What Is Mold Testing and What Is Mold Remediation?

Posted by Bayareamoldpros on January 7th, 2023

Mold, sometimes spelled mold and mildew, is a fungus that multiplies on damp surfaces. Though it helps the environment by decomposing things like dead trees & leaves, mold is best kept outside where it belongs and not allowed to grow inside. 

Air or surface samples are typically taken for mold testing. The mold inspector will essentially "test" the air or surface to determine what mold is present and/or if that mold may grow in the given environment. 

Air Samples for Mold Analysis 

Methods for collecting and analyzing air samples abound. The most typical process is known as a "spore trap sample," which involves using a device that captures spores. A spore trap is a sampling device that relies on the impact of a predetermined air volume against a sticky surface. Additionally, most airborne particles collide with this sticky surface, causing them to stick to & be trapped by it. 

One type of "air particle" that can be collected on the spore trap's sticky media are mold spores. The mold test laboratory will open the spore trap, apply stain to the sticky surface the mold spores will absorb, and then identify and quantify the kinds of mold spores gathered throughout the sampling procedure. Culturing or cultivating the mold spores obtained in the air is another less prevalent form of mold sampling. 

What Is Mold Remediation?

Finding the source of the mold growth, eliminating it, and preventing a recurrence are all part of the mold remediation procedure. However, the repair process necessitates certain steps to get your business facility back to pre-problem condition. 

Understanding the distinctions between the many synonymous words used by restoration experts is crucial. "Mold abatement" refers to containing and eliminating mold growth in a building or its contents. For example, drywall & insulation may need to be removed before a mold killer spray & encapsulant may be applied. There is a more involved procedure for mold removal, and mold abatement is part of the process. 

As part of the cleanup process, it is important to take a step back and assess the bigger picture to deal with the current expansion and prevent it from happening again. 

In Conclusion 

Mold professionals will visit to the site to do a follow-up mold inspection. They will look for indicators of high humidity, moisture levels, and mold growth. In addition, they will analyze spore samples taken from the air both inside & outside the remedied area. 

These are important measures to take to determine whether or not mold removal was successful. The success of mold remediation is verified by clearance testing, proving that the treated areas can be rebuilt and reoccupied without risk.

Bayareamoldpros is a leading mold inspection and mold testing company providing quality mold analysis services and helping families & businesses overcome the devastating setbacks caused by mold. Visit our website bayareamoldpros.com either email us or fill in the contact form on our website.We can be reached 24/7 at (650)762-6228.