Most mold is unmistakable, but sometimes small or largely hidden growths just make the surface look dirty. A quick mold test can be done when you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and apply it to the wall. If the stain lightens quickly (or reappears after cleaning), assume it is mold. While there are some tests designed to identify exposure to mold, they are not 100 percent reliable.
However, your primary care doctor may be able to evaluate your symptoms and perform blood tests or skin prick tests to learn more about your mold sensitivity. To use this kit, simply rub the area, moisten it in the solution from the syringe and apply it to the test strip. If you have a line, the test result is negative. Two lines mean you have that kind of mold present.
He adds that most mold growth is visible, but it can also occur under carpets or interior walls, so it's important to consult a mold removal professional if you have questions about how to proceed with testing or removal. For laboratory-tested mold kits, check to see if the laboratory you are sending samples to has received accreditation from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and other professional organizations, as directed by the U. If you are wondering how to test for black mold, in particular, you should know that Black mold should be checked in a laboratory. The final method is to use a swab to clean visible mold and then pass the swab over the growing medium.
Too much moisture and standing water can be a breeding ground for mold, which could cause respiratory problems or contribute to infection. If you don't know what type of test is right for you, keep in mind that some mold self-report kits may also be sent to a lab once you see evidence of growth. This species of mold is quite rare, but it is one of many molds that produces a high level of mycotoxins (dangerous mold-based chemicals) that can create a dangerous household environment. Aspergillus is a mold that can cause allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, including asthma exacerbations and a serious lung disease called hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
An important advantage of this home test kit is the fact that you will know right away if you have mold growth of some of the most dangerous genera aspergillus, penicillium and stachybotrys. Neither the CDC nor the EPA recommends routine mold sampling; both organizations point out that there are no federal limits on mold in buildings, so people can't check their apartment complex for compliance with the law, for example. While a variable mold test can tell you if there are mold spores in a specific room, you'll need to use additional kits if you want to test other rooms in your home. An air pump is considered to be an effective and efficient way to check for mold spores in the air.
If you don't see or smell mold, but suspect it's hidden, you'll know that there has been water damage behind a wall or under a floor, for example, an experienced professional can also help you find the source. Another key difference is that mold can be buried beneath the surface, while mold is a surface fungus that is easier to spot. Whether you're battling mold and mildew buildup, or blemishes like dirt, dust, grease or rust, you've come to the right place.