Mold testing will help determine what mold problem you have in your home; mold testing in Oklahoma City OK will also help find hidden mold as well as measuring the quality of the air in your home. To ensure the most accurate results it is always best to have the testing done by professionals who are experienced in collecting and analyzing samples. It is possible to purchase mold test kits that allow the homeowner to collect samples and send them to a lab but the results are also doubtful.
Like any test, the result is nothing more than a snapshot of a given moment in time and in the case of mold testing, in a given area as well. The number of spores fluctuates over time and space so it is always a good idea to have multiple tests made at different times and locations. This is the best way to ensure a high degree of accuracy.
There are three types of tests that can be done, each has its own pros and cons:
• Air testing
• Surface testing
• Bulk testing
Air Tests: Air samples are collected and analyzed for mold spores, the samples are examined under a microscope. An air test will tell you if there is a problem with mold in your home even if the growth is not visible.
Surface tests: Tests are conducted on samples taken from surfaces around your home; this will determine the amount of spores and mold that are deposited throughout the home. The samples are collected with a swab or lifting with a piece of tape. The samples are evaluated in the lab. As with air tests the results can vary as mold and mold spores are not always evenly spread on the various surfaces in the home. Air testing can identify the concentration of spores, surface testing cannot.
Bulk tests: Bulk tests consist of collecting various material from the home and testing it under a microscope in a lab. This test will tell you if you have a problem and if so it will give a good indication of the concentration of spores in the home.
As a homeowner you will know if there is a possible problem with mold in your home either by observing it or smelling it. If you or someone in the home suffer from allergies, mold will aggravate them causing a runny nose or coughing. If any of these symptoms arise you should consider mold testing in Oklahoma City OK area and then take corrective action. Click here for more details.
