Culture tests are where mold particles in a sample from the home are grown into larger mold colonies in a lab. This way culture tests identify the species of molds in houses. Thermal resistances can be items of furniture, textiles, curtains and other objects that can retain heat. Air can reach the gaps between the resistances and the walls or floor, but relatively little heat can get in to these spaces. This in turn leads to condensation and moisture, which is highly conducive to mould growth. Investigating exposure to mould and the spores it produces inside the buildings we live and work in, especially when the health of building occupants is at risk, is an essential step when unexplained mould growth occurs. Not only is the 5-minute mould test extremely sensitive, but it also can distinguish the type of mould, whether it is a hazardous mould or an innocuous one. Includes Lab Results Molds are also a normal part of the outdoor environment. For this reason, it’s not really possible to avoid all exposure to molds.

Ensure the inspector has the proper training and experience. A mold inspector might hold certifications in mold inspection or water damage restoration. Additionally, find out how much experience the inspector has with exactly the mold problem you are facing. Some traditional approaches recommend sweating, or using a sauna, to support the body’s elimination of waste products. In most cases, mold exposure mainly appears to affect the respiratory system, but it can also affect your eyes or skin. If using a dehumidifier, the ideal indoor humidity is 50-55%. Empty and clean the reservoir regularly This mould is present all year round, however its concentrations reach a peak during winter and spring. This mould is associated with indoor allergy.Some types of over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help relieve mild to moderate symptoms linked to mold exposure. These medications include: Exposure to mold spores can cause symptoms for people with mold allergy and respiratory conditions like asthma. For others, mold can sometimes be an irritant. In rare cases, mold can cause infections or other serious reactions. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Some proponents of mold detoxes claim activated charcoal will bind to mycotoxins, allowing you to detox after exposure.

Our indoor air quality specialists are experts in the identification of different types of mould, with years of experience dealing with and treating different mould problems. An air pump can be an efficient way to test for the presence of airborne mold spores. However, it usually requires special equipment and professional services. My Mold Detective offers an at-home mold testing kit specifically designed for air testing that includes a small, user-friendly air pump and collection cassettes. It also comes with tape for surface testing, giving you the ability to perform two different types of tests.

Ideally you should use all three types of tests since each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

EMSL has a broad range of testing kits for all kinds of spores, microbes, and other environmental impacts on (and around) your home. The swab mold test kit it makes is among the most accurate you can buy, and we like this one because the emphasis is put squarely on the lab report. If you’re having a serious allergic reaction or difficulty breathing, get emergency help right away. Antifungal medications

An older study found that infants and young children with exposure to mold in the home had an increased risk of developing asthma by the age of 7. The research examined 289 homes and 36 types of mold. However, people with weakened immune systems — such as those with HIV, transplant patients, or people undergoing cancer treatment — are at risk of fungal infections. Toxic effects Mold testing can tell you if you have a mold problem in your home. Mold tests can also help you find hidden mold, measure your indoor air quality and identify what species of mold is in your home. Our do-it-yourself kit does not require specialist training to use, you just follow the instructions after a short period of sampling, cultivate the samples in a warm environment to see the results. Sometimes you can be suffering the symptoms of mold allergies even if there is no mold growing in your home. This can be because of mold spores blowing into the home from outdoor mold or because there used to be mold growing in your home which left behind a build up of spores.

Mold exposure can cause other symptoms, however. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, it can cause the following types of health problems: Allergy and irritation

Pro-Lab Mold Test Kit

The Home Mold Laborator Viable Mold Test Kit provides accurate results. It also happens to be one of the easiest test kits to use, since the supplies are ready to use right out of the box and don't require any preparation. However, bear in mind that because the supplies are prepared ahead of time, these mold test kits have expiration dates, which you will want to keep note of. If you have a severe reaction to mold or live with a condition that makes you more vulnerable to mold exposure, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor to find the most effective treatment for your needs.