Air Quality Testing or Mold Testing – Which Do You Need?
It's not uncommon to find homeowners confused about whether they need mold testing or air quality testing when they want to diagnose a moisture or mold problem. While some unscrupulous salesmen will tell you that both tests are the same, there are differences that you should be aware of. Learning about these differences will help you make an informed decision when the time comes.
Mold tests
Mold testing is the procedure that involves physically taking samples of material, inserting them in solutions, and heating for the color to change for interpretation.
There are various types of mold tests available today. Instant mold tests may provide you with quick confirmation but will not tell you what type of mold you’re dealing with. They will also not tell you how deep the infestation is. You may therefore not be aware of how serious your mold problem is.
Air quality tests
These tests involve analyzing air samples that have been collected from a room. The air is passed through a filter and the particles that are captured on the filter are tested. The results of the test will tell you what type of particles are floating in the air in that particular room. Examples of particles include mold spores, pollen, asbestos, and other allergens.
The results of these tests provide a very accurate picture of what is in the air in your home. They give you a clear indication of the level of pollution by providing the concentrations of different pollutants.
Which test should you opt for?
The answer to this question depends on what information you need. However, professional mold testing will often include air quality testing.
A combination of the two tests will give you a clear picture of the type and level of pollutants in your home. These tests are quick and simple when done by professionals with the right equipment and experience. They’ll provide you with accurate results that will help you make an informed decision on what to do to protect your family.
You may be tempted to use a home mold testing kit to save money. These kits are easy to use and provide quick results. However, they won’t give you a clear picture of what's in your home. If you want to know how serious your problem is and what you should do about it, get in touch with a professional inspector to have your home tested for mold and other air pollutants.
