Who should test for mold?
Mold spores are common to indoor environments. However, mold growth is not. You will typically see signs of water intrusion or notice the presence of a musty smell. These are “red flags” of a potential mold problem. This is not always the case. Especially, if you are buying a home in Florida in the wake of recent hurricanes. If your family members experience poor health while in the house you may need to test for mold. See your doctor first. How should you select a mold professional? There are no license requirements in the State of Florida. We are hoping this will change soon. In the meantime there are private organizations that certify mold assessment professionals. Be sure to ask for credentials. Molds in the Environment: Molds live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter. Outdoors, molds play a key role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Molds belong to the kingdom Fungi, and unlike plants, they lack chlorophyll and must survive by digesting pl