Mold can grow almost anywhere, whether indoors or outdoors, and it spreads and reproduces through the creation of traveling, durable spores. Over 1,000 different types of mold can grow indoors and humid, damp, and warm conditions stimulate their growth. If it runs out of moisture, mold goes into a dormant state that can last for millions of years. Dormant mold will not biodegrade or disintegrate over time despite exposure to freezing or high temperatures.
Mold causes allergic reactions, asthma attacks, irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, throat, and lungs. It can also cause more severe conditions such as deadly fungal infections, skin diseases, and other sicknesses that affect body organs. It is important to test the home for the presence of mold so the substance can be killed and removed.
- Hiring a certified mold or toxic mold inspector is the best way to find and test for mold in the home.
- Consumers can purchase a do it yourself mold kit from a safety, home improvement, or hardware store. These often provide results within 48 hours and feature an option to mail the sample to a lab for further analysis.
- When homeowners can see or smell mold or want to know whether a particular substance is mold, they can do a tape sampling test.
You will need:
- One-inch wide transparent adhesive tape
- Scissors
- Rubber gloves and breathing mask (if mold is known to be present)
- Plastic wrap
- Sealable plastic bags
- Marker
Step 1: Cut the tape into three inch-long strips
Step 2: Find a company that takes mailable sample submissions.
Step 3: Take samples from vertical and horizontal surfaces and air conditioning/heating registers, immediately lifting the tape or leaving the tape on a horizontal service for a 24-hour period.
Step 4: Wear rubber gloves and a breathing mask when pressing the tape into an unknown substance or visible mold growth.
Step 5: Peel back the tape from each surface tested. Attach the sticky side of the tape to plastic wrap.
Step 6: Put each sample into a small plastic bag and seal the bag. Write the sample date, location, and testing method on each bag.
Step7: Send the samples and paperwork to the company analyzing the test results.
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