Testing Mold

Testing mold is a vital step to the mold remediation process and should be completed by an industrial hygienist that is certified in microbial testing. "Legally, testing can be completed by anyone, and a certification is not necessary, however, more accurate testing can be performed by someone who is certified." All Pro Restoration partners with Weecycle Environmental for all mold testing.

Air Sampling - Testing Mold

The most common type of mold testing is air sampling. "Air sampling is the act of 'collecting air' in a vial." That vial is taken to an environmental lab where the mold spores in the sample are counted individually. Each sample from inside an affected area is compared to a sample from the air directly outside the affected building. Air sampling is the only way to test for mold when no visual growth is present.

"Mold is not just a visual growth. Mold actually floats in the air and can spread to other areas of a building via duct systems, natural air movement, etc." Air sampling is the best method to test for airborne mold spread in other areas of the building.

Tape Lift Sampling - Testing Mold

Another type of mold sampling is tape lift sampling. "Tape lifting can be used on clothing, furniture, drywall and more." It is not just for visual growth but is primarily used for visible growth areas. Tape lift samples tell a remediation team exactly what kind of mold is growing on any given surface material.

Swabbing - Testing Mold

Swabbing is another form of mold sampling, typically used inside the duct system of a building. "Since HVAC systems are common transporters of mold spores, it is usually a good idea to have the inside of the ducts swabbed for mold spores." If the swab tests positive for spores, the likelihood of those spores spreading throughout the house during HVAC operation is very high. During most mold remediations, it is recommended that HVAC filters be replaced and ducts cleaned to remove lingering mold spores.

Purpose of Mold Testing

Mold testing tells professionals what kind of mold needs remediation and where in the building that mold has spread. This helps remediation technicians better serve customers.