Mold is a microorganism that is part of the Kingdom Fungi. It requires water and organic material (soil, wood, etc.) but can grow on almost any surface that has dust or dirt.
Every home will have mold in concentrations at least equal to the outside air. Musty smells and visible discoloration are the common signs of elevated mold levels. Places where water is standing or has infiltrated the structure are prone to mold growth.
If there is a musty smell or areas where there is water intrusion, a mold test would be wise. If someone residing in the home has a known immune deficiency or allergy to mold, testing should be conducted. Consult a medical professional regarding mold-related health issues.
There are three reasons mold is bad. First, mold can cause decomposition of building materials. Second, mold has an unpleasant smell. Third, many people with compromised immune systems are allergic to mold and are prone to health issues. It has not been established that mold generally presents a severe hazard to human health.
The air in the home is sampled using a device that draws air at a specified rate across a medium that captures mold spores. The indoor level is compared with two exterior baseline samples. The samples are sent to a certified laboratory that tests and measures the samples. The difference between the indoor samples and the baseline samples reveals if the indoor air has elevated levels of mold.
Mold inspections range from $300 to over a $1000 depending on size of the home and travel distance. DIY tests are really cheap for a reason. Baseline testing with sensitive equipment is accurate because levels fluctuate.
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