Fungal Sample Collections (Mold Testing)
If you’ve found something that looks like it could be mold in your home, business, school, or any other type of property, ESG can perform a fungal lab sample collection to determine what it is.
Mold is commonplace and the spores are usually harmless in small amounts, but when the spores come into contact with moisture (for example, from a leak, a flood, or excess humidity) they can grow. When this happens, spores are released into the air, where they can be inhaled by the building inhabitants. Depending on the type of mold it is and the susceptibility of the individuals exposed, this can be a health risk.
There are many kinds of mold, and some kinds are more dangerous than others. Toxigenic molds are especially dangerous and should be dealt with immediately. When people say “black mold,” they’re usually referring to toxigenic mold, but not all black mold is toxigenic, and not all toxigenic mold is black.
What Does a Fungal Sampling Collection Entail?
An investigator (who is a certified Indoor Environmental Professional) will take air and/or surface samples from the space where mold is suspected and hand-deliver them to an independent, accredited lab for analysis. The investigator will then let you know the results of test, informing you which type(s) of mold were found, and in what quantities.
Fungal Sampling Collections differ from assessments in that a visual inspection of the area & the taking of additional IAQ data is not included. Additionally, the reports don't include recommendations on how to mitigate the mold. Sample collections can be very useful, especially prior to remediation, but if you want something more thorough, check out our assessments.
Symptoms of Mold Allergy/Exposure
The most common symptoms of mold exposure are respiratory reactions, including runny nose, sinus congestion, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, sore throat, and wheezing. Headaches are also a common occurrence, and asthma attacks are often triggered by mold in those who have asthma.
Some of the less common symptoms include digestive issues, skin rash, joint pain, fatigue, and mental symptoms like depression and memory loss.
Mold can affect pets too–sometimes before humans. Chronically sick pets can be a sign of a mold issue in the home.
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