Keeping Your Indoor Air Clean - Mold Testing and Mold Clearance Testing

Mold growth in homes and businesses can significantly impact indoor air quality and health. This article provides an in-depth look at the professional mold testing and clearance testing services offered by A-1 Certified Environmental Services. Read on to learn more about how mold affects indoor environments, when testing is needed, and how we can help assess and remediate mold issues.

Call us at: 888-217-2719.

In addition to Mold Clearance Testing in the Los Angeles County region, we also offer these services in San Francisco County, San Diego County, Orange County, Alameda County, Santa Clara County, Riverside County, Fresno County, Sacramento County, Contra Costa County, Ventura County, San Joaquin County and Solano County.

Video: Mold Testing San Francisco

How Mold Growth Affects Indoor Air Quality

Mold naturally occurs in the environment. But indoors, excess moisture allows mold to grow rapidly on organic materials like wood, drywall, and carpeting. Mold growth releases spores and mycotoxins into indoor air that can cause illness.

Here are some of the likely health effects linked to mold exposure.

- Respiratory problems
- Asthma and allergies
- Headaches, nausea
- Fatigue
- Nose, throat and eye irritation

Effects of Mold on Your Home or Business

In addition to health effects, mold can seriously impact homes and businesses by:

- Degrading walls, floors and ceilings with moisture damage
- Warping wood framing and eating away materials
- Contaminating HVAC systems, spreading spores through vents
- Odors making properties difficult to rent or sell
- Need for mold disclosure at property sales
- Lowered home values due to extensive mold issues
- Loss of inventory and equipment due to mold

These issues demonstrate the importance of mold testing by a reputable company like A-1 Certified Environmental Services. Mold growth should not be ignored.

When to Conduct Mold Testing

The EPA and other health organizations recommend testing for mold in the following situations:

- Unexplained health symptoms among building occupants
- Smelling a musty, earthy odor
- Seeing discolored patches or cottony/powdery growth on surfaces
- Noticing moldy odors from HVAC vents
- Discovering past flooding or water damage
- Recent sewage backups, plumbing leaks, roof leaks
- Performing renovations that uncover hidden mold

Testing is also wise after major flooding, fire damage, or extreme indoor humidity. Annual or bi-annual mold testing provides ongoing monitoring of high-risk buildings.

Trust A-1 Certified Environmental Services mold inspectors to determine when testing is warranted in your unique situation.

Video: Mold Testing Long Beach

The Differences Between Mold Testing and Mold Clearance Testing

Mold testing involves sampling air and surfaces to identify mold types and levels in a property. In contrast, mold clearance testing verifies how effective the mold remediation was after the cleanup efforts were completed.

Initial mold testing shows if mold is present and estimates how much exists. Inspection also identifies moisture issues fueling growth.

After remediating any mold and fixing moisture problems, clearance testing confirms that:

- Mold has been satisfactorily removed and addressed
- Mold spore levels are lowered to acceptable ranges
- No hidden mold remains present 

Interpreting Your Mold Test Results

Mold testing analyzes samples through accredited microbiology laboratories. Results indicate:

- Types of mold present - Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, etc.
- Total spore counts per cubic meter of air
- Surface contamination levels in dust or materials
- Signs of moisture damage and mold growth during visual inspection

There are no federal limits for acceptable mold. But more than 10,000 spores per cubic meter often indicates a source. Levels between 2,000-3,000 spores/m^3 are common outdoors. Elevated indoor counts pinpoint mold issues.

A-1 Certified Environmental Services interprets results and advocates for your health and property. We explain technical reports in easy-to-understand language.

Hiring a Professional Mold Inspector

Mold testing involves specialized equipment, sampling methods, and expertise. Benefits of hiring pros like A-1 Certified Environmental Services include:

- Latest tools - infrared cameras, moisture meters, air pumps
- Extensive mold training and certifications
- Sampling protocol meeting industry standards
- Using accredited laboratories for analysis
- Identifying hidden mold during visual inspection
- Interpreting results and helping with ongoing plans
- Ensuring safe, effective mold cleanup

With over 10 years of professional mold testing, A-1 Certified Environmental Services provides data you can trust.

Video: Mold Clearance Testing Los Angeles

Preventing and Controlling Mold Growth

The key to limiting mold is moisture control and prompt cleanup of any growth. Recommended prevention and control strategies include:

- Fix plumbing and roof leaks promptly
- Maintain low indoor humidity - between 30-50%
- Ventilate bathrooms, basements and attics
- Clean and dry any water damage within 24-48 hours
- Discard water-damaged materials that can’t be dried quickly
- Keep HVAC drip pans clean and pipes properly insulated
- Avoid carpet in damp areas like basements
- Dehumidify after floods or heavy water usage
- Ensure proper drainage and grading around the building

Routine professional mold testing also helps maintain healthy indoor air and catch issues early. Contact A-1 Certified Environmental Services today to discuss your indoor air quality concerns.

As well as Mold Testing in the Los Angeles County region, we also perform these services in San Francisco County, San Diego County, Orange County, Alameda County, Santa Clara County, Riverside County, Fresno County, Sacramento County, Contra Costa County, Ventura County, San Joaquin County and Solano County. We also cover indoor air quality testing and VOC testing in these areas.

Call us at: 888-217-2719.