Molds are well-known air pollutants that cause allergic reactions, chronic sinusitis, and respiratory issues in humans and animals. They thrive in humid environments and are commonly found in business and residential buildings. Once a mold is present, it can be very difficult to get rid of them, so prevention is crucial. You may not always know if there are signs of mold growing in your home or workplace making it crucial to understand signs of mold and testing for it consistently.
Mold Testing in Toronto
Mold testing includes an inspection of the building/apartment for signs of mold growth and collecting air and surface samples to precisely determine their concentration in the environment. There are many different DIY mold testing kits available on the market, however, they are not considered accurate enough to precisely determine the level of harmful molds. Home testing kits are known to produce false positives, which means that the test will show increased levels of molds and their spores when there is actually no problem.
To be one hundred percent confident that there is no mold problem at your home or workplace, it is best to contact a professional. Experienced mold inspectors have the knowledge and proper equipment to accurately determine your situation and propose adequate corrective actions if necessary.
Types of Mold Testing
There are several types of professional mold tests:
- Air sampling – A sample of the outside air is taken, and a number of air samples from the inside of the building/apartment. The sample of the outside air acts as a control, while indoor samples are compared to it. If the indoor air samples show greater levels of mold than the control sample, that indicates there is probably a mold problem within the building.
- Lift tape sample – A piece of tape is placed onto the surface to be tested; the tape is then lifted and moved onto a glass slide. The sample is taken to the laboratory to be inspected under a microscope to detect the possible presence of spores.
- Tape swab sample – This is also a surface test, and it is used to identify the presence of a specific type of mold. Surfaces that need to be tested are wiped with a cotton swab, which is later taken to the laboratory for a detailed analysis.
What if Mold Testing is Positive?
If the results turn out positive, it is advised to take adequate measures to remove the sources of mold and perform professional mold removal. A follow-up test is highly recommended in order to confirm that the remediation company performed its job correctly. The post-test report is also a very valuable document in case the property is up for sale.
Chronic exposure to molds can lead to very serious health conditions, so make sure your home or workplace is safe and contact a trusted mold testing company to run a professional mold testing.
Inch by Inch Can Help!
Inch by Inch Inspections offers its high-quality mold removal service in Toronto and the GTA. Inch by Inch’s staff is comprised of a group of experienced, friendly professionals who are equipped to perform both small scale and big scale testing in the safest and most efficient manner. If you are looking for a trusted home inspector, contact Inch by Inch today to schedule your testing.