WHAT IS MOLD TESTING?
Mold testing is the actual collecting of samples for laboratory analysis. There two types of samples; surface samples and air samples.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MOLD TESTING?
The purpose of testing is to identify what types of molds are present on surfaces and in the air. Identification and quantification is useful data in determining proper remediation procedures as well as the seriousness of potential health risks.

WHAT IS A SURFACE SAMPLE?
Just like it sounds, a surface sample is a sample taken directly from a surface (approximately one square inch). Surface samples can be taken by tape lift imprints, cotton swabs receptacles, or bulk sampling (an actual piece of a surface). The preferred method of analysis at most laboratories today is direct microscopic examination (direct microscopy). Direct microscopy is generally more proficient than culturing mold samples for three reasons:

>> Culturing mold samples is the process of growing mold in a Petri dish in a wide variety of different liquid agar solutions. The problem is that some agar solutions are conducive to some mold types but not others, which means multiple samples of the same area with different agars are required to accurately represent all molds present, making the cost of sampling prohibitive in many cases.

>> Many molds do not compete well with others in the culturing process and are often choked out by stronger, more aggressive molds. Molds that thrive in a particular agar solution will stifle the growth of molds that don't grow well in that same solution. The result is an inaccurate representation.

>> Culturing can take 7 to 10 days for results. So forget about quick turn-around times.

WHAT IS AN AIR SAMPLE?
An air sample is a representation of mold spores in the air based on the actual number of spores captured in a canister known as a spore trap. Biological air sampling is the best way to accurately determine if an elevated mold spore condition exists because it reveals not only what types of mold are in the air but how much of each type as well.

Please Note: An air test requires a minimum of two samples. The reason is because, at the time of this writing, there are no official State or Federal standards for how much mold is "normal". In the absence of standards, laboratories require an ambient sample of outdoor air to be submitted with your indoor air sample. The outdoor sample establishes a comparison baseline for your indoor air sample. A single outdoor mold sample is sufficient for multiple indoor samples.

Ideally, indoor spore counts should be the same or less that outdoor spore counts. When indoor spore counts exceed outdoor spore counts, or when certain types of mold are found indoors but not outdoors, something indoors is the cause. The grater the difference, the higher the potential health risk.

HOW MUCH DOES MOLD TESTING COST?     

Mold Testing via Surface Sample: $99 PER SAMPLE
Identifies what types of mold are found on a surface. Does not quantify specific amounts or establish what molds are in the air.

Mold Testing via Air Sample: $125 PER SAMPLE (2 sample minimum - $250)
Identifies what types of mold spores are in the air and quantifies the amounts of each type.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT INSPECTIONS & TESTING:

Q: Do I have to have both the inspection and the testing or can I do one without the other?
A: Mold inspections and mold testing services can be purchased separately, however, one typically raises questions that can only be answered by the other. For example; if an air test indicates an elevated mold condition exists, something in the inspection will explain why. On the other hand, if mold is discovered in the inspection, sampling will determining the type(s) and severity.

Q: How long does it take?
A: Scheduling an appointment usually requires a day or two notice. The length of the investigation varies upon the size of the property. Lab results usually take 2 to 3 business days (24 hour service is available).

Q: Does AMI bill Escrow?
A: No. Services must be paid for at the time of the appointment or pre-paid with a credit card on our web site.

Q: Are AMI Mold Inspectors Certified?s
A: Yes. AMI Inspectors hold certifications under two different labs as Certified Mold Inspectors. We are also Certified Property Mold Specialists, a certification specifically for multi-unit residential and commercial structures such as apartment buildings, condominiums, office buildings, etc. AMI Inspectors are also Certified Mold Remediators, however, we do not engage in any remediation work. The only reason we require our inspectors to be certified in remediation is because AMI is frequently called on to perform post-remediation clearance testing. Remediation certification provides the knowledge to identify when remediation work is done correctly and incorrectly.

Q: Are AMI Mold Inspectors Industrial Hygienists?
A: No. Industrial Hygienists are often over-qualified for residential mold inspections, and often times cost prohibitive.

Q: What Is Industrial Hygiene?
A: Industrial hygiene is the science of keeping people safe at work and in their communities. Industrial hygienists (IHs) are professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of workers. Originally industrial hygienists worked primarily in factories and other industrial settings but as our society has changed, so has the definition of industrial hygiene. Today, IHs can be found in almost every type of work setting. Industrial hygienists also use the term OEHS or occupational and environmental health and safety to refer to the work that they do.

Q: What Does an Industrial Hygienist Do?
A: IHs still work to prevent illness or injury from hazards in industrial settings. They may also be found working to prevent ergonomic injuries in the office; measuring noise levels at an airport; supervising the safe removal of lead, mold or asbestos; and in thousands of other settings. Industrial hygienists may sample air, soil or water to determine if there are harmful substances present. They may fit test a respirator to ensure that a worker is breathing cleaner air.

Q: What Is the Benefit of OEHS?
A: Workplace safety and health programs make a difference in preventing occupational fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. Since the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed in 1970, workplace injuries and illnesses declined significantly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2001 there were 5,900 workplace related fatalities and 5.2 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses reported. That is a rate of 5.7 injuries per 100 workers, less than half of the 1973 number of 11 injuries or illnesses for each 100 workers.

Industrial hygiene saves lives, improves quality of life, and increases productivity. Safe, healthy workers are more efficient. Injuries can mean many days or weeks out of work, or even permanent disability, causing serious economic hardship to a worker and his or her family.