If you think you may have mold growing in your home or business, it’s a good idea to have mold testing done. Mold can be a serious health risk to people and pets – even if it’s not showing up in the numbers, mold is still present. Indoor mold growth has been associated with serious respiratory problems including asthma. Even if the mold growth doesn’t cause symptoms, people who have a mold problem are at increased health risks for a variety of other reasons.
Mold Testing
Mold testing typically involves collecting a small number of black or dark spores from a contaminated air sample. Samples are then tested for common mycotoxins – which includes the deadly Stachybotrys chartarum and the toxic species Penicillium myristcae. Stachybotrys chartarum is known as the mycotoxin species because it produces mycotoxins when it grows. These mycotoxins can be dangerous in large amounts because they can irritate the membranes of the respiratory system. Inhaling large amounts of Stachybotrys mold can even cause toxic pulmonary asthmatic syndrome.
The second step in testing for mold is to test for spores of the species involved. There are numerous techniques for checking for these microscopic organisms. The most commonly used technique involves using an optical microscope to take a high magnification image of the sample through a water sample. If the spore appears, this implies that there is spore production in the sample and it may pose a health risk. High magnification images also help identify the species of mold involved – it’s a good idea to use various techniques to determine this so that you have a better chance of dealing with it successfully.
Airborne Samples
The third step in testing for indoor mold involves obtaining airborne samples. Samples of airborne mold spores can be obtained by using special masks designed to collect and contain the airborne spores. Mold spores will land on the mask and be inhaled, later entering the body. This is a common method of testing for indoor mold. If the spore is found in the mask, it suggests the presence of airborne mold spores.
Air sampling is not the only option that many people consider when testing for mold. A ventilation system for the home is another common option. With the right equipment and a ventilation system in place, many people believe that they can remove the mold if they simply open the windows and allow fresh air to enter the home. Unfortunately, if the ventilation system is not working properly, there could be many unseen molds growing in the home. It is very important to ensure that you are testing for mold both inside and out.
Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida Rapid Restoration is South Florida’s #1 restoration company in the disaster relief industry. With 24/7 emergency services we have provided thousands of clients with emergency restoration services throughout Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Miami Dade, Broward, and Port St. Lucie Counties. We offer property restoration, mediation and, repair for water damage, mold removal, fire, smoke and biohazard removal services throughout the entire South Florida area.
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Whether it’s your home or office that’s been affected by water damage, fire, smoke damage, or mold, contact Rapid Restoration Recovery, Inc.
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