Black mold testing can either be done with a home testing kit, or by hiring a professional mold inspector to take samples.
Black Mold Testing Kits You can buy testing kits that you can use at home.
These come with a swab, solution and test strips.
You swab the black mold, hold it in the solution, and then place it on the strip.
The color will tell you whether it is toxic or not.
The main advantage of testing kits is that you can use them in just minutes.
With a mold inspector, they have to take samples, send them off to a laboratory, and then wait for the results before making a final assessment.
This could mean more days where you and your family have to live with potentially toxic mold.
Kits are also much cheaper than paying for a full-scale inspection.
The disadvantage is that they are not always accurate.
For example, the sample taken may not be toxic, but mold in other parts of your house may be.
Also, it is impossible to tell if the mold spores are already airborne or not.
Professional inspections are much more thorough.
Professional Black Mold Testing If you call a professional inspector, they will come to your house and take samples.
They will check surface mold and the mold content of the air.
They can give you a full assessment of the toxicity and danger level.
A professional inspector can also help you take the necessary steps in cleaning and prevention.
The downside is that it costs more, and it is a more complicated procedure.
You'll have to wait for the test results, and the entire process takes more time.
Both types of black mold testing can tell you if you've got toxic mold growing in your house.
Once you know, you can start to clean it up.