Mold Testing Colorado Springs spores normally exist in indoor air, but when they grow and accumulate, they can pose health risks and damage building materials. A professional mold inspection is important.
A mold inspector will look for visual clues like water stains and musty odors. They will also take surface and air samples.
When a suspected area of mold growth is not easily accessible with physical samples such as Tape Lifts and Swab Samples, the next best method to gather information is through an air sample. The air is tested through a device that collects and analyzes a small volume of air in the suspect area against a control sample taken from outside the building. If conditions are right, mold spores are easily airborne and can travel far distances, especially in dead air spaces such as wall cavities, small rooms, and even outdoors.
The most common type of air sampling is Spore Trap Sampling, which pumps a known volume of air through an impactor with a sticky surface on which the mold spores adhere and are captured for analysis. The results can then be compared against the controls and reported as quantitative (spore counts) and qualitative (spore count data indicating a potential problem).
Quantitative air samples typically only identify the number of viable spores present in the sample that are strong enough to grow. While this is helpful for a quick understanding of the level of spores in the sample, it does not tell you what type or how extensive the contaminant may be. The spore counts are often misleading as they can vary considerably between labs and also because they only indicate the number of viable spores in the sample – not the level of allergy-causing contaminants that may be present.
Qualitative air sampling can be useful and more accurate as it identifies the types of spores in the sample to species. While it is more time-consuming and requires the presence of spores in the laboratory for identification, the results are more reliable as a measure of potential allergens.
In general, a qualitative analysis is much more valuable than a quantitative analysis as it provides the client with a clearer picture of the potential issues and their extent in the inspected space. Even if the spore counts are low, detecting long chains of Penicillium and Aspergillus spores can signal the presence of a nearby problem mold reservoir.
One of the simplest mold testing methods involves physical sampling using swab kits. These kits contain swab applicators covered in reagent, a chemical that reacts with the ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in mold cells. If a swab test finds no ATP, it indicates no mold in the sample. This method is useful for quickly determining whether or not mold is present and is a good indicator of cleanliness after remediation. It does not, however, identify what type of mold is current.
Other kits, such as the Immunolytics kit, allow homeowners to collect spore samples from areas of interest. Those samples are then sent to the lab for analysis. This kit is useful for determining the level of spores in specific regions of a home and comparing those levels to other areas, which can help understand the source of a problem.
The most common air sampling technique uses a device called a spore trap. This sampler pumps a known volume of air through the device, which causes the majority of particles in that air to impact and stick to a sticky surface. Mold spores are a subset of these particles, which are then captured by the spore trap for testing.
This type of testing can be used in wall cavities, small rooms, large rooms, and outdoors. However, gathering a representative sample from dead air spaces such as those in walls and ceilings can be difficult. In addition, outdoor samples can be affected by other particles in the air, such as pollen and pet dander.
To ensure a valid sample, the space being tested must be closed off for 24 hours before beginning the tests. This will ensure that the area will not be disturbed by drafts and that mold spores will be concentrated in that space for a more accurate result. A professional mold inspector can give a homeowner instructions on preparing for these types of samples. In addition, a professional will know what additional testing may be necessary for the specific situation, such as mycotoxin testing, to determine if mycotoxins are present in the sample.
Molds, or fungi, produce chemicals known as mycotoxins. These are dangerous to the body and can cause several symptoms, including headaches, muscle pains, memory loss, fatigue, asthma, and more. A mycotoxin test can help you see if your symptoms are related to mold exposure.
There are a wide variety of mycotoxin tests available from different labs. They are designed to test for a broad range of mycotoxins in different mold types. These tests can help you determine if you are exposed to harmful levels of mycotoxins and may need to address your indoor environment.
Some mycotoxin tests are done on urine samples, while others require a blood sample. The best mycotoxin test for your situation depends on your needs and medical history.
In addition to identifying a variety of molds, mycotoxin testing can reveal several other substances, including yeasts, bacteria, endotoxins, parasites, and more. Some of these help determine whether or not you have a gastrointestinal infection affecting your health and well-being.
Many of the same methods used to identify molds in air and on surfaces can be used to measure mycotoxins. However, mycotoxin testing can be difficult to interpret since research on mycotoxins and their relationship to molds is still in its infancy. It is hard to know which test is the best for your situation.
The most accurate way to assess mycotoxins is to use a blood serum antibody test for the presence of mycotoxin antibodies. This test will evaluate your blood for mycotoxin antibodies to several different types of molds and fungi.
The most important thing to remember when interpreting mycotoxin testing results is that they can be misleading. This is because the mycotoxins that your body is eliminating will impact how the test results look. This is particularly true if you are following a low-mold diet. This diet eliminates foods that feed mold growth and reduces the amount of mycotoxins that your body can excrete.
Home mold accumulation can lead to many health problems if left untreated. It can also cause damage to a property and reduce its value. Regular and thorough maintenance can prevent mold from building up, but knowing how to recognize a problem and act when it occurs is important. To do this, homeowners should have a professional mold inspection performed regularly. During this inspection, the inspector will look for visible signs of mold growth and musty or musty odors. They will also use a moisture meter to check for excess water in a property’s walls, floors, or wood framing.
The mold inspection cost will vary depending on the type and extent of required testing. Homeowners should always hire an experienced mold inspector to identify issues and provide accurate results.
Some homeowners opt to purchase a DIY mold test kit that can be purchased at most hardware stores. These kits can be inexpensive but don’t offer a complete picture of what is occurring in a home. The kits are often inaccurate and do not determine the type of mold or how extensive a problem is.
Another option is to hire a mold inspector for air testing. This involves putting sensors in different parts of the home over several hours. The air samples are then sent to a lab and analyzed. This type of testing offers a much more comprehensive view of what is happening inside the home and can help professionals develop a comprehensive remediation plan.
DNA / ERMI testing is also an option for homeowners who want to get more detailed and precise results. This type of testing involves taking surface samples from various areas in the home and sending them to a lab for analysis. This type of testing is typically recommended when a serious issue is suspected, as the results can be more specific than those from swab or HVAC tape tests.
The costs for these tests can add up quickly, especially if a homeowner chooses to have the samples stained. This extra step can increase the test cost by $100 to $160. The stains make the mold spores more apparent and easier to identify on the sample’s surface.