While we didn't score testing kits based on their prices, we did determine whether or not a product's price was warranted. The total cost of a mold testing experience includes the initial price of the kit and the price of the lab analysis. Some products cost very little initially but are expensive if a lab test is needed. Before you turn to mold testing you should have a thorough mold inspection of your home done. If the inspection turns up mold then usually you don't need to do any mold testing. Instead you can move onto the mold removal stage.

Another 2012 review study involving 31 European countries found mold in 1 in 6 homes. The author noted that the prevalence of mold may vary greatly depending on the regional climate. How does mold get indoors?Wear protective gear. As you’re dealing with the moldy area, cover yourself with a mask, gloves, goggles, and rubber boots. If you’re cleaning a lot of mold, you can also wear disposable clothing or a mold-resistant suit. The easiest sampling method requires that you leave a petri dish in a room for an hour before sealing it up and letting it incubate. The second has you use a swab to determine whether the visible mold that you find in your home is alive or not. The last and most difficult testing method requires that you place a test kit on the air vent farthest away from your central air system.

However, it is important to remember that treating the underlying causes of mould growth can be very costly, especially if the problem is due to dampness.Mould caused by the fabric of a building and its interior spaces tends to occur in areas with a high transfer of heat or in places where large amounts of moisture form. Penicillium. This fuzzy mold is blue, green, or yellow. It’s often found under carpets, in basements, and in insulation, especially when there’s been water damage. Bulk testing involves collecting pieces of material from the home. The material is then taken to a laboratory where mold particles on the material can then be examined under a microscope. Bulk tests can tell you if you have a mold problem and give you an idea of the concentration of mold particles in your home. Request recommendations for mold removal companies. An established mold inspector will likely have a strong professional network and can refer you to a few mold removal companies that will finish the job. If you have a compromised immune system or preexisting respiratory condition, you may have a higher chance of experiencing a mold-related health condition. Allergies

Maintain 50 percent humidity or lower in your home with air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Change filters and service air conditioners and furnaces as recommended.Additional specialist equipment may also be used including microbiological air samplers and particle air testers. Not only can mold testing tell you if you have a mold problem somewhere in your home, but it can also help you to find it. Exposure to mold spores can cause symptoms for people with mold allergy and respiratory conditions like asthma. For others, mold can sometimes be an irritant. In rare cases, mold can cause infections or other serious reactions. The kits themselves are very easy to set-up and they will grow spores within a few hours once placed correctly. They aren't as good for HVAC testing as our top choice, but handle all other rooms with ease. Overall, highly recommended if you need to know exactly what mold you're dealing with. Montelukast (Singulair). This oral medication reduces mucus in your airways, which decreases symptoms of both mold allergies and asthma. However, in March 2020 the FDA posted a boxed warning advising healthcare providers to avoid prescribing montelukast for patients with mild symptoms, particularly those with allergic rhinitis due to risk of Neuropsychiatric events.