Whether you are handling a new water loss or an old one, the presence of microbial growth is always looming in the shadows. Unfortunately, mold colonies can begin to form within 48 hours after a water loss or may already be present if the affected area has been water damaged before and not properly dried-out. Many types of molds can lead to health and respiratory issues and should be remediated if present in the affected area. Through Mold Clearance testing building owners can not only gain peace of mind their building is safe to occupy but also have documented proof remediation has occurred successfully.

Given the long-term effects mold exposure can have on our health it is recommended to do more than simply apply a fungicide. Even dead mold spores can retain their harmful properties such that the best course of action is to physically remove spores. After the affected area has been remediated and thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed, a Certified Industrial Hygienist, or testing agency, should come in to perform the clearance test by taking air and surface samples within the remediated area and control samples outside of the remediated area. The samples are then processed by a laboratory and documentation is provided with the results. It is important to note mold is naturally occurring in the environment and there will always be some trace amount of it. That being said, a passing mold clearance test will show the spore count in the remediated area is less than the spore count from the control samples.

If a mold clearance test fails, it is usually because there is more mold within the affected area that has either yet to be uncovered or needs more work. Another reason could be the contained area was not thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed after sanding, it's very important for the contained area to be virtually dust-free. At Dry Kings, we always recommend a Mold Clearance Test for building owners to have proof they have handled water damages and/or mold growth professionally whether for themselves, future buyers, or tenants. Further, every Mold Clearance Test our expert technicians pass is the best indication of the quality and level of service we provide!