How to Test Mold in Air? And How Accurate Are Air Mold Tests?

Testing air for mold is one of the factors that you shall never ignore for maintaining healthy indoor environments in your home. This helps in identifying and quantifying the mold spores present in the air. Testing for mold in the air is a thorough process involving collecting air samples, analyzing those, and eventually determining mold concentrations.
By detecting mold early, you can mitigate health risks that come along with mold exposure, such as respiratory issues and allergies. Not only this, but air testing helps identify mold sources, leading to remediation efforts to eliminate contamination and improve air quality. So, with less exposure to harmful mold spores and creating healthier living spaces, you and your family can breathe more easily indoors.

Generally, air mold tests are accurate in detecting the presence of mold spores in the air. These mold spores are found indoors and mostly thrive in damp, humid areas, like bathrooms, basements, and areas with water damage. Although the results of air mold tests vary based on factors like sampling methods and environmental conditions, if carried out professionally, these prove to be a great way to assess mold within your home. Therefore, it’s better to schedule a mold test with an expert. These professionals use air sampling devices like air pumps or spore traps that collect air samples over a specific period. The samples are then analyzed in a laboratory to identify the concentration and types of mold present. This helps in determining the extent of mold contamination and the needed remediation steps.

How to Test for Mold in Air?

There are different ways to test for mold in the air. You can either choose to hire a professional to carry out a mold test (we recommend this) or perform a DIY mold test yourself. Know that carrying out a mold test is a thorough process with different steps. If you wish to accurately detect and quantify mold spores, then you need to follow each step with precision.

Following are the steps that are typically involved in testing mold in the air:

Initial Assessment

Start by conducting the property’s visual inspection to identify potential areas that might have mold issues. These may include damp or water-damaged areas. After assessing each area, you can determine from where you shall take air samples. You then choose the specific location within the property to carry on with the sampling. Usually, samples are taken from:

• Rooms with visible mold growth
• High humidity areas
• Basements
• HVAC systems

Setting Up Air Sampling Kit

Get a DIY mold air testing kit from a hardware store or online. Usually, these kits come with a petri dish or a settling plate to capture mold spores from the air. You need to carefully follow the instructions given with the kit. Mostly, as per the instructions, you are supposed to expose the petri dish or settling plate to the air in different areas of your home for a set period.

Sample Collection

Place the petri dish or settling plate in the suspected areas for mold spores. Ensure that you leave it undisturbed for the recommended period. This could be anywhere from a few hours to a few days (the exact period will be highlighted in the instructions that come with the kit). Some kits also come with adhesive strips that you can place in different locations to collect settled dust that may contain mold spores.

Sending Samples and Interpreting Results

Some DIY kits let you send the collected samples to a laboratory for analysis. You shall follow the kit instructions for packaging and sending the samples securely. The lab will give you a report that details the types and quantities of mold spores in the air. Interpret the highlighted results in the report and compare the findings to recommended mold levels for indoor air quality. Note that some mold spores are common and may not pose health risks, while others could indicate a significant problem.

How to Test for Mold Spores in the Air?

To test for mold spores in the air, you can conduct a mold air test with a kit. These kits come with a special pump and a petri dish. The pump collects air samples and then directs those into the dish for analysis. To conduct the test, you shall place the dish in the area where mold is most suspected. It could be near a leak or in a damp basement. The pump then operates for a specified time, usually between 5 to 10 minutes. At this time, it collects the air sample with mold spores. After the collection of sample, the dish is sealed and sent to the lab for analysis.

How Accurate Are Air Mold Tests?

You can find mold in any area of your home. It surely gives out different signs, like a musty odor and discoloration. But, to be sure about its true extent, you shall conduct an air mold test – the most accurate way to determine mold exposure within the indoor environment.

Air mold testing surely is accurate, but it doesn’t tell the entire mold story. At times, you need to conduct more extensive mold testing with the help of professionals. Usually, molds like Chaetomium globosom or Stachybotrys don’t show up on air testing. Therefore, you need to conduct an additional test to find the mold levels within your home. If you skip additional testing, then there’s a high chance that the mold issue won’t get fixed.

Air Quality Test Vs Mold Test

Air quality tests and mold tests are different processes, but their purpose is the same, assessing the health and safety of indoor environments. During an air quality test, the levels of various pollutants and contaminants in the air are measured, such as:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Carbon monoxide
• Particulate matter
• Allergens

The test provides a comprehensive overview of the indoor air quality. This type of test is important for identifying the potential sources of respiratory issues and general health problems.

On the other hand, mold tests specifically target the presence and concentration of mold spores in the air and on surfaces. These tests play a major role in detecting hidden mold growth that can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and structural damage to buildings.

Even though both of the tests can identify potential health risks, mold tests are more specialized. Whereas, air quality tests encompass a broader range of pollutants. However, conducting both tests can offer a thorough assessment of indoor environmental quality.

How to Get Rid of Mold Spores in the Air Naturally

We know how to test air for mold and how accurate these tests are; now, let’s end our discussion with how to naturally get rid of mold spores.

Ensuring proper ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans are two of the most common ways to get rid of mold spores, as this increases airflow and reduces humidity levels. Besides this, you can also use dehumidifiers to maintain indoor humidity levels below 50% which makes the environment less conducive to mold. Additionally, you need to regularly clean the surfaces with natural products like vinegar or baking soda as this helps in preventing mold spores from settling and multiplying.

With all these natural ways, you can also use a high-efficiency particulate air purifier that captures mold spores and prevents them from recirculating. Thus, this builds a cleaner and healthier indoor atmosphere.

Protect your home and health with Hawley Inspections’ expert mold inspection services. Our advanced technology detects hidden mold and assesses air quality, giving you peace of mind with a detailed report and solutions. Don’t wait—schedule your mold inspection today and ensure a mold-free living environment. Contact Hawley Home Inspections now to book your appointment!