




A more detailed lab analysis may be necessary if you are diagnosed with a mold allergy or sensitivity to a certain species of mold. If you haven’t been definitively diagnosed with specific mold allergies, then knowing what type of mold is present has very little value. We recommend skipping this step and moving onto remediation efforts, because all mold is remediated the same way, regardless of type.
Before remediating surface mold, industry standards call for a mold air quality test so the restoration contractor understands the extent of the airborne mold as well as the surface problem. Then both air and surface are remediated. An air clearance test should always be performed at the end of remediation to verify you air quality is back to normal. Without accurate testing, the problem may not be fully addressed. IET provides clear, science-backed data to help you take the right action.
Active fungal/mold growth in indoor environments is potentially hazardous as it may lead to exposure and adverse health effects. If you have identified visible mold growth in your home or business, you should remember mold can only affect you or get into your body one of three ways:
Since people do not touch or lick mold they see, their primary concern should be “Has the mold sporulated and gone airborne?” Therefore, airborne mold is your primary exposure point. Mold is a two-headed monster, the mold you can visually see and the mold spores that may be airborne which you cannot see. Air testing must be performed prior to beginning mold remediation so the restoration company can understand how much of the ‘mold problem’ is airborne that also needs to be addressed in addition to removing the visual surface mold. It’s possible that the visual mold has not sporulated and is not airborne, but testing should be performed to either confirm or deny its presence and your exposure level.
It is common for us to hear from individuals who suspect the presence of mold, even though there is nothing visible. Sometimes there has been previous water damage, other times they are experiencing a musty smell etc, and need the peace of mind to know if there is a mold problem.
While there is no technology available to identify hidden mold, like in a wall cavity etc, industry best practices do recommend an air test be performed. If abnormal airborne mold levels are found, it is an indication there is a source somewhere.