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How Accurate Are Air Mold Tests?

October 10, 2024
Mold

Dingy walls…musty smell…could it be…mold?

Here’s how accurate air mold tests are and why they may (or may not) be right for you.

 

Whether you see it, smell it, or simply suspect it, no one likes signs of mold growing in their home. But how can you tell the difference between mildew vs mold? How do you know if it’s really an active mold colony?

Home mold testing can help identify mold growth in your home and help you decide what your next steps should be. But not all mold tests are created equal.

Not only are there various types of mold testing, the tests should be done in a specific way to give you the most accurate results.

As an Orlando mold remediation company, we’ve seen and heard a lot of misinformation about mold. This guide will help you answer the question, “How accurate are air mold tests?” and point you in the right direction.

 

Summary

  • There are a variety of tests available that can detect mold on surfaces or in the air.
  • Air sample testing is the only way to determine whether mold is affecting your indoor air quality.
  • Mold spores are found in every environment and don’t always pose a health risk. Mold tests should always take an air sample outside your home as well. If the air inside contains a higher concentration of mold spores, you may need mold remediation.
  • DIY mold tests return many false positives, as they cannot tell you the species or concentration of mold spores.
  • Active mold colonies should only be handled by a professional mold remediation specialist.
  • Visible evidence of mold does not require a mold test. However, you should always test for mold issues after water damage, when purchasing a new home, and after a mold remediation.

 

How To Test For Mold

There are two basic types of mold testing: air sample testing and surface testing.

Surface testing involves taking a sample of the affected area with a cotton swab or a piece of clear tape. Air sample testing involves pulling air through a device to collect mold spores that may be present.

A surface mold test with cotton swab

Once air samples have been collected, they are then sent off to the lab to determine whether the amount of mold present is within an acceptable range.

Although both types of mold testing are accurate at detecting the presence of mold, air testing is the most accurate way of determining whether the mold is actually affecting your indoor air quality.

 

How Accurate Are Mold Tests?

Unlike surface testing, air testing for mold is the only way to determine whether the mold spores are actually affecting your indoor air quality.

However—like any tool—air testing for mold is best done by a professional.

DIY mold test kits simply indicate whether or not mold is present. They aren’t designed to give you information about the concentration of mold spores (in or out of your home) or the species of mold. As a result, tests like these often result in a lot of false positives (not to mention unnecessary panic).

Here in humid, sunny Florida, finding mold during an air test is not just common—it’s expected! A professional mold inspector will not only test the air inside of your home, but outside as well. Having a “baseline” to compare it to will tell your inspector whether you are living with acceptable levels of mold.

 

Wait…There Are Acceptable Levels of Mold?

Many people are surprised to find out that there is such a thing as an “acceptable” level of mold. We’re used to hearing about black mold and toxic mold, but that doesn’t mean finding mold is an immediate danger.

Mold spores are found in every environment, from the arid deserts of Nevada to the swampy Everglades. The spores can live in conditions that a growing mold colony can’t, and they don’t usually pose any concern as long as they don’t land on a wet surface and begin to multiply.

This is why, when taking air samples for mold testing, one sample should always be of the outside air. The lab will compare the two samples against each other. If the mold spore count is the same indoors as it is outdoors, that would be considered an acceptable level of mold.

mold samples growing in petri dish

How Do You Know If You Need Mold Testing?

It might come as a shock to hear this, but more often than not, you will not need mold testing in your home.

If you can see or smell an obvious mold growth, mold testing isn’t necessary. You can simply call a mold remediation company right away. Visible mold colonies should be handled thoroughly and promptly by a mold remediation specialist. (Do not attempt to get rid of mold yourself! or try to ‘kill’ it with mold killing primer)

However, if you merely suspect that you have an indoor mold problem, professional mold testing can help to pinpoint the source of your symptoms so you can tackle the issue head-on.

There are a few instances when you should always test for mold:

You’ve Just Suffered Water Damage in Your Home

If your water heater bursts or you have a roof leak, you should add a mold inspection to your to-do list. If any area of your home got wet and was not immediately dried, it is the peak environment for mold growth.

You’re Purchasing a New Home

Mold inspection should be part of your home inspection when buying a new home. You need to know exactly what condition your future home is in so you can know if it’s a sound investment. This applies especially to any home that has been unoccupied for a long period of time.

You’ve Recently Completed Mold Remediation

Following up on previous mold growth and remediation is a must. Regular mold inspections to check that the growth has been taken care of are necessary.

 

Contact Axel Works for Orlando Mold Remediation Services

The choice of whether or not to test for mold is up to you, but when it comes to safely and effectively removing mold in your home, make sure you hire a quality mold remediation company who will get the job done right. (Bleach isn’t gonna cut it!)

If done improperly, mold removal will only release more spores into the air, where they can find a new place to grow and thrive, further endangering your health and well-being. Proper mold remediation involves high-tech, specialized equipment—such as air scrubbers and plastic barriers—to contain the infestation as much as possible.

At Axel Works, we don’t just remove the mold; we destroy it at the source so that the problem is taken care of once and for all. We are also happy to work alongside your insurance company if you’re covered for mold damage.

Call today to see how we can help you.

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