Virginia Black Mold Tests

Mold related health concerns typically show up in humans as fungal infections or fungal allergies. These conditions are well known and accepted among medical experts. Further health effects as a result of toxins and irritants produced by black mold have been proposed. The probable mechanisms are understood, but controlled studies have yet to be conducted. Case studies suggest that extensive health effects are related to airborne exposure of several species of mold. Black mold is one of these molds.

Black mold is a particularly hazardous species of mold. Scientifically known as Strachybotrys chartarum or as Strachybotrys atra, black mold has been known to cause death in infants and the elderly as a result of respiratory bleeding. It also contributes to asthma and bronchitis. Home Inspections of Northern Virginia offers black mold tests in Virginia.

Although virtually every home has some sort of mold, black mold is of specific concern. Home Inspections of Northern Virginia offers three different Virginia black mold test options in order to address every concern as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.

The least expensive black mold test in Virginia involves a swab and DNA mold analysis. The most beneficial aspect of this test is that it will only identify the species of mold most know to cause health problems. This test is a simple and inexpensive way to safeguard your family. This Virginia black mold test is taken as a swab from the HVAC filter or as a set of swabs from separate areas of the home. This test is so sensitive that it will detect the presence of just one spore of mold!

The next Virginia black mold test available is the ARMI (American Relative Moldiness Index). The ARMI, developed by the EPA, tests for thirteen different species of molds. More comprehensive than the Swab/DNA test, the ARMI will also provide an overall score between 10 and 20 indicative of the level of mold concentration in the home. Similar to the Swab/DNA test, the ARMI test is taken as a swab from the HVAC filter. The ARMI is more costly than the Swab/DNA test, but provides a more comprehensive test at less than the cost of the ERMI.

The ERMI test is the most comprehensive mold test available. This Virginia black mold test tests for 36 separate species and is the test used in schools, libraries, and other public spaces. This test is so sensitive that is is also used to detect hidden sources of mold. The ERMI involves a special vacuum and collection device. Sample areas are vacuumed and the resulting dust is trapped in a sample container that is then evaluated in a lab. This test is 99.99% accurate and offers the highest degree of testing available.

Results of these black mold tests in Virginia can help identify the next course of action. If you are considering purchasing the home that was tested, this knowledge will help you move forward with full information. Mold remediation is often very expensive. It is nearly impossible to remove all black mold from a home and further remediation may be necessary in the future. If a decision is made to move forward on a home with mold, the home should have another black mold test in Virginia after the work is completed. The second Virginia black mold test will ensure that the mold level has been reduced to an acceptable level.

More often, the black mold tests in Virginia that indicate the presence of black mold result in the potential buyer looking for another home. The health risks associated with mold are too great a concern for many people.