Mold is a major concern for homeowners and renters in Massachusetts. Mold can cause a variety of health problems, especially for people with allergies or asthma. It can also damage your home and belongings. That’s why it’s so important to test for mold in your Massachusetts home. But what exactly should you look for when doing mold testing? Let’s break down the science behind mold testing so you know what to watch out for.
How Mold Grows in Massachusetts Homes
Mold is a type of fungus that spreads through tiny spores. It grows best in warm, humid environments. Mold Testing in Massachusetts homes often thrives in areas like:
- Bathrooms – especially around showers, tubs, and sinks where moisture accumulates
- Basements – mold loves dark, damp basements with concrete walls and dirt floors
- Attics – poor insulation and ventilation lead to condensation that allows mold growth
- Kitchens – leaks under the sink or around the refrigerator provide the perfect conditions
- Crawl spaces – musty crawl spaces tend to breed mold
If there is excessive moisture or water damage in your Massachusetts home, there is likely mold present. But you usually cannot see mold growth with the naked eye until there is a serious problem.
Health Dangers of Mold in Massachusetts Homes
Inhaling or touching mold spores can cause various health issues such as:
- Mold allergy symptoms – runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, sore throat
- Asthma attacks – mold triggers dangerous asthma flare ups
- Respiratory infections – mold spores irritate lungs and make you prone to bronchitis or pneumonia
- Skin irritation – touching mold may lead to dermatitis, hives, or skin discoloration
Babies, children, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk from mold exposure. But even healthy adults should take precautions around mold.
Some types of mold like black mold release mycotoxins that can cause headaches, vomiting, and even neurological issues. If you suspect you have black mold or dangerous mold levels, get professional mold testing and removal.
Mold Testing Options in Massachusetts
There are several different mold tests available in Massachusetts:
Air Testing
Air testing involves taking samples of the air in your home and sent to a lab for analysis. An air test can identify the types and levels of mold present. This is useful for finding hidden mold issues elsewhere in the home.
Pros: Quick, easy, non-invasive
Cons: Only provides a snapshot in time, doesn’t pinpoint location
Surface Testing
This test takes a swab or tape sample directly from a visibly moldy area. The sample gets analyzed to identify the mold species present.
Pros: Finds specific mold source, inexpensive
Cons: Only tells you about one area, not overall home
Infrared Camera Inspection
An infrared camera can detect moisture issues beneath walls and floors by identifying temperature differences. This can help locate hidden mold problems.
Pros: Finds moisture issues and probable mold location
Cons: Cannot confirm mold presence, expensive equipment
Mold Testing in Massachusetts Lab Analysis
Any samples collected from air, surface or materials in the home get sent to a qualified mold testing lab. The lab will culture the sample to identify the mold species present and the concentration levels.
Common indoor molds found in Massachusetts homes include:
- Aspergillus
- Penicillium
- Alternaria
- Cladosporium
- Stachybotrys (black mold)
Lab results will determine if mold levels are low, moderate or high compared to outside air samples. This helps assess how severe the contamination is. Remediation can then be recommended based on the mold species and spore concentration levels discovered.
DIY Mold Testing in Massachusetts
Many mold testing kits are available at hardware stores for Massachusetts homeowners to use themselves. DIY mold test kits contain:
- Mold test swabs – Take surface samples by rubbing the swab over mold growth.
- Air sample cassettes – Capture mold spores floating in the air over a period of time.
- Petri dish – Expose the agar dish to the air to culture mold growth.
- Mold analysis lab – Send samples to a lab for identification.
While DIY kits are affordable, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that homeowners may not get accurate results without professional mold testing training. It’s easy to make mistakes collecting the samples that invalidate the test.
Pros of DIY mold testing: Inexpensive, convenient
Cons of DIY mold testing: Easy to contaminate samples, incorrect collection, hard to interpret results
Professional Mold Inspection and Testing in Massachusetts
For the most thorough and accurate mold testing, the CDC recommends hiring a professional mold inspector. Look for a licensed and experienced mold professional rather than a general home inspector.
A professional mold tester will:
- Do a visual inspection for mold, moisture issues and water damage
- Use specialized equipment like thermal imaging to find hidden moisture
- Follow proper protocols to collect air and surface samples
- Send samples to a certified mold testing lab
- Interpret the lab results and make remediation recommendations
- Provide a detailed mold testing report
Pros of professional mold testing: Accurate, identifies mold type and levels, pinpoints problems
Cons of professional testing: More expensive than DIY kits Reputable mold companies belong to professional organizations like the American Mold Inspection Association (AMIA) or the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA). Make sure any mold company you choose has licensed mold inspectors, proper certifications, training and insurance.
Mold Remediation in Massachusetts
Once mold is confirmed through professional mold testing, you’ll need mold remediation to remove the contamination. Mold cleanup involves:
- Fixing the original moisture issue causing the mold growth
- Removing porous materials with mold growth (drywall, carpeting, wood)
- Cleaning and disinfecting non-porous surfaces (tile, plastic, metal)
- Using HEPA air scrubbers to filter mold spores
- Doing post-remediation testing to confirm mold levels are back to normal
Mold remediation can be complex and hazardous. Make sure to have the process done by a professional mold remediation contractor in Massachusetts. DIY mold cleanup is not advised as you can spread the spores and potentially make yourself sick.
Preventing Mold Growth
The key to keeping your Massachusetts home mold-free is moisture control and quick cleanup when leaks or spills happen. Good prevention tips include:
- Using exhaust fans, dehumidifiers and air conditioning to reduce humidity
- Making repairs quickly when plumbing leaks or water damage occurs
- Avoiding carpet installation in damp areas like basements
- Cleaning bathrooms with mold-killing products
- Ventilating attics and crawl spaces properly
- Having a professional inspection for hidden moisture issues
Stopping moisture from infiltrating your home is the best way to avoid costly mold problems.
Conclusion
Mold can seriously impact your family’s health and cause extensive damage if left unchecked. When Mold Testing in Massachusetts homes, look for signs of excess moisture, allergic reactions and visible growth. Consider having a professional mold inspector take samples to identify the specific types of mold present and the concentration levels compared to outside air. This provides a clear diagnosis of any mold issues. If testing reveals elevated mold levels, follow up with professional mold remediation. Keeping your Massachusetts home dry and well-ventilated provides the best protection against mold. Address any water damage or high humidity right away. With proactive testing and prevention, you can keep mold from becoming a headache.