Why do I need a certified mold inspector?
Some types of mold are fairly harmless while others can be quite hazardous to your health. If you have had moisture or leak problems in the past, but don’t see any signs of mold growth, it may still be in places that are out of your line of vision. The spores can affect the air you breathe and you may not realize the source of any mystery allergy-like symptoms.
If you see a substance that looks like it could be mold, your next step would be to determine if it really is mold and, if so, what kind. In these cases, the inspector will likely take a swab sample for testing. In cases where mold is suspected, but not visible, special equipment can collect air samples to detect airborne spores.
If you have reason to believe your building has mold, the presence or absence of mold should be verified by a qualified mold and moisture professional. He may then recommend collecting specimens and having them tested by an unbiased third party laboratory.