Common Questions
Do I need to test for mold in my house?
Answer
Not always. EPA and CDC both say that when mold is visible, sampling usually isn't needed: whatever the species, the fix is the same — clean it up and correct the moisture problem. Sampling earns its place when the source is hidden or unclear, when there are health concerns or litigation, and after cleanup to confirm the area is clean.
There are no federal limits for mold, so a test can't show a building "passes" a federal standard. Results are compared with outdoor air and judged by someone trained to interpret them. Visual inspection also has limits: the S520 notes that settled spores and fragments (its Condition 2) can't be confirmed by looking.
Our recommendation
If you smell mold but can't find it, or someone is having symptoms, have a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant inspect first and decide whether sampling will answer the question. In Texas, collecting a mold sample for someone else is itself licensed mold assessment work, and samples go to a TDLR-licensed lab.
What the sources say
“In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary.”
“In specific instances, such as cases where litigation is involved, the source(s) of the mold contamination is unclear, or health concerns are a problem, you may consider sampling as part of your site evaluation.”
“Since no EPA or other Federal threshold limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building’s compliance with Federal mold standards.”
“Sampling for mold is not usually recommended. Understanding the results can be difficult, and no matter what kind of mold is in your home, you need to clean it up and fix the moisture problem.”
“the collection or analysis of a mold sample.”
“The remediator cannot confirm Condition 2 by visual inspection alone.”