How to Perform an Air Quality Test for Mold
If you suspect that your home is contaminated with mold spores, you should perform an air quality test for mold. This test will help determine whether there is a problem and how severe it is. There are in-home kits and professional services available for this purpose. If you don’t have the time or inclination to test the air yourself, you can always contact a professional for the service.
Mold Spores Test
Various methods are available to test for mold spores in the air. Among them are the non-viable and the viable methods. Viable testing entails incubating a sample on growth media or a petri dish, while non-viable tests simply count the spores present. A viable sample is better for determining the genus and species of mold, as well as whether the area has a risk of exposure to toxic mold.
The most common and controversial method is the spore trap non-viable sampling method. This procedure involves drawing air through a greased slide using a calibrated pump. The spores gathered are then examined under a microscope by a lab technician. The results are reported in spores per cubic meter of air, as well as the number of spores present.
Detecting the Severity
The first thing to do if you think your house has a mould problem is to determine how bad it is. The extent of a mould problem can vary depending on a number of factors. For instance, allergic reactions might result from prolonged exposure to mold growth. As your sensitivity to fungi rises over time, these symptoms may get worse. breathing issues could potentially result from it. In addition, some mould species can create mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can be harmful to your health.
Molds are microscopic organisms that live in damp, warm places. They need relative humidity of about 65 percent and a temperature between fifty-eighty degrees Fahrenheit to survive. In order to grow, they produce hyphae, which feed on organic material on the surface where they grow. Molds may be spherical or filamentous, and they range in texture and color. Some types have a yellow or fluorescent hue, while others are colorless.
Professional Service
If you are thinking about buying a home, it is important to have the house inspected by a professional who can provide a thorough mold inspection. It is important to get a mold inspection before you move in so you can prevent any potential problems before they happen. You should find a professional inspector that is certified and meets industry standards before you hire him or her. Visit us on our website to book a service.