Mold Testing & Inspection

We offer Independent 3rd-party testing

Nick J Alati has been proudly certified as a Residential Mold Inspector (CRMI) since 2006 by the American Council for Accredited Certification (AcAc). At Alati’s Inspection Service, we focus solely on providing independent third-party testing, ensuring you receive unbiased results — we have no stakes in the outcome once the lab results are in. While some companies might offer free mold testing to promote remediation services or air filtration products, we want to emphasize that we don’t sell any such services or equipment ourselves. Our primary goal is to provide you with an honest and transparent assessment of the air you’re breathing, based on thorough sampling and laboratory analysis. If we identify the need for remediation or specific equipment, we’re happy to recommend trusted professionals or products — but always as a referral to help you make the best decision for your health and safety.

What is the difference between Mold testing and Mold Inspections?

A mold inspection is a visual examination for conditions conducive for mold growth, visible mold, and potential sources of moisture. Mold testing involves collecting samples for lab analysis to identify the specific type and amount of mold spores in the air or on surfaces. You should get an inspection if you see mold or notice musty odors, and testing if you have unexplained symptoms or want to assess the health risks of suspected toxic mold. Although different, inspection and testing often work together to give a full picture of a home’s mold issues.

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors

The exact number of fungi species is unknown, but estimates suggest there are anywhere from tens of thousands to over three hundred thousand. Molds grow best in warm, moist, and humid conditions, spreading through the release of spores. These spores are resilient and can endure harsh environments, like dry areas that do not favor mold growth. Indoors, molds are commonly found in regions with high humidity, such as kitchens, laundry rooms, or bathrooms.

What is the difference between Common and Toxic Molds?

The main difference is that “toxic molds” are recognized by their ability to produce mycotoxins, powerful substances that can lead to serious health issues beyond just allergies. In contrast, “common molds” might trigger allergies or breathing problems, but they don’t produce these harmful toxins. It’s essential to remember that you can’t determine the danger of a mold by its color alone. All molds should be treated with care because they can pose health risks from spores or mycotoxins, regardless of their appearance or the presence of toxins.

What is worse – Mold or Spores?

When it comes to our health, it’s not the mold growth itself that’s a concern, but rather the mold spores that float in the air around us. If you’re allergic to these spores, your immune system may react similarly to hay fever, causing symptoms such as sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and a scratchy throat. For individuals with asthma, exposure can trigger coughing, wheezing, and occasionally, skin rashes. Most people aren’t affected by low levels of spores from common molds, but just as some people are allergic to Cat or pet dander, others may have allergic reactions to certain molds. For example, mold named Penicillium; an antibiotic called penicillin is derived from Penicillium, and if you have a penicillin allergy and there are traces of Penicillium spores in the air, you’re likely to have an adverse reaction. In contrast, a person who isn’t allergic to penicillin (like to cat dander) probably won’t react. But all breathing organisms can respond to spores from toxic molds.

How do we know if we have mold spores in our home?

To answer the question “Do we have mold in our home?”  The answer is Yes, Yes, you do have mold in your home. Mold is nature’s natural way of decay. If it weren’t for mold, we would still have dinosaur carcasses lying about! Mesa would have mountains of Oranges lying around, that slice of cheese would never turn Green. The question should be “Do we have high levels of mold or Toxic mold in our Indoor environment!

How do we test for mold? What about home mold test kits?

Home test kits, such as the Petri Dish Home Test Kit, are easily available at big-box hardware stores. Simply buy the kit, bring it home, open it, and place it on your countertop. Let the Petri Dish sit undisturbed for 48 hours, then seal the lid and send it to a lab in New Jersey or China. Surprisingly, the results indicated several types of mold! But what did we learn? Not much — only that there’s mold in our home, and we are out $45.00. At Alati’s Inspection Service, we adhere to testing standards set by the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO) by sampling outside air around your home’s entry point to establish an outdoor baseline. You might wonder why we test the outside air. It’s because every time you open an exterior door or window, outside mold spores can enter your home and contaminate your indoor environment. So, if your Petri Dish shows mold growth, how can we tell if it’s from inside or from outside air? Then we sample near each HVAC system (air filter), potentially one per floor, and in areas where you suspect mold. For example, a typical 1,800-square-foot single-story ranch might just require two samples: one outdoor baseline and one from the hallway’s air filter (indoor baseline).If you notice feeling sick or sneezing more when in the third guest bedroom, IESO would require a sample from that suspected area, and we might take an additional sample there. After collecting all samples, I personally deliver them to EMSL Lab here in Phoenix. Once I receive the results, I interpret them and email you a detailed report. I compare the Indoor Baseline samples to the Outdoor Baseline, looking for similar types of mold spores inside and outside, as well as non-toxic mold spores on the indoor baseline.The same applies for the suspected area: compare it to the indoor baseline.With the lab results, we can determine if there are elevated mold spores within the living space and identify the species of mold (like Penicillium).

Recognizing Mold

Whenever you step into a home that’s been closed up or explore an old building, you might catch a familiar musty smell. That scent can sometimes cause your nose to feel tight or give you a slight headache. When you come back into your home or cabin after it’s been shut up, that musty odor might be from mold. Try to find where the smell is the strongest—that’s often where mold is. Since your nose can get used to the smell pretty fast, it’s a good idea to take a moment to sniff around after you’ve been away for a bit.

Use your eyes: look for it
Use your nose: smell for musty odors
Experiencing health effects of mold

Moisture Sources

Moisture plays a significant role in mold growth and can originate from various sources. These include water leaks, flooding, high humidity, condensation, and more. Can you think of any other ways moisture might get into your home?

Water leaks
Flooded areas
Humidity levels above 65% – 70%
Condensation

What is Required for Mold to Grow?

Mold needs a food source to grow. It tends to grow on organic materials such as paper, dirt, wood, and soap scum. Even materials that appear solid are often composed of cellulose, which can serve as a food source for mold. Understanding this can help us maintain mold-free and healthier spaces.