You’ve probably heard “you should get a mold test”, but what does that really mean?

The unfortunate reality is that Florida’s climate presents the absolute ideal conditions for microbial growth inside homes. Mold needs 3 conditions to grow. If all of the conditions exist, mold growth is nearly guaranteed. By elimination any of these conditions, mold growth can be prohibited.

1. Moisture (humidity or leaks)

2. Food Source (building materials)

3. Optimum Temperatures. (70°- 90°F ideal)

Knowing this, a simple “test” can only tell you if any viable (having potential) spores are active in the air. They do not consider source, test for moisture intrusion or evaluate temperature/humidity. While there is a place and time for stand-alone mold spore (IAQ) testing, it is best when paired with an more in-depth inspection or assessment.

Unfortunately, the state of Florida allows any home inspector, regardless of whether they hold an active Mold Assessor License, to use IAQ “pump” tests to evaluate airborne spores and advertise this as “mold testing”. This leads to mislead expectations around the limitations of such testing and can lead to the false expectations of a “mold-free home”.

So What Is Your Best Chance Of Finding Mold?

• If You are Purchasing a home and in your inspection period - adding an IAQ (indoor air quality) test can help your inspector by presenting a more well-rounded picture of the condition of the home that may lead to otherwise undetectable discoveries. It’s important to understand that during a typical pre-purchase real estate inspection, the ENTIRE home is being evaluated for all types of functionality so mold detection isn’t the primary focus of the limited time on-site. The reality is that some mold is only detectable via destructive testing (opening up a wall, etc) which cannot be done during a home inspection. Adding an IAQ test does drastically increase the chances of finding a mold issue if one exists.

• If you already own your home - and you are having health issues, had a moisture intrusion event or simply have a suspicion that you may have a microbial growth problem, a full assessment is the very best way to determine severity, extent and next steps. Since you own the property, destructive testing is possible and in your best interest.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Difference At-a-Glance

• Commonly added to a full home inspection (for real estate purchase) as the best chance of finding an underlying home-health problem.

• Also used prior to and following mold remediation work to verify spore counts

• Lab analysis of airborne spores, some of which may contain mold spores.

• Not to be used or interpreted as a “stand alone” service. Results can be misleading without additional context.

• A useful tool in determining the type of mold already visual detected.

• Can be used without a Florida State Mold Assessor’s license or training.