Mold Testing Services

Mold growing in a home or building can be quite obvious if it is visible on walls or other indoor surfaces. However, if the mold growth occurs in a wall cavity or somewhere else unseen, it could go unrecognized for a significant period of time.

In addition to damaging building materials and components, mold growing in a wall cavity can create unpleasant odors that can impact the indoor air quality (IAQ). Spores and mold fragments from within a wall or ceiling can also make their way into the air people breathe through openings at electrical outlets, vents, and other locations. Exposure to elevated levels of mold can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition.

“It’s not uncommon for IAQ complaints involving musty odors and respiratory concerns to involve situations where the mold is growing in areas that aren’t visible to the naked eye,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “A basic visual inspection by a professional could easily miss the mold source if it’s occurring in a wall or ceiling cavity, not to mention behind cabinets or even below the floor. Fortunately, there are sampling techniques and building inspection tools to help with the inspection process to detect mold from these hidden locations.”

The indoor air quality professionals at EMSL Analytical, with dozens of laboratories across the United States and Canada, provide mold and other IAQ testing resources. In addition to laboratory testing services and expertise, EMSL offers sampling supplies and collection equipment, air monitoring instruments, easy-to-use test kits and building inspection tools. Infrared cameras, moisture meters, and borescopes are just a few of the tools available that can be instrumental for detecting locations where active mold growth could be taking place.   

Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about hidden mold in homes and buildings that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/DkCrTSVhHkM

To learn more about mold or other environmental testing services and resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. To access test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.