How to Safeguard Your Health with Mold Inspection & Testing

MarshallOctober 12, 2023

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Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp and humid environments. While some types of mold are harmless, others can cause health issues if there is prolonged exposure. That’s why it’s important to be aware of mold risks in your home or workplace and to properly inspect for and test mold if necessary. Read on to learn more about how to safeguard your health with mold inspection & testing.

Understanding the Risks of Mold

Mold thrives in warm, damp, and humid environments. Some of the most common places to find mold growth in buildings include:

Bathrooms – especially around showers, tubs, sinks, and toilets
Kitchens – under the sink, around the refrigerator and dishwasher
Basements and crawlspaces – areas prone to flooding/water leaks
Attics – heat and humidity encourage mold growth
Air ducts – the perfect dark, damp environment for mold
Leaky roofs – water damage encourages mold
Windows and doors – condensation and water damage

Certain types of mold can cause health issues with prolonged exposure. Mold spores are tiny particles that are released into the air. When inhaled, they can trigger allergic reactions or more serious respiratory problems in some individuals. Common symptoms related to mold exposure include:

Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness
Runny nose, eye irritation
Rashes or skin irritation
Sore throat, hoarse voice
Headaches, fatigue
Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath

People with asthma, allergies, or compromised immune systems tend to be more susceptible to mold-related health issues. But even healthy individuals may experience problems if there is heavy mold growth in a home or building.

That’s why it’s so important to be proactive about Mold Inspection & Testing. Identifying and removing mold can help safeguard you and your family’s health.

How Mold Inspection Works

Mold inspection involves a visual examination of a home or building to identify areas where there may be mold growth. An inspection should be conducted by a qualified professional with training and expertise in mold assessment.

A mold inspection will involve looking in places that are prone to dampness or humidity. The inspector will check both visible surfaces and hidden areas like inside cabinets, under carpets and flooring, in attics, crawlspaces, and basements. Some of the signs they look for include:

Visible mold growth – fuzz, spots, patches or black, green, yellow, white or orange discoloration
Moldy, earthy odor
Peeling paint or warped surfaces
Evidence of past or present water leaks
Musty smell in humidifier or AC system
Condensation on windows and pipes
Water stains on walls, floors or ceilings
Rotting wood

The inspector may use specialized tools to get into hard to reach spots and see behind walls. This can include moisture meters, borescopes, thermal imaging cameras, and air sampling devices.

The goal is to thoroughly examine the entire building and pinpoint areas that have, or are at risk for, mold growth. The inspector then provides a detailed report indicating:

Where mold was found
The extent/size of the affected areas
Possible causes like leaks or excess humidity
Recommended actions for mold removal and prevention

This report provides a kind of mold detection map of the building. It lets you know the scope of the issue so proper remediation can be done.

When Mold Testing Is Necessary

In some cases, a visual inspection alone may not be sufficient. If the presence or precise type of mold is unclear, mold testing and sampling are recommended. This lab analysis can identify the specific species of mold present.

Mold testing may be advised if:

There is visible mold but the source is unclear
Health issues are occurring that may be mold-related
You need documentation of a mold problem for insurance claims
To verify mold removal and remediation was successful
When selling or renting a property, to assure there are no hidden mold issues

Testing can specifically identify dangerous mold varieties like black mold. This helps assess the level of health risk so proper protection and remediation methods can be used.

Mold testing involves taking samples from affected areas and sending them to an environmental microbiology laboratory. Swab, tape, air, and surface samples may be taken. A mycologist will examine the samples under a microscope and culture specimens to identify the mold species present and the concentration.

Be sure to have testing done by an experienced professional mold inspector. Improper sampling can give misleading results. The inspector will know the right methods, equipment, and accredited labs to provide accurate mold testing.

Next Steps After Mold Inspection and Testing

Once mold inspection and/or testing have been completed, you’ll have a clear picture of any mold issues in the home or building. Next, you can take the appropriate action steps:

Minor isolated mold

This can often be self-treated with protective gear and cleaning solutions. Be sure to address the source of moisture that is encouraging the growth.

Moderate to heavy mold

Professional mold remediation is advisable. Trained specialists have the proper equipment, methods and high-power antimicrobials to safely remove mold and prevent recurrence. Air duct cleaning may also be necessary.

Remediate at-risk areas

Even if no mold is currently visible, remediation of damp areas can prevent future outbreaks. This includes fixing roof leaks, improving ventilation, and controlling humidity levels throughout the building.

Address health issues

See a doctor if you are experiencing worrisome symptoms that may be related to mold exposure. Treating allergies, asthma, respiratory infections and other problems provides relief.

Consider professional long-term monitoring

This can give peace of mind that mold is under control after remediation. Routine inspections and air testing ensure your building remains mold-free.

Taking a proactive approach allows you to get ahead of mold issues before major growth occurs. This safeguards health and prevents expensive damage to the structure. Consulting qualified professionals is key to effective inspection, testing and remediation.

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Protecting Yourself from Mold Exposure

In addition to proper inspection and removal, you can take other steps to protect yourself from the health hazards of mold:

Use HEPA air filters and dehumidifiers to purify indoor air
Throw away moldy food, books, furnishings and other items
Clean bathrooms, basements and other damp areas frequently
Fix plumbing and roof leaks right away to avoid water damage
Ventilate kitchens, laundry and bathrooms when in use
Have ductwork professionally cleaned if exposed to mold
Limit indoor plants and aquariums which add moisture
Maintain relative humidity under 50% throughout the building
Take supplements like antioxidants, Quercetin, and Vitamins C and D which may help minimize mold reactions
Consider wearing an N95 respirator mask, gloves and goggles when cleaning mold
Seek medical attention if you have persistent mold-related symptoms

Being vigilant about mold risks and responding appropriately if mold is found allows you to proactively safeguard your health and that of your family. Don’t ignore warning signs of mold growth. Take steps today to inspect your home’s high-risk areas or call in a professional for thorough testing and remediation. Defending against mold will provide much greater comfort and peace of mind about the air you breathe every day.