Molds are one of the common components in a workplace or household dust. They can be harmful to a person’s health especially when they are present in large quantities. Molds are one of the most common causes of respiratory problems and allergic reactions of people. Other than that, molds are capable of producing mycotoxins which can cause neurological problems or can even be fatal according to studies done by experts.
Molds can sometimes be seen or not by the eyes. Mold spores are capable of traveling through the air or through the air vents of an establishment. This prove that molds can be found anywhere and may pose a threat to the health of any person wherever they may be.
Best Time To Use A Testing Kit
When unsure about the existence of a large quantity of molds in an area, it may 
be the best time to use a mold test kit. This test kit can be used to test the presence of molds in the air, HVAC system or in any other surfaces. The molds can be taken to laboratories for it to be tested, identified and to know if it can cause a health threat. However, knowing the mold type is not mandatory in order to proceed with the mold removal process.
How To Use A Mold Test Kit
1. Air Test
- In air sampling, the first thing to do is close all the windows and doors in the room.
- Open the petri dish or get a test strip and place it on a flat surface in the same room.
- Stir the air by using a paper fan or a towel.
- Allow the mold spores to settle on the opened petri dish or the test strip for about an hour.
- Put the proper amount of activating liquid, which is included in the test kit, on the dish or strip.
- Cover the dish with the lid or place another film on the strip to protect it.
- You can now count the number of colonies after 48 hours and re-check it every after 24 hours up to 2 times. Send the results to the laboratory for further tests.
2. Visual Test
- Get a swab and wipe it on the surface where you want to check for molds.
- Next, wipe the same swab on the petri dish or between the test strips. Wipe it following an X pattern.
- Place the suggested amount of activating liquid, which is included in the kit, on the petri dish or where the mold sample is.
- Cover the petri dish with its lid or secure the film strip with another strip.
- Check for colonies after 48 hours and re-check every after 24 hours up to 2 times. Send the results to the laboratory for more testing.
3. HVAC Test
- Find the air vent which is the furthest from the HVAC System.
- Open that air vent.
- Open the petri dish and tape it on the opened air vent. Make sure that the opened side of the petri dish is facing inside the vent.
- Make sure all other vents in the establishment are closed.
- Turn the HVAC fan on and put it on its highest mode for about 10 minutes so that the molds will most likely stick to the petri dish.
- Remove the dish and secure it with its lid.
- Check for the number of colonies after 48 hours and re-check every after 24 hours for up to 2 times. Send the results to the lab and let them check it.
Checking or monitoring the quantity of molds will just make people aware of the environment. This will also give them an idea if they should do clean their area in a more frequent manner. Whether you have checked your area for molds or not, you should always keep it clean as much as possible to avoid hazard which can be caused by molds.