San Francisco Mold Testing: FAQs
Mold Consulting Services in the Bay Area
If you suspect that you have mold in your San Francisco home or office building, it’s time to contact a professional mold testing company in San Francisco. Safe Air Fast Environmental offers comprehensive mold inspection, lead paint and asbestos testing, and other decontamination services.
FAQs About Mold
What is mold?
Mold is a type of fungus. It can be found anywhere that there is sufficient moisture, suitable temperatures, and organic matter for it to feed on. Mold begins to grow when mold spores settle on a surface and begin to germinate.
Is mold the same as mildew?
Many people use the terms mold and mildew interchangeably, but mildew refers to a different type of fungal growth. It is typically thin and whitish, and is highly common in moist areas such as bathrooms.
Where does mold grow in buildings?
Mold sustains itself by feeding on its surroundings. In the average household, mold may grow nearly anywhere. It can grow in wallpaper, books, tiles, paint, carpeting, woodwork, upholstery, cloth and clothing, and even in dust.
What conditions make mold likely to grow?
Mold needs moisture in order to grow, so damp areas such as bathrooms and basements are most likely to see mold growth. High humidity can also make an environment more susceptible to mold.
Is mold dangerous?
There are more than 100,000 different types of mold in the world, and many of them are considered toxic. The most common household molds that are known to be toxic include aspergillus, penicillium, fusarium, and stachybotrys.
What health issues is mold associated with?
Mold is a common allergen, and it can trigger serious asthma attacks. It has also been linked with a number of serious respiratory conditions. Inhaling mold can be particularly dangerous for infants, small children, older people, and people with weakened immune systems.
How Mold Is Tested
There are several ways that a professional mold removal company can test for mold: An air sample can be taken to test for mold spores, a sample of visible mold can be captured using clear tape and tested, or a sample can be taken with a cotton swab. After mold remediation is complete, these tests may be repeated in order to ensure that there is no more mold presence.
About Safe Air Fast
If you are concerned about possible mold in your building, contact the mold testing team at Safe Air Fast Environmental about having an inspection performed. For more information about our mold inspection services, call (415) 813-4144.