What Is Mold Testing? How Is Mold Testing Performed?
When performing mold testing, the technician will often test for the presence of mold in the air and mold on surfaces such as walls and ceilings. For instance, an inspector may take samples of air within a home or property, or hard surface materials to determine if and what kind of mold exists.
Testing Air Samples for Mold
Taking air samples during a mold inspection is important for several reasons. Mold spores are not visible to the naked eye and the types of mold present can be determined through laboratory analysis of the air samples. Having samples analyzed also helps provide evidence of the scope and severity of a mold problem.
Air samples can be used to gather data about mold spores present in the interior of a house or commercial property. These samples are typically taken by using a specialized pump that forces air through a collection device that catches mold spores. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
After the mold remediation process, it is common practice to take additional air samples to help ensure mold has been successfully removed.
Testing Surfaces for Mold
Surface samples for mold detection are taken in a variety of ways. Common methods include:
- Swab Samples — The technician rubs a swab across a defined surface area to be sampled. The swab is subsequently sent to a mold testing laboratory.
- Tape Samples — Specialized tape is pressed against and removed from the area being sampled. This picks up and removes mold that may be present on the surface. It is then sent to a mold testing laboratory for analysis.
- Bulk Samples — An actual piece of the sampled surface is physically removed and sent to a mold testing laboratory for analysis.
Mold Detection Specialists
At Arizona Hydro Pro, we take pride in helping people in Phoenix and surrounding communities make their property safe again! If you have any questions or would like to schedule an inspection, please call 602-242-1120 today.
