IAQ Testing Services

Many types of mold thrive at normal to slightly elevated room temperatures. But, for mold to grow indoors, it also needs moisture, a food source, and oxygen. Moisture is the key factor influencing mold growth, so controlling moisture and relative humidity in the built environment can dramatically help to prevent it. This is crucial as mold can begin to grow indoors in as short as 24 to 48 hours when conditions are right.

Mold does not need a lot of water to grow. A little condensation can sometimes be enough. Common sites for indoor mold growth include bathrooms, basement walls, areas around windows, near leaky plumbing, and around sinks. Sources of moisture include roof leaks, condensation due to high humidity or cold spots, plumbing leaks, sanitary sewer overflows, malfunctioning humidification systems, and floods. Keep in mind, some types of water may also contain bacteria, viruses, and chemical contaminants.

“In addition to moisture, mold needs nutrients, or food, to grow,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Mold can grow on virtually any organic substance. Most buildings are full of these organic materials and include many building materials, furnishings, and personal belongings. While mold cannot get nutrients from inorganic materials, such as concrete, it can grow on dust or dirt on the surface of these types of materials.”

EMSL Analytical, with laboratories located across North America, provides environmental testing for mold and other IEQ concerns, such as bacteria, radon, asbestos, lead, and chemicals. They also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, building inspection tools, and personal protective equipment to identify and mitigate mold exposure risks. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about what mold needs to grow indoors that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/k8UzDqrwi6I 

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

 

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations 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, VOCs, 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 EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA 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.