Mold Testing

Mold testing is performed to verify or to determine the presence of elevated mold levels in a property.  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. 

Mold is a result of untreated water damage. With the right conditions mold only needs about sixty five percent relative humidity, an organic material, and forty-eight hours to grow.

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.  Result of cultured samples takes seven business days, but provides the amount and type of mold.  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 some industry 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 and type of mold.  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.

Our mold tests include:

            1. Air Sampling
            Air sampling is important tool that will tell us if the mold is airborne and if the      mold has spread.  Airborne mold is not visible to the eye.  First an outside air           sample is taken as the baseline.  A specific amount of air is pumped through the        testing media.  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.

            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. 

Once the sampling is completed a “chain of custody” is prepared which documents 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 the mold.

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

After remediation is completed, the property needs to have another set of mold tests performed to verify the clean up is successful.  When you hire a mold remediation company, they 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.