Sage-Tips

What is an acceptable level of mold in a house?

What is Considered A Normal Mold Count? A normal mold spore count in a room is typically 200-500 spores. Anywhere between 1-1500 mold spores in a room is normal and safe as long as mold colonies are not visibly growing and no water damage is present. Mold spores are present in virtually every room of every building.

What is considered a high mold count?

10,001-25,000 spores
10,001-25,000 spores – High levels of mold concentration. Unless there is a corresponding concentration in the exterior control, this is the level where some form of cleanup is required.

How accurate are air mold tests?

Air sampling is the most accurate method for determining exposure. While a tape lift may accurately determine if mold growth is present on a particular surface, it will not tell you whether that mold growth has actually affected the indoor air quality. Only an air sample can accomplish this.

How do you read mold test results?

Levels between 8 and 30 ng/L indicate a low level of mold which, generally, affects people who are sensitive to molds. Levels above 150 ng/L indicate that a high level of active mold growth is present and it is likely that nearly all occupants of the home will be affected.”

How do you test a house for mold?

Most mold is unmistakable, but sometimes small or largely hidden growths just make a surface look dirty. A quick test for mold can be done when you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall. If the spot quickly lightens (or keeps coming back after cleaning), assume it’s mold.

How do you tell if mold is growing in your walls?

A musty smell is a good indicator that mold is growing in your home. The smell of mold feels earthy, like rotting leaves or decaying wood in a dense, damp forest. If you think there’s mold in your walls, get on your hands and knees and smell the electrical outlets.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Symptoms of mold sensitivity

• sneezing.
• nasal congestion.
• runny nose.
• skin rash.
• itching.
• watery eyes.
• asthma.
• chest tightness.

What if mold is behind drywall?

Surface Changes and Deterioration – Your walls’ appearance can change significantly if there’s mold growth behind them. In addition to discoloration and stains, your walls may deteriorate. Paint or wallpaper can crack, peel, or bubble because of moisture and mold growth.

Can a mold test be wrong?

High risk of false negative airborne mold test results: Indoor air samples are at high risk of giving a “false negative result” – indicating no problem when a problem is present, either completely missing the presence of the most problematic spores in a building or which indicating as “the problem” the wrong spores in …

What is the best mold test kit for You?

The Pro-Lab Mold Test Kit is one of the most affordable kits and gives you four different testing methods. The first and easiest is the settling plate method, which has you leave a prepared petri dish on a flat surface for an hour before sealing it up and letting the sample incubate for a minimum of two days.

How do you test for mold in your home?

Inside the package you will also find a quick start guide to let you know how to get started in testing your home for molds. After getting the samples, simply send them through mail to a reputable lab. It is a very accurate mold test kit. You do need to take samples directly from the mold source.

Is the home mold laborator viable mold test kit accurate?

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.

How much does it cost to get a mold test?

When you commit to a lab report, you’re given the test kit for free, and return postage is already paid. The fee here is $75, which is more expensive than some other mold test kits, but we feel you’re getting good value here. The lab results are very accurate, and each of EMSL’s labs are accredited by multiple bodies, including the AIHA.