Mold testing can be performed on a home that has been recently affected by mold, or even if you have never had problems with this specific issue before. Mold, often called mold, is anaerobic, microscopic fungi that grow on moist, damp objects. Most people experience no problems with mold in their home unless it becomes a problem for allergy sufferers or is responsible for other health issues. Mold is an essential component of the natural ecosystem and plays an indispensable role in breaking apart dead organic material like fallen trees and leaves; mold is also responsible for decaying animal feces.
The key to successful mold testing is to collect samples that can be tested in a laboratory. Samples must be collected in a safe, secure, and well-ventilated area. Once samples are collected and analyzed in a laboratory, professionals will be able to determine the type of fungus involved and the cause of the infestation. Mold inspections are usually done by a licensed microbial inspection specialist trained and certified in the field of a mold inspection. A good mold inspection professional should also be able to determine whether the source of the contamination is from an outside source or within the premises of the building.
Several types of mold testing kits are available to homeowners who suspect that there may be a mold issue in their homes. One of these kits includes a one-cup mold solution which can be used to test for the presence of mold. Mold testing kits typically test for the following conditions:
Mold growth on interior surfaces such as wallboard and floors; visible mold spore distribution throughout the house; visible mildew growth on exposed surfaces and in attics; and if a home inspector finds evidence of water infiltration, they can recommend the use of a mold testing kit to determine the extent of the contamination. For instance, a sample of a drywall panel with some water penetration should not be considered as safe for use as a sample for a countertop application. Home inspectors recommend that countertop applications of any moisture-sensitive material such as paints or varnishes be tested using a one-cup mold solution instead of a two or three-cup variety. This difference in mold testing products enables home inspectors to accurately determine the level of exposure to mold, which would result in a mold-free home.
Depending upon the location of the sampling site, home inspectors generally suggest that their clients purchase either an extractor or a binder. Extractors and binders are examples of mold testing products that home inspectors commonly present for mold remediation purposes. An extractor or binder typically contains powdered samples mixed with a non-toxic chemical solution that effectively removes the contaminants in question.
Finally, most mold inspection kits include detailed written instructions describing the procedure to be followed. These instructions are important because they provide an almost perfectly standardized method for mold testing, although manufacturers and vendors have a few variations. For example, one vendor lists his standards as being that the product must be "windowed open in an air-tight container." Another mold inspection package instructions list the product as being "tested at room temperature in a dark enclosed area." While it is unlikely that any of these instructions will vary significantly from vendor to vendor, anyone considering purchasing an inspection kit should make sure that these mold inspection recommendations are included.