Is Mold Testing Really Necessary?

The answer to the question of “is mold testing necessary” may be more nuanced than many people assume. There are some experts who believe it is, and others who will tell you it isn’t always necessary. It is important to understand why people have mixed opinions on this very important matter.

Those in favor of mold testing argue that it can help identify the presence and type of mold in a home or building. Homes in New Jersey can contain many different types of molds, including common varieties such as Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria. The type and amount of mold can vary depending on moisture levels, water damage, humidity, ventilation, and the materials present in the home. Proponents believe that knowing what kind of mold you have can be important.

Those who do not favor mold testing believe that in most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary because all molds should be removed no matter the type. There are currently no Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or other federal limits on mold growth. That means mold testing cannot be used to check a building’s compliance with federal mold standards. They believe that if you see mold, it must be removed; knowing how much mold, or the variety, is superfluous.

While black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is commonplace in the press, other indoor mold growth is potentially dangerous as well. As many of us know from the news, black mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp, humid areas, especially where there has been water damage. Exposure to it can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs and may worsen allergies or asthma in some people. Prolonged exposure can contribute to even greater health problems. While this is certainly true, other molds can have the same effect on people.

While experts may disagree on whether it is necessary to test visible mold, it is hard to find someone who doesn’t think that if you suspect mold, but don’t see it, your home should be tested. Mold grows in damp or poorly ventilated areas and may remain hidden behind walls, under flooring, or in ceilings. If you suspect mold, it is important to sample your air quality to check for mold spores and other contaminants. Both of which may be affecting you or your family’s health.

If you smell a musty smell or have had water damage, it is a good idea to contact a mold professional. Working with a trained professional can put your mind at ease. They will be able to test your air to determine if there is mold present in places you can’t see. If there is mold present, the right company, like Mold Solutions by Cowleys, can take care of the existing mold and make sure that mold doesn’t continue to spread through your home. Without mold removal and a change to the conditions that originally allowed the mold to grow, mold rarely, if ever, goes away on its own. Working with a trusted company means that the affected area will be completely and correctly treated.