The EPA states that “Molds are part of the natural environment, and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Mold is not usually a problem, unless it begins growing indoors. The best way to control mold growth is to control moisture”
While many “apparent molds” will be obvious upon a visual inspection, not all are. Mold can hide behind and inside cabinetry, walls, carpet, ductwork, and insulation just to name a few.
The only way to know if a potential microbial growth is a harmful mold is to have a sample collected and identified.
There are 3 harmful categories of molds that are cause for concern:
1) Allergenic which produces allergies and allergic reactions such as asthma.
2) Pathogenic which causes health issues in those suffering acute illness.
3) Toxigenic produces toxic substances that lead to dangerous and deadly health issues.
Pintler Property Services offers direct sampling and air sampling to confirm or refute the presence of any “apparent molds”.
Direct Sampling
Swabs or bio-tapes are used to collect physical samples. Direct sampling is most often performed in moisture-rich areas such as bathrooms, attics, and crawlspaces when “apparent mold” is observed. Samples are sent to certified laboratories and results are received within 2 – 3 days.
Air Sampling
Pintler Property Services has the ability to test for the presence of mold spores in the dwelling. An air pump is used to pull air through a spore trap that captures debris from the air on a sticky slide within the trap. This sampling method is most often performed when there is a concern for mold with no “apparent mold” visible and after mold remediation of a property has been completed.
A minimum of two air samples will be collected. One indoor sample and one outdoor sample. One indoor air sample is required per 1000 square feet. So if your home is 1300 square feet, two indoor air samples should be collected. The outdoor samples become the baseline for comparison to the indoor sample(s).
Spore traps are sent to certified laboratories where they analyzed. Results are typically returned within 2 – 3 days.
All of our sampling methods follow laboratory-specific guidelines in order to ensure the most accurate results possible.
Discrete (direct swap or tape) sampling can be added on to any home inspection if “apparent mold” is found during the inspection.
We offer stand-alone Mold Inspections and home inspections that incorporate mold inspections as an add-on.
If you are interested in scheduling a mold, or home inspection, or have questions reach out to us via email, call, or text. You can also visit our Contact page. We look forward to hearing from you!
