Mould Testing: Essential for the Mould Remediation Process
Mould isn’t just an ugly stain. It’s a living organism that can damage your property, and more importantly, it can make you sick. If you own, manage, or work on buildings, understanding and using mould testing isn’t just a good idea – it’s crucial for keeping everyone safe and healthy.
The benefits of mould testing
—— Mould is a symptom of a damp issue.
Mould spores are microscopic; the colony is well established when you can see mould growing. Simply cleaning the mould will not fix the problem!
Testing for mould growth will provide the necessary information to focus on potential airborne contaminants that pose a hazard to health. Mould hidden behind walls and under floors may be affecting indoor air quality.
Our robust testing regime will provide guidance on the presence of mould and identify if there is mould growth or an issue with the quality of the cleaning process.
Mould testing gives us solid, scientific facts about where mould is and how much of it there is. This information is vital for several reasons:
- Protecting Your Health: Mould can cause many health problems, from allergies and breathing issues to more serious conditions for people who are sensitive. Testing helps find hidden mould that could be affecting health, even if you can’t see it.
- Saving Your Property: Undetected mould can lead to major structural damage, greatly reducing your property’s value. Early testing can stop small problems from becoming huge, expensive repairs.
- Effective Cleaning: Knowing the type and amount of mould helps cleaning contractors clean it up precisely and effectively. This avoids unnecessary work or, worse, not cleaning it well enough.
- Peace of Mind: For homeowners and building managers, testing offers comfort, knowing your environment is safe. If there’s a problem, it gives you the evidence you need to fix it.
- Legal and Insurance Needs: Sometimes, mould testing is required for insurance claims or legal disputes related to mould damage or health complaints.
- Checking that remediation or cleaning has been effective: Testing after cleaning confirms that the mould is gone and that the cleaning/remediation contractor has done a good job.
The Crucial Step: Post-Remediation Verification (PRV)
One of the most important uses of mould testing is called Post-Remediation Verification (PRV). This step is often skipped, but it’s absolutely vital. Imagine spending a lot of time and money getting mould removed, only for it to reappear soon after. PRV stops this by scientifically proving that the cleaning worked.
- Ensures the Job is Done Right: PRV tests show that the mould has been completely removed, not just superficially cleaned.
- Prevents Return: By confirming no mould is left, PRV helps make sure any underlying moisture problems have been fixed, which stops mould from growing back later.
- Gives Assurance: For property owners and residents, PRV provides clear proof that the area is now safe and healthy.
- Protects Contractors: For companies that clean up mould, PRV is undeniable evidence of a job well done. This protects their reputation and reduces potential legal issues.
Air Testing vs. Surface Testing: What’s the Difference?
Mould testing generally falls into two main types: air testing and surface testing. Each gives different, but equally important, information about mould.
Air Testing
Air testing, also known as air sampling, measures how many mould spores and fragments are floating in the air.
- What it tells you: It shows if mould spores are actively circulating indoors, which people can breathe in. It can also help find hidden mould if spore counts are high compared to outside, even when you can’t see any mould.
- How it works: Air is pulled through a special device that catches airborne particles, including mould spores. These samples are then sent to a lab to identify the types of mould and count the spores.
- When it’s important: Air testing is especially useful for understanding how much mould people might be exposed to, finding hidden mould sources, and for PRV, to make sure the air quality is back to normal after cleaning.
Surface Testing
Surface testing involves taking samples directly from surfaces where mould is suspected or visible.
- What it tells you: It confirms whether a stain is actually mould or something else. It also shows how much mould is on that particular spot.
- How it works: This can be done in a few ways:
- Swabs: A sterile cotton swab is rubbed over the suspected area.
- Tape Lifts: Clear adhesive tape is pressed onto the surface and then pulled off, picking up mould spores and pieces of mould.
- Bulk Samples: A small piece of the contaminated material itself is taken. These samples are then analysed in a lab.
- When it’s important: Surface testing is perfect for confirming visible mould, and seeing how widespread the contamination is on a material. It’s also vital for PRV, making sure all visible mould has been properly removed from affected surfaces.
Ultimately, mould testing isn’t just an extra step; it’s a fundamental part of maintaining healthy properties and ensuring the well-being of those who use them.
By understanding the different testing methods, recognising the critical importance of PRV, and using advanced systems, we can create safer indoor environments and protect our valuable assets.
When to test for mould contamination?
If there is visible mould growth it is generally not necessary to test to confirm the presence of mould. The exception to this, is if a person has a known sensitivity to a particular type of mould then speciation testing can be carried out to identify the moulds present in the building.
After a Flood or Storm Event
Flooding and Storm events can saturate building materials creating the perfect environment for mould growth. Mould can affect the IAQ, and cause damage to decorative finishes, contents and the building fabric.
After Mould Remediation or Cleaning
Mould remediation is expensive and disruptive. Ensure that the job has been completed to a high standard by having a Post Remediation Verification completed. This will highlight the efficacy of the remediation process.
After a Water Leak or Moisture Damage
Water leaks may go undetected for many months or years. When the leak has been repaired if drying has not been completed properly, moisture will still be available to facilitate mould growth.
Unattributed Health & Breathing Problems
If occupants of the building experience adverse health symptoms due to possible airborne contaminants, our Mycometer FAI air sampling may be able to offer an indication as to the cause.
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