the type of mold is growing. Depending on the severity of the mold problem, a mold remediator may need to know whether the mold is pathogenic, allergenic or a toxic organism.
A very cost efficient way to collect samples for testing is by using clear adhesive tape and a plastic bag with a seal. A sample collected in this manner, can be sent into most any lab that tests for mold.
Testing Air Quality for Mold
You may also wish to test the air quality in your home or business. It is recommended that you determine exactly how much mold is in the air you are breathing especially if you have been experiencing respiratory illness or allergies, have a poor immune system, there is a musty or sour smell present, there is visible mold or if you have small children living in the home.
Testing the air quality can be achieved by utilizing the same process that a mold removal company would use, yet utilizing a home mold testing kit. If the mold problem seems severe, it may be more cost effective to hire a professional, as you will need to purchase a number of kits for specific areas where the mold is present, including your AC/Heating system, each area where mold can be seen, as well as each room where you suspect mold may be present.
Mold Remediation
Often times, it is wise to use a professional mold remediation company to test for mold. If you are purchasing a home, selling a home or if you need a more thorough diagnosis, call a mold remediation company to test for mold. If it is apparent that mold is present, you will most likely require the services of a mold removal company, so utilizing one company to test for and remove the mold may be the best and most affordable option.