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MOLD TESTING & INSPECTION SERVICES

About Molds

Molds are part of the natural environment, where they play an important part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. Molds are also an integral part of the food we eat – cheese, baked goods, and fermented foods (amongst others) are all made possible by molds. Mold spores can be found almost everywhere, and in normal quantities are not a cause for alarm.

Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores. The spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Molds need a food source and moisture to grow and may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. This may lead to excess mold in the indoor environment which can affect personal health and cause building damage.

"Mold can cause many health effects. For some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold." Centers for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/mold/

If your home has a musty odor, if there are areas of abnormal discoloration, or if you want peace of mind for your family’s health, consider using our mold inspection and testing services. During a standard home inspection we inspect for the presence of moisture, both visually and with sensing devices if needed, and we also include a visual mold inspection. Adding an indoor air quality test, or surface sampling of any suspected mold found during your home inspection, will ensure you and your loved ones have complete peace of mind.

Mold Inspections and Tests

Mold testing services include air and surface sampling. Air sampling is quick and non-invasive, and tests the air for the presence of all the most commonly found molds, fungi and allergens in our area. An outdoor sample forms the baseline against which indoor results can be compared against to identify any abnormally elevated mold levels. Swab and tape-lift samples can be taken to identify any visible suspected molds. All sample analysis is done by an accredited laboratory and test results are provided in an intuitive and easy to read report. Our mold specialist will explain in detail the meaning of the results. If excessive mold levels are found, further investigation will be needed to identify the mold source so that mitigation can be performed.

Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants. Instead, industry convention is to categorize mold issues based on how much more indoor mold there is relative to outdoors and what types and quantities of indoor molds are present.

Mold testing may be performed as part of a Home Inspection or as a stand-alone service. As mold growth is always associated with a moisture problem, we recommend mold testing by a certified mold tester be added to your home inspection to provide you with peace of mind that you are buying a healthy home. For existing homeowners, air quality testing should be considered as a first step to determine if the Indoor Air Quality is healthy. If not, further inspection work will be needed to identify the moisture and mold source for repair and mitigation.

Air and Surface Sampling

Air sampling uses a calibrated pump to draw a precise volume of air across a collection medium that the mold spores will adhere to. A typical test takes two or three samples - an outdoor baseline and in indoor one that is then compared against the baseline. Samples are analyzed under the microscope at a certified laboratory and the results will determine the relative level of mold spores inside compared to the outside air levels. Surface sampling (swab or tape-lift) collects a localized sample of visible suspected mold, and confirms the presence (or absence) of, and the species of mold. Test results are available within a few days. You will receive a detailed report with the measured spore concentration of approximately 20 common molds. You will be walked you through the findings by a mold specialist and we will also provide you additional information as to the molds likelihood to be allergenic, produce myco-toxins, or to indicate likely water damage.

“Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.” EPA https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-testing-or-sampling

Brookfield Home Inspections is a certified mold testing and inspection company. Our certified mold testers are accredited by NACHI and IAC2 and we use an AIHA lab for all analyses.