Mold Inspection Techniques
Inspection Techniques
Mold inspection techniques are used to find mold particles suspended in the air, in settled dust, and growing on surfaces of building materials and furnishings. They can identify a portion of the types of live (viable) molds in a sampled environment, but they may miss or undercount those that are not living or won’t grow well on the nutrients used to incubate them. Some testing methods are also able to quantify the amount of live molds in an environment, which can help evaluate potential health effects related to inhalation of mold spores.
Molds are an opportunistic group of organisms that can be found almost anywhere in the world where there is food and moisture. They can cause a variety of problems for occupants, including irritated sinuses, nose, eyes, skin, and lungs, as well as trigger asthma, hay fever, and other allergies. Often, the presence of mold growth is a symptom of underlying structural or water issues in a home. Mold remediation can be expensive, and it is important to find and address the source of the problem to prevent mold from recurring after it is removed.
Because of the sensitivity of occupants, and the wide range of potential adverse health effects related to mold exposure, a thorough, quality mold inspection is necessary prior to any remodeling or renovation of a dwelling. A qualified inspector will be able to advise on what the best course of action is, and to recommend appropriate laboratory testing for a comprehensive evaluation.
During a typical mold inspection, the inspector will interview the occupants and conduct a visual examination of the property. The inspector will look for signs of water damage, rot, and visible mold. He or she will also check for moisture problems, as mold cannot grow without a source of moisture.
Mold Inspection Techniques
If the visual examination indicates areas of concern (moisture intrusion, water damage, musty odors, apparent mold growth, or conditions conducive to mold growth), the inspector will take at least one (1) surface sample. Additional surface samples may be performed at the discretion of the inspector.
Surface sampling involves swabbing the suspected area of interest with a cotton swab, moistened with a preservative stored in a small plastic tube container. The swab is then placed into the preservative and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Air sampling is a more sophisticated test method that involves capturing a sample of the air at multiple locations and analyzing it in an environmental lab for the presence of mold spores. This type of test provides the most detailed information about the indoor air quality, and can give a quantitative indication of the number of viable mold spores present in the indoor environment.
A thorough inspection of a residential or commercial property will include at least one (1) air sample and one (1) surface sample, both of which must be sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. The cost of these tests is typically included in the price of the mold inspection.
Some types of mold are considered normal and do not create a health issue. These include Ceratosystis and Ophiostoma, which are frequently found growing on lumber and are sometimes referred to as “lumber yard mold”. Although these molds produce black staining in wood and can be quite difficult to clean, they do not affect structural integrity and are usually not considered to be harmful.