More About Mold

Why Mold Matters

Black mold in particular is a health concern which needs to be addressed quickly, before it can spread throughout your house or office. The first step to controlling any kind of mold is considering testing. Not all black spots are mold. In fact, black spots on surfaces can be caused by a number of things including dirt, soil, paint and insect fecal matter.

The best way to find out is through professional mold testing. We offer a number of testing services for mold – from instant testing to detailed laboratory analysis.

Professional home environment with healthy air quality

What Causes Mold?

Should the results of the mold testing or inspection reveal a mold problem, our experts will determine the exact cause or source of the mold growth. Mold is most often associated with a moisture problem such as:

• Cracked roof or foundation
• Burst pipes
• Leaky taps, faucets and toilets
• Old windows and doors
• High humidity
• Leaky appliances

Benefits of Mold Testing

A mold test has several purposes and provides valuable information:

• Assessing fungal ecology
• Confirming the presence of mold
• Locating source(s) of moisture
• Assessing potential health risks
• Eliminating potential health risks
• Planning a mold remediation
• Providing evidence for insurance claims/litigation
• Verifying job completion

Professional inspection using thermal imaging and advanced equipment

Testing for Mold in Your Apartment or House

Not all mold can be seen by the human eye, and so it often remains untreated. Mold spores then continue to make their way through the air and cause respiratory harm. We highly recommend that you have a mold inspection prior to moving in.

Pacific Decontamination Services will carry out a thorough investigation using sensitive equipment, including thermal imaging and infrared cameras. This equipment works to detect areas of damp, excessive temperature changes, water leaks and mold growth that you can't see.

Using this equipment, the technicians can get the job done without needing to remove walls or floorboards. They can and will test for mold in attics, basements, crawl spaces, around windows, under carpets and, of course, in the most susceptible areas of the bathroom and kitchen.

Mold Testing vs. Mold Detection

Considering the air and other indoor conditions do change often, mold detection may be a more effective option, if you want a bigger picture of the mold situation in your home. Due to its thoroughness, mold detection is critical in maintaining a healthy home or office environment.

Water damage detection - early prevention is key

Home Purchase or Selling – Failed Home Inspection

Whether you are buying, selling, renting properties, failed a home inspection, or just want to ensure your present home or building does not have elevated levels of mold or toxic mold, Pacific Decontamination Services can provide the professional service you need.

How Our Mold Testing Service Helps

Some homeowners want to monitor the air quality inside their homes to prevent mold from becoming a major threat. In this case, mold testing is the perfect tool because it can give you an accurate representation of the number of mold spores present in the indoor air.

We know that prolonged exposure to mold can cause health problems, but we know very little about how each individual is going to react to a mold problem. Some people may experience a mild mold allergy, while others may develop serious respiratory illness. Some may experience no symptoms at all.

What we do know is that several species of mold are known to cause respiratory problems to the point it's toxic. Mold testing allows us to identify if the mold growing inside our homes is allergenic, pathogenic or toxigenic. It also helps us determine the extent of the problem and plan for an effective mold removal.