Testing for mould - American Metropolitan Environmental

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Is Mould Testing Really Necessary?

This is one of the most often asked questions from our clients and the answer is not as easy as a “yes” or “no“.

In most cases, professional mould testing is not required to determine if you have a mould problem. If you can see or smell mould, testing usually adds little value. Instead, the focus should be on identifying the source of moisture and removing the mould growth. Testing may be recommended in specific situations, such as legal disputes, real estate transactions, or when the presence of mould is suspected but not visible.

When Is Mould Testing Useful?

Even the EPA states “Is sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building’s compliance with federal mold standards.”
EPA Mold-testing-or-sampling

While testing is often unnecessary, there are scenarios where it can be helpful:

When the presence of mould is uncertain – You suspect mould due to symptoms or odors, but nothing is visible.
To confirm remediation success – Post-remediation verification testing ensures that clean-up was effective.
For legal or insurance documentation – Some cases may require testing reports to support claims.
For health-related concerns – When medical professionals request mould data for patients with sensitivities.

Types of Mould Testing

If testing is deemed necessary, professionals may use one or more of the following methods:

Air sampling – Collects airborne spores to identify mould presence and concentration.
Surface sampling – Swabs or tape lifts from surfaces to determine if mould is present and what type.
Bulk sampling – Pieces of material (e.g., drywall) are sent to a lab for analysis.

These tests should always be interpreted by a qualified professional, as results can be misleading without proper context.

Why Visual Inspection Is More Important

A thorough visual inspection by an experienced professional, like the Council-Certified Indoor Environmental Consultants (CIECs) at American Metropolitan Environmental, Inc., is typically more effective than testing. Mould is almost always a sign of a moisture problem, and identifying the moisture source is key to solving the issue. Testing may tell you what kind of mould is present, but it won’t explain why it’s growing or how to stop it.

According to AIHA, “Should I test my home for mold on a routine basis? Probably not. Looking for evidence of water damage and visible mold growth should be your first step. Testing for mold is expensive, and you should have a clear reason for doing so. In addition, there are no standards for “acceptable” levels of mold in the indoor environment.”
AIHA Facts-About-Mold

What Should You Do If You Suspect Mould?

If you suspect a mould problem in your home or workplace:

Look for visible signs – Discoloration, warping, or black spots may indicate mould growth.
Check for musty odors – A persistent damp or musty smell can signal hidden mould.
Address moisture problems – Fix leaks, improve ventilation, and control humidity.
Call a professional – An experienced inspector can assess the situation and recommend appropriate next steps.

Final Thoughts

In most situations, mould testing is unnecessary and can lead to confusion or unnecessary worry. A professional inspection focused on finding moisture sources and visible mould is usually more valuable. If you’re unsure, contact our office today and speak to our reputable mould inspectors for guidance.