Mold comes in many different colors and varieties. Sometimes it is obvious, and other times, it's really good at hiding. If you ever come to suspect you may have mold in your home, it's a good idea to arrange for mold testing. But before you do, there are a few common misconceptions about mold and mold testing that you deserve to have cleared up.

Misconception: If the testers find evidence of any mold, it's a big problem

It's really important to know how this really works before you get the results of your mold test back. So many homeowners assume that their test will either come back with evidence of zero mold spores or with evidence of a mold problem. But the truth is that almost every mold test will come back with some measurable level of mold spores detected. Mold spores are everywhere in the environment, even in homes without any worrisome mold growth. This is why mold testing agencies won't be concerned unless your test comes back indicating a certain level of mold spores. They won't rely on the spore test as their only measure of mold growth, either. They will also physically look for mold around the home and talk to you about any symptoms you're experiencing that might indicate mold growth.

Misconception: Any mold that is black is highly toxic and dangerous

If you're looking around your home for mold and you come across mold that is black, you might be very alarmed. There's a common rumor that black mold is incredibly toxic and dangerous. While all mold is harmful to some degree, it's only one specific type of black mold that is particularly lethal: Stachybotrys. The chances of having this mold in your home are actually really slim, so don't panic. A mold inspection company should be able to tell you right away whether this is the type of mold you're dealing with.

Misconception: You only need mold testing if you can't see the mold

Many homeowners assume that if they already can see the mold, then there is no reason for testing. However, testing can tell you more than just whether or not mold is present in your home. If you clean up all of the visible mold but the tests are still indicating high levels of spores, then you know there is more mold where you can't see it. This is very common. Often, the mold you see is just a small fraction of what's really there. Arrange for mold testing even if you can see mold — there is probably more.

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what mold testing really entails and can tell you. Talk to a residential mold testing company to learn more.

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