Mold Inspection San Francisco
How to Know When It’s Time to Air Sample for Mold
It is important to take air samples during a mold inspection for numerous reasons. Mold spores are not visible to the naked eye, and the most reliable way to identify the types of mold present is to analyze air samples in a lab. This process is not only helpful in determining the severity of the mold problem, but it also provides valuable information that could affect medical treatments.
Allied Restoration Company uses industry-standard equipment to preform room-to-room inspections to analyze mold outbreaks. This allows us to locate and isolate each area where spores are present. If your home is in need of a mold inspection, call us at 415-529-5637 today.
Air Sampling Basics
If a visual, non-invasive examination reveals conditions that could lead to mold growth, it is important to take an air sample. These conditions may be water damage or intrusion, as well as the visible appearance of mold. Musty odors are also signs of a mold outbreak.
Some common examples of air sampling devices include cassette samplers, impaction samplers and airborne-particle collectors. Cassette samplers employ forced air to impact spores onto a collection media. Impaction samplers use a calibrated air pump to impact spores onto a prepared microscope slide. Finally, airborne-particle collectors trap spores directly on a culture dish.
Mold and Your Health
Molds are not generally problematic indoors if they do not land on a damp or wet area and begin to grow. However, molds still can cause health issues. Molds produce allergens and irritants. In certain cases, they also release toxic substances. Breathing or touching mold spores can lead to severe allergic reactions.
Mold outbreaks can also lead to asthma attacks in asthmatics or in people who have mold allergies. In addition, exposure to mold can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, noes, lungs and throat of people with and without mold allergies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website offers a detailed brochure for a brief overview of how mold can affect your health.
Keep Your Family Safe, and Call a Professional Today
San Francisco mold testing at Allied Restoration Company includes five steps:
- Test sample the air
- Inspect moisture
- Review the findings and estimate costs
- Clean up and contain mold
- Conduct a post-remediation review and air sample test
To schedule a mold inspection, contact Allied Restoration at 415-529-5637.