While hiring a local home improvement store to conduct a mold test may be tempting, this service is best left to a professional. Besides giving you a partial estimate of the amount and types of molds in a home, it can also have adverse effects. Therefore, you should only consider hiring a professional to complete the inspection.  You can learn more through places like Mold Testing Daytona Beach.

Mold testing gives a partial estimate of the amount and types of molds.

A thorough mold inspection, also known as an indoor air quality test, provides a detailed report of the amount and types of mold present. These tiny spores are constantly spread throughout the air; when they are present, they can grow into a new mold colony. When there is visible mold growth, you should not ignore this. This may cause serious health effects. In addition to damaging surfaces, mold also causes other health effects.

While mold testing provides a partial estimate of the amount and types present, it cannot wholly reveal whether a homeowner is at risk of developing allergies or eczema. A lab can only provide an estimate of molds that are present in a home. Molds can spread throughout a building, requiring a constant source of moisture. Therefore, thorough mold testing is necessary to accurately assess the potential health risks associated with the presence of molds.

It can cause adverse reactions.

While it is possible to develop an allergic reaction to mold, you are more susceptible if you have a compromised immune system. In addition, people with specific diseases and allergies are sensitive to these allergens, as are those who live in humid environments and have job exposure to these substances. If you suspect your home is a possible candidate for mold testing, consult your health care provider for advice. In addition to causing allergic reactions, mold can cause respiratory illnesses and cancer.

Some types of molds can cause allergic reactions in susceptible people. Allergic reactions may be immediate or delayed. Your physician will ask you about what you’ve been exposed to in the past, including specific foods or places. It is a good idea to keep a journal of what you’ve been exposed to in recent weeks and note any medications you have taken. You should schedule a skin test if you experience severe allergic reactions to mold.

It is not a stand-alone service.

While mold can grow anywhere, it’s not a stand-alone service. Some molds are easy to spot in damp basements, attics, or other areas. Others are difficult to detect, and the mold testing results are not necessarily representative of different sizes or times. For example, bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas are notorious for hiding mold behind walls, tiles, or between drywall and paint. In addition, the amount of mold detected through surface testing can change rapidly and inaccurately over time.

Whether hiring a mold inspector or doing it yourself, you should know the process. A mold inspector will thoroughly inspect your home and may poke around in crawl spaces or behind access panels. They may also pull back suspect wallpaper or caulk to look for signs of mold. Once the inspector has determined a mold problem, they can recommend a remediation plan. Some mold remediation services will also perform air sampling.

It should only be done by a professional

Only a professional should perform mold testing. They should be familiar with sampling methods and protocols and have experience interpreting the results. A document from the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists explains how to sample the air in your building correctly. These samples include surface air, bulk air, and water from drain pans and cooling towers. These samples are crucial for determining the extent of the problem and ensuring proper remediation.

If the mold level in the primary bedroom is elevated, the level is likely normal or within the groups found periodically in the outside air. In general, a severe mold problem is considered to have a spore count of 5,000 or more per cubic meter. Those numbers are not standard in Western Washington and should only be compared to average outdoor air data. If the indoor mold level is elevated, you must take action immediately.