Specification

Direct Exam Frequently Asked Questions
This test report contains the following sections: Chain of Custody, Report (and optionally Frequently Asked Questions and Glossary).
What does the rating system mean?
'No mold detected' = the substance on the sample you submitted did not contain a detectable level of mold. 'Minor' amounts of mold can be found in typical dust samples because
mold spores are a normal part of our air make up. 'Heavy' amounts tend to come directly from the source of the mold. For example, you saw mold growing on a piece of fruit, you sent
in a sample, the lab would report a 'heavy' rating . Conversely, if you had taken a sample of dust that had settled on a tabletop, you may get a report with 'Minor' amounts of several
types of mold listed. Keep in mind there are numerous variables involved in interpreting lab results and making conclusions based solely on testing such as surface lifts is generally
considered unreliable.
What do I do now?
If you receive a lab report back that lists 'heavy' levels of mold(s) with potentially adverse health effects, we usually recommend that air samples be taken. Of course each situation is
different and air samples may not be necessary in all circumstances. Air sampling will tell you if that same mold the lab detected on your surface sample is airborne.
How do I get rid of it?
Many molds are allergens and some may be toxigenic, so if you are going to disturb the mold with cleaning methods, you increase your chances of exposure to the particulate. Mold
clean up and disposal methods vary greatly from company to company. A good rule of thumb is that if the contaminated area is small and the material is non porous such as metal, it
can be cleaned by traditional methods, taking care to use personal protective equipment. Porous materials on the other hand, such as wood, textiles, or sheetrock are difficult to clean
because of the microscopic holes in the material. The root structures of the mold called hyphae/mycelia can grow down into the holes and make it hard to clean effectively. The surface
will appear clean but as soon as conditions are favorable the mold can start to grow again.
Is this the Black Mold?
Usually when a customer asks this question he/she is referring to Stachybotrys. Although Stachybotrys is black in color, so are many other types of mold. Do not make the mistake and
discount the importance of other types of mold listed on your report because you do not see the word(s) Stachybotrys or Black mold. For more about 'black mold' visit
http://www.moldlab.com/black-mold.html
Can we still live here?
There are no established ‘safe’ levels of mold, just as there are no established 'unsafe' levels of mold, and individuals have different resistances to mold.
a). Do any of the occupants fall into the susceptible group? This group includes: children, elderly, immunocompromised, and persons with respiratory disorders. Please consult your
physician if you suspect you are suffering from mold related illness.
b). Is the indoor airborne mold concentration higher than the outdoor concentration?
c). How wide spread is the contamination? i.e. is the mold enclosed inside a cabinet, or does it cover the entire wall? When in doubt, contact a professional in your area.
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