Inspection and Testing: Get the peace of mind you deserve.

Mold is a common problem in homes everywhere. The CDC reports that an estimated 25% of U.S. households have experienced mold within the past year. This pesky fungus can affect your family’s health and even cause structural damage to the building materials it grows on.  That’s why it’s important to have a mold inspection done by a licensed Mold Assessor if there’s visible evidence of mold growth or water damage in your home.

Can Anyone Do Mold Inspections? 

Only a licensed mold assessor can do mold inspections in Florida. This is because mold inspection is a specialized field that requires training and experience. Mold assessors must be able to identify different types of mold, assess the severity of mold growth, and determine the best course of action for remediation.

If you’re concerned about mold in your home, it’s important to hire a licensed mold assessor. They will be able to inspect your home for mold growth and provide you with a detailed report of their findings. Keep in mind, a Mold Assessor can not do remediation.

If mold is found, the mold assessor may also recommend a qualified mold remediation company to remove the mold safely and effectively.

Requirements to be a Licensed Mold Inspector in Florida

A licensed Mold Inspector must have at least two years of experience in mold inspection, mold remediation, or a related field. They also 

•       Must pass the mold inspector exam with a passing score or higher.
•       Must  have a mold inspector license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

 What Happens During the Mold Inspection?

The inspector will use a moisture meter and thermal imaging camera to check for hidden moisture. They will check for water leaks, which can cause hidden mold growth behind walls and ceilings. The inspector will look for visible mold. Even if there is no visible mold, there still may be unseen mold spores in the air.

The inspector will check the AC system for air flow, so that vents aren’t clogged with dust or pet hair that can harbor molds and bacteria. Lastly, the inspector will collect samples to be analyzed by an accredited laboratory to identify what, if any, molds are present.

 Our professional mold inspector will send off samples to a qualified lab and provide you with a detailed report listing types of mold, severity, and provide a remediation protocol.

 Certified Lab Testing Will Help Determine Types Of Mold

Mold testing requires a certified lab to ensure accurate results. It’s also important that the mold testing company is licensed by an independent party, such as a state or federal government agency. 

Mold tests purchased from the store or online don’t provide the same level of comprehensive analysis as a thorough mold assessment performed by a licensed professional.

 The most common types of mold tests include air samples (cassettes) and surface samples (swabs and tape lifts). Generally speaking, air samples provide more information about what types of molds are present in a given environment than do surface samples, but are more expensive due to the complexity and time involved in properly analyzing them. Surface samples can tell you about the active or inactive mold material present on surfaces tested, but does not provide information on airborne spores unless those spores have landed on the sampled surface within in the past 48 hours.

Here is a list of some common good and bad molds, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

 Good Molds:

 ✅Penicillium: This mold is used to produce the antibiotic penicillin and is commonly found in soil, food, and indoor environments.

 ✅Aspergillus oryzae: This mold is used to ferment soybeans and other foods and is commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

 ✅Rhizopus oligosporus: This mold is used to produce tempeh, a traditional Indonesian food made from soybeans.

 ✅Mucor racemosus: This mold is used to produce the enzyme rennet, which is used in the production of cheese.

 

Bad Molds:

🚫Stachybotrys chartarum: This mold is commonly referred to as “black mold” and is known for producing mycotoxins that can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and other health issues.

 🚫Aspergillus fumigatus: This mold is commonly found in soil and decaying organic matter and can cause infections in individuals with weakened immune systems.

 🚫Alternaria: This mold is commonly found in damp environments and can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems.

 🚫Cladosporium: This mold is commonly found in indoor and outdoor environments and can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems.

  It’s important to note that the presence of any mold, whether considered “good” or “bad,” can indicate underlying moisture issues that should be addressed to prevent mold growth and potential health problems. In addition, some individuals may be more sensitive to mold than others and may experience adverse health effects even from molds that are considered “good.” 

If you suspect mold growth in your home or have health concerns related to mold exposure, it’s important to consult with a trained professional for evaluation and remediation.

 Should I Have My Home Inspected and Tested?

Mold inspection and testing is an essential part of keeping your home healthy. A Licensed Mold Assessor will thoroughly investigate your home for moisture or mold damage and collect samples for analysis by an independent lab. Mold testing experts can also help with the remediation process, ensuring that no traces of mold are left behind after removal.

 If you’re concerned about the presence of mold or want to know what steps you can take to prevent future mold growth, contact Bio Pro today!