Metro Vancouver homes and workplaces often have mold problems which require mold testing to better understand risks to occupants. Mold testing allows us to classify the mold as Allergenic, Pathogenic or a more serious Toxigenic species such as Stachybotrys commonly referred to as Toxic Black Mold. A mold test not only determines the species present but through more advanced mold testing methods a mold test can also quantify the concentrations of mold present in the air. Often mold testing is used to determine if there is a mold problem present in a building.
Home mold test kits versus professional mold testing
Amazon or hardware-store mold test kits are petri dishes left open in a room. Because mold spores are present in all air, indoors and out, a kit will almost always grow something — which tells you nothing about whether your building has a problem. Kits do not measure the concentration of spores in the air, cannot compare indoor levels to the outdoor baseline, and are not analysed by an accredited laboratory.
Professional mold testing uses calibrated sampling equipment to draw a known volume of air, or a controlled surface sample, that is then analysed by a laboratory to identify the species present and count the concentration. We compare indoor results to an outdoor control sample taken the same day, which is the only way to tell whether the mold in your air is coming from inside the building. The results are interpreted by a certified inspector in the context of what we observed on site, and reported in writing.
What mold testing tells you
- Which species of mold are present, and whether they are allergenic or toxigenic (such as Stachybotrys, the so-called toxic black mold).
- How concentrated the airborne mold is compared with the outdoor air.
- Whether there is hidden mold that a visual inspection cannot see.
- Whether a previous remediation actually worked (clearance testing).
- What the exposure risk is for the people in the building.
Laboratory results are typically available within four business days. The cost of testing is based on the size of the assessment area and the number of samples analysed; we recommend only the samples needed to answer the question you have.
Mold Air Testing
Testing the air for mold is the best mold testing method to understand the level of mold contamination within a building. The mold air testing process will reveal all key mold species groups present in the air and the exact quantity. We compare this to what is found in the outside air to understand what mold sources are indoors. Even mold hidden behind walls, floors or in ventilation systems can be detected through mold air testing. The mold test results also give information on the health risks to occupants. Since people who have adverse health effects from mold receive the exposure through spores traveling in the air, mold air testing is the only way to accurately determine the amount and type of mold they are breathing. Whether it be Stachybotrys (Toxic Black Mold) or other less harmful species we know the exact level of mold occupants are being exposed to and what contamination level is in the building through mold air testing.
Direct Surface Mold Testing
Surface mold testing identifies the species of molds on substrates to confirm the presence of mold. If visible mold or fungus is present, the surface mold test will identify the species and determine if the mold is Allergenic, Pathogenic or Toxigenic. Through surface mold testing we can identify the source of abnormal or elevated levels of mold found in air sample mold tests.
Mold Symptoms
Mold and fungus exposure can cause many adverse symptoms and health effects. There are certain people at the greatest risk from mold exposure. If you are experiencing symptoms of mold exposure you should have mold testing done. To learn more about symptoms of mold exposure see Mold Symptoms or to book a mold testing service and get more information complete the online assessment form.