If you’re considering purchasing an older home, you may want to have it tested for mold (fungus) beforehand. Mold testing is a process that involves looking for any signs of fungus in the home. It is usually done by a professional, but can be done by homeowners who would rather do it themselves.
While the test cannot identify the types of mold found in the home, or where it’s specifically located, it can tell you the count of the molds. If your city allows it, you may be able to have the test conducted by request without having to pay for it yourself. Or if you already own an older home, you can order a test kit online and collect the samples yourself.
You should know however that no matter what type of home you live in you will have some mold. And while some can be toxic and others can cause allergies, not all molds are dangerous. Therefore, it is impossible to conduct a test and find that there are no molds present. So even with positive results, it doesn’t necessarily mean your home has a problem. And unfortunately even with a test, there’s no way to determine whether or not you have dangerous mold in your home.
And because the tests can vary widely in scope and quality, it can sometimes be a waste of money as well, if you’re not careful. One instance would be if there were visible signs of mold growing in your home. Another example is if a musty smell is detected in the home. In both cases the tests are not necessary since the homeowner is already aware of a mold problem.
If you suspect that there is a problem and you’re certain that your home has toxic black mold, you should take action immediately. Toxic molds are not only a sore sight; they can also cause respiratory problems, allergies, headaches and fatigue. And toxic molds are extremely dangerous to those with weak immune systems, infants, pets and the elderly.
Because toxic mold poses a significant health risk, you should eliminate it immediately.
In the past, people have used bleach to eliminate mold; however, scientists have discovered that bleaching is ineffective. Instead, you should use a black mold removal product that is specifically designed to kill the mold, permanently.
But before you can kill the mold, you must stop it at its source. So fixing the leaks is your first priority. Otherwise, your fungus problem will keep coming back no matter what.
If you find that your mold testing results are telling you that the mold in your home is more than just a small amount (10 square feet or less), you should consider hiring a professional to eliminate your moldy growth, especially if you have a toxic problem.
It’s never safe for a homeowner to try to remove large amounts of toxic mold from their home no matter how careful they are. A professional is not only trained to handle this type of toxic matter, but they’re also equipped to do it safely with special equipment.