Knowing how to test for mold in air is one of the many ways you can ensure healthy indoor air quality at home for you and your family. Put simply, mold is a type of fungus that grows in a fluffy texture on solid surfaces. Since mold can thrive in any condition, provided there is moisture, it is one of the most prevalent forms of fungus in the entire world.
Being exposed to dangerous types of mold over an extended period of time can lead to adverse health conditions. That makes it especially important for people to learn how to find mold and how to test for mold in air.
Where to Check For Mold
Before learning how to test for mold in air you first need to know some of the key areas to check for it in order to get an accurate reading. Your best bet is to check places that are full of moisture. Indoor moisture accumulates as a result of humidity, so it’s a good idea to check locations like under the sink or in the basement.
Check places that have recently sustained water damage. This could be the result of a flood, a burst water pipe, or some other kind of unforeseen incident. Inspect any water-damaged areas carefully for potential mold growth.
Other important areas to check are ceiling spaces and wall cavities. Since these areas tend to be sealed off, trapping moisture, it makes for an ideal condition for the growth of mold. This is exacerbated by the fact that pipes have a tendency to drip and leak in the areas between walls. If the mold in this area isn’t addressed, mold will continue to spread and will eventually reach the visible sides of the walls and ceilings.
Your shower curtains may also accumulate mold. When you wash dirt off your body it mixes with shampoo and soap residue, which eventually collects on the shower curtains. Wiping down your shower curtains after every use is a way to prevent excess moisture that allows mold to grow on the curtains.
If your house has central cooling or central heating, air ducts and vents are important areas to check for mold. As a result of the constant mixture of hot and cold air, moisture tends to condense on cooling coils and collects in drain pans, creating a prime location for the growth of mold.
How To Test For Mold in Air
Now that you know where to check for mold we can go over how to test for mold in air. This really boils down to two options: get a certified in-home testing kit, or hire a professional.
If you’re going to test for mold yourself, you want to be careful to get a certified in-home testing kit, like the ones sold on this site. Many other suppliers of testing kits sell equipment that is not certified, and therefore results cannot be guaranteed.
If you need additional assistance with testing for mold you can always hire a professional. Again, you want to make sure this individual is certified. You can do this by consulting your state’s contractor-licensing board to see if your mold inspector is licensed for mold remediation.
Once the mold has been detected and cleaned, check the infected areas regularly to ensure the mold doesn’t return. If you have any questions, or would like to inquire about one of our indoor air quality testing kits, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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