Mold testing is performed to verify or to determine the presence of mold.  Three are three reasons to perform mold testing:

            1) If you see visible mold

            2) If you smell an odor

            3) If there is or has been a moisture problem. 

With the right conditions mold only needs sixty five percent relative humidity, an organic material, and 48 hours to grow. The high  humidity could come from a leak, water in the foundation walls, or condensate as a result of poor air flow.

Mold testing determines the amount and type of mold present.  A & M samples are taken to an AIHA/ISO certified laboratory, which cultures and analyzes the samples.  Results of cultured samples take seven business days, but they provide us with specific information regarding the results.  Other companies may provide a shorter test, however their results only provide general information and group many types of mold together or they may also provide a qualitative report (high, medium and low) rather than a numerical valve.

There is no federal or state regulations regarding mold levels, however there are industry standards, such as ACGIH standards that A&M follows when analyzing the laboratory results. We compare the outside air levels to the inside air levels.  The mold levels outdoors should be equal to or higher than the levels inside. There are species of mold that are generally found outside. These molds are beneficial to the environment. We then compare the types of mold found on the indoor sample(s). These are particular molds that develop as a result of excess water or humidity.

Elevated levels of mold can lead to health issues, some molds are toxic and some are allergens.  The effect of the mold depends on the individual.  There are groups of people that are more susceptible to mold related health issues: such as those with compromised immune system (AIDS & Lime Disease), respiratory problems (asthma), young children and older adults.

We provide two types of tests:

            1. Air Sampling

            Air sampling is an important tool that will tell us if the mold is airborne and if the  mold has spread from its original location.  Airborne mold is not visible, therefore  without a test; there is no way to determine if there is airborne mold.  First an outside air sample is taken as the baseline.  The next sample would be an indoor sample; its location is dependent on the potential source of the mold.  For example, if there is mold in a basement and there is a forced air furnace in the basement, we would recommend a sample in the basement as well as on the first floor, in addition to the outside air sample.

            2.  Wetted Swab/Wipe Testing

            If there is visible mold present a wetted swab is rubbed over the mold and the area wiped is recorded. 

During the sampling a “chain of custody” is prepared documenting the testing location, time, type and flow rate of the sample.  The sample is then transported to the laboratory.  The analytical results are available from the laboratory in seven business days.

Remediation

If a property needs to have mold remediation, the remediation company needs to see the analytical results to develop their scope of work.   If a remediation company does not ask for the analytical results they will only clean the mold they can see, which does not guarantee they are remediating all of the mold.

Most importantly, prior to the remediation process, the source of the water/moisture must be corrected or the mold can grow back within forty-eight hours.

It is important to have another set of mold tests performed after remediation to verify the clean up was successful.  The mold remediation company should guarantee that their work will pass independent follow up testing.  If the remediation process fails, ensure they will return at no charge and re-clean the property.   Again, another set of mold tests will be needed to verify the clean up.  Ask the remediation company who will pay for this additional testing if necessary.  The individual who paid for the mold remediation will need to have a record that shows their property was successfully remediated when they go to sell their home. 

Tips on keeping mold at bay:

                        1.         If your basement has high humidity, run a dehumidifier.

                        2.         Don’t paint your basement walls; paint is an organic material.

                        3.         Act quickly if there is a water leak.

                        4.         Vent appliances that produce moisture out of the house, this includes clothes dryers and bathroom exhaust fans.

                        5.         Properly vent crawl spaces.  Remember if you close your vents in the winter; open them up by Easter!

                        6.         A vapor barrier should be installed on a dirt floor.  This could simply be plastic sheeting.