After living in a home for several years, many homeowners start to experience problems with mold. It often seems like no matter how much they clean, the mold keeps coming back. The problem is that mold is not just a cosmetic issue- it can cause serious health problems if you’re exposed to it. There is finally a solution to the mold problem, and it’s called mold testing. By testing your home for mold, you can determine the extent of the problem and find the best way to fix it.
Mold Testing: What It Is, and Why You Need It
Mold testing is a process used to identify and assess the presence of mold in a building or environment. Mold can be harmful if it is inhaled, ingested, or develops on surfaces where it can collect moisture. Mold testing can help identify the source of the mold and help determine how serious the situation is.
How To Properly Test for Mold
There are many ways to test for mold. The most accurate way to test is to use a microscope. However, testing with a microscope is not always possible or practical.
Here are some other ways to test for mold:
The presence of mold can be determined by touching surfaces to see if they feel wet or slimy.
Mold growth can also be seen on surfaces if they are stained with a green or black substance called mold growth media.
Another way to test for the presence of mold is to smell it. Mold smells musty and earthy.
If you smell or see mold, don’t wait till it’s too late! Get your family out of the house and call an expert!
The Risks of Not Testing for Mold
You may not know if you have mold until it’s too late. Mold can grow rapidly in moisture-rich environments, so if you suspect something is wrong, test for mold immediately.
Here are some of the risks of not testing for mold:
- Mold can be a serious health hazard, especially in the elderly and those with respiratory problems.
- Mold is also harmful to your home’s structural integrity and your ability to sell it.
- Mold can cause asthma attacks, heart problems, and even death in extreme cases.
- Mold can damage your home’s walls, ceilings, and flooring.
- Mold can increase your risk of contracting other infections, including pneumonia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, testing is the key to solving the mold problem. The sooner you can identify and correct any problems, the less damage will be done and the easier it will be to restore your home or office.
Author Bio-
Building off over 3 decades of experience from working with his father Jim Mayfield (Mayfield Enterprises, Inc.), James mastered the industry in Foremanship for over 15 years on HAZMAT and Superfund Sites throughout Southern California. Among many other partners, we has worked with Project Navigator, RE Solutions, Crew Grading Inc., WSP, SCS Engineers, TRC Corporation, GeoSyntec, NV5 Environmental, Entact Corp, Waste by Rail, Michael Baker, ERRG, O&M Corp, Largo Concrete, B&D Construction, Xebec, WorkSmart, JLL Enterprises, Mayfield Enterprises, Inc., Arcadis, and more. In addition to being a Stanford-educated Professor with over 30 publications and books in several languages (see Academic Resume), James’ real passion lies in Construction-related Project Management, Environmental Cleanups, HAZMAT, Excavation, and Field Labor. We are also Minority-Owned. James Mayfield is a Native American citizen of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska.
