Mold test

It is time to clarify a common question about mold testing: what is the difference between a mold test and an air quality test? It is not surprising that so many people are confused. After all, both types of tests are used to detect and diagnose mold problems. However, they each have their own particularities, and one of the tests is more revealing than the other.


What is a mold test?

Typically, a mold test is a quick procedure that involves taking a sample of the suspect material, inserting it into a liquid, and waiting for a color change.

While the instant mold tests give you a clear answer, yes or no, to your mold concerns, they won’t tell you what type it is and how much is in your environment. They are also not a direct indication of what is in your air. So, for more precise information, it is strongly recommended to contact a professional to test the mold in your home!

What is an air quality test and mold test?

An air quality test analyzes a sample of air taken from a room presumed to be moldy. The results tell you about the different particles floating in the air, such as mold spores, asbestos, VOCs, pollen, or other allergens.

Typically, each air sample contains 75 L of compressed air. The results therefore provide a very accurate snapshot of the health of your indoor environment. Air quality tests often reveal major problems with mold, humidity and ventilation in seemingly normal spaces.

Which one should we favor?

The answer to this question is entirely based on what you hope to learn. Generally, air quality tests are recommended because of the amount and accuracy of information they provide about your environment.

Mold tests are great if you want a quick and easy answer to your mold problems (for example, to find out if mold is growing on your antique wooden table). However, if you are looking for an overview, an air quality test is the best solution.

6 signs of mold in your home

Most people know that mold is toxic to health in general and to the home, but few can detect it. Although it is possible to determine by certain signs whether or not there is mold in your home, the only way to accurately assess the amount of mold is to have it tested by a professional. The three main types of mold tests are:

  • Air test
  • Surface test
  • Bulk test

Your home can be tested if you see, smell or detect mold problems in your home or more regularly if one of the occupants suffers from allergies or asthma. It is best to have mold testing done by a qualified professional. Hiring a mold tester experienced in collecting and analyzing mold samples will give you flawless accuracy.

If you see any of the following signs, contact an expert for a full mold assessment:

Mold smell

One of the easiest ways to tell if mold is growing inside or outside your home is by smell. On the outside, the odor it gives off is bland, while on the inside, it is more like mold and humidity. A mold smell is not something to ignore. So spraying Febreeze or something like that daily won’t fix the problem. If you’ve detected a little mold, take care of it before it becomes a pervasive problem.

Visible growth

Sure, if you see mold, you know for sure that your house has mold, but what is the extent of the problem and what mold is it? It would be easy to assume that your home contains only the detected mold, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. And it’s the one that you CANNOT see that is often the scariest!

Water leaks

Current or previous leaks are a good indicator of the presence of mold. Whether it’s a leaking pipe or a roof leak, it often creates humidity in neglected areas.

Water intrusion

Water intrusion can take many forms. Whether a sewer line is down, a pipe breaks, or a flood occurs from an exterior building, every problem can lead to months of training

Health Symptoms in a Mold Test

Black mold is known to cause the most damage to our body because it contains mycotoxins which affect our skin, our respiratory functions, etc. If you or someone you love has any of the following symptoms, a home inspection is a must:

  • Respiratory problems
  • Inflammation of the skin
  • Haemorrhage

  • Irritation of the mucous membranes
  • Damage to internal organs
  • Mental impairment
  • Tired
  • Nausea
  • Suppression of the immune system

Mold can cause short-term and long-term damage to both your health and your home. For this reason, if you think you have a mold problem, it is best to resolve this situation as soon as possible by contacting a professional who will perform an inspection immediately.

To see our packages on the mold test