Mold testing determines
what types of molds exist in a
dwelling and the amount of
those particulates that are in
the air at the time of testing.
Testing will show the presence of
allergenic and toxic molds and whether
they are found at elevated counts.
Why test for mold?
- To assess the air quality of a dwelling.
- To determine if remediation is needed
and to what extent. - To ascertain if a remediation project was effective in returning the dwelling to a normal fungal ecology.
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Do you know the quality of your indoor air? Call MAS Labs today to schedule a mold test to assess the safety of the air you and your family breathe. 1.800.470.4844
MAS Labs’ certified inspectors can perform a wide range of test types to assess
your situation. A testing scenario is formed by the inspector after visual inspection
of the property. Inspections uncover moisture intrusions that can lead to mold
growth if left unattended. The presence of moisture or musty odors indicates
red-flag areas that should be considered for testing.
Mold testing falls into one of two groups: Non-Viable or Viable.
NON–VIABLE TESTING
For overall air quality assessment and practicality, non-viable testing is generally
more valuable and less costly for the consumer. Non-viable testing counts all
spores collected by the test media. The collection media does not need a food
source, and the test makes no distinction between viable (living) and non-viable (dead) spores,
since mold spores have the same allergenic or toxic properties whether they are
viable or non–viable. MAS Labs will typically perform non–viable testing to obtain
total spore counts and expedite results; however, we do have the ability to perform
both types of tests.
VIABLE TESTING
A viable test counts only living (viable) mold spores that are actively reproducing.
It will not count the dead (non-viable) spores in the air. Viable testing requires a
culturable media (Petri dish with agar as a food source), where the spore can grow
and then be analyzed at the lab. Viable tests take time for the culture to incubate,
and they generally cost considerably more than non-viable testing. In addition,
if all the spores collected in the media are non-viable they will not grow and
therefore cannot be analyzed on this type of test media.
AIR & SURFACE SAMPLES
Air samples reveal mold types at the genus level and the counts of those types
present in the air. Surface samples are used for identification of visual growths
and should be used in conjunction with air samples. Surface samples will not
yield counts. Some mold spores, such as Stachybotrys sp. (a toxic mold), will not
readily appear in air tests because of their relatively large spore size and moisture content. Therefore
surface sampling becomes valuable for proper identification of these more harmful types of molds that may have otherwise gone undetected.
Samples are analyzed by a third party laboratory and then returned to MAS Labs,
generally within 5-7 business days. Results can be rushed as quickly as next–day
for an additional fee. Results are accompanied by recommendations and a summary of
your conditions. An indoor environmental professional from MAS Labs will review
your results with you by phone.
Do you know the quality of your indoor air? Call MAS Labs today to schedule a mold test to assess the safety of the air you and your family breathe. 1.800.470.4844
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