FAQ

As you look at the picture you will see three distinct columns. In the first column you see at the top (outside). A sample was taken just outside of the home or business. This outside test is crucial to see what molds are present in the outdoor environment. There is always mold in the air. This can be referred to as baseline.

The second column at the top says (Living Room). A second air sample was taken in the living room. You can see that the mold species are the same as the outside air. The numbers are less than those taken outside the home. Looks good.

In the third column you will notice a dramatic change in the numbers. When a third air sample was taken in the (Master Bedroom) you will notice that the numbers are much higher. (37,000) The mold report indicates that there is a serious issue with the air quality in the Master Bedroom.

One final point you can glean from the mold report is that the outside sample and the Living Room sample did not find any (Stachybotrys). But in the Master Bedroom (Stachybotrys) shows up in the air sample that was taken. This mold report is telling us that this species of mold should not be there.

Mold Report Example

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There are many types of black mold. Stachybotrys chartarum is usually the one referred to as ” toxic mold.” All molds can cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to or allergic to mold. But there is no reason to believe that black mold is any more dangerous than other types or colors of mold.

Pay attention to the color and consistency: We already talked about black mold above, though it’s more accurate to say that Stachybotrys chartarum has a greenish-black hue. Toxic mold can also have a grayish, soot-like texture, or a slimy, wet surface. In some cases, you may even notice furry orange or brown spots.

That is why a mold air test is so valuable. The laboratory report will tell you the species of mold that is present.

While other types of molds may have a fuzzy, light texture, black mold will usually be slimy or wet. Some early forms of black mold have a powdery feel. Rub the mold with a paper towel to determine the texture, but be sure to wear gloves, a face mask, coveralls, and safety goggles when going near mold.

While toxic black molds draw the most focus due to the health risks associated with them, there are many other types that are not toxic. The most common non-toxic variation is Cladosporium, which has no known toxic side effects. Cladosporiumis is common as both an indoor and outdoor mold.

Because of the risks that come with mold exposure, it can be unsafe to sleep in a house with mold, particularly in the affected areas because you put yourself at risk of mold allergies. This becomes especially concerning if you are sensitive to the mold.

When people with allergies inhale mold spores, they can experience sneezing, runny nose, red and itchy eyes, headaches, skin rashes, throat and lung irritation, difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks and more.

It’s also possible for mold to form a ball in your lungs. This condition is called aspergilloma when caused by an Aspergillus mold. The ball most often stays in your lungs but can lead to tissue damage. Symptoms commonly include shortness of breath, cough, or coughing up blood.

Each person’s body is affected by mold toxicity in different ways. Some experience constant migraines and headaches, shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue or even depression. Since symptoms differ from person to person, they may not be quickly associated with mold exposure.

These symptoms usually first appear 2 to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss. If your symptoms resolve themselves while you’re away on vacation, then suddenly return as soon as you return home and go back to work. This is an indication that you may be exposing yourself to poor air quality.

NO. If you only need an air quality test to be taken and sent to a laboratory the answer is no. A quote can be provided before any work is done.

YES. If you need a mold inspection or remediation, we will need to visit the location of service. After a thorough inspection a written estimate will be provided before any work is started.