Mold Inspections

Auburn Environmental uses a variety of sampling methods to accurately locate and classify mold. These mold inspections are performed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist. Learn more about the methods used with this mold inspections dictionary.

IR Thermography – Using an infrared imaging device, such as a still image or video, the Certified Industrial Hygienist performing mold inspections can find the first sign of mold growth: trapped moisture. Moisture will register as a different color on the infrared image, giving Hygienists the information they need to look for potential mold growth.

Moisture Meter – Moisture meters determine the electrical conductivity of a substance. This is an indicator of the area’s dampness. Moisture meters are most often used to determine the dampness of soil or building materials. It is used in construction to determine if building materials are the proper wet/dry balanced for use, but the Certified Industrial Hygienist can use a moisture meter to seek out potential mold problem spots that have trapped dampness.

Hygrometer – Hygrometers are similar to moisture meters, except that a hygrometer is used to determine the water content or humidity of the air. It can be used to measure the dampness of any gaseous substance.

Spore-Trap Air Sampler – These devices capture spores that are suspended in the air of a given area. The spores found can not only indicate mold growth, but the volume in which they appear can lead a hygienist to the location of the mold and the spore types can help classify the mold growth.

Swabs/ Tape Lifts – Swabs and tape lifts give hygienists samples of the mold to take back to the laboratory for analysis and classification. Tape lifts, in particular, are a sanitary way to lift mold off of a hard surface without stirring up the spores.

Digital Photos – Detailed digital photography can be used to analyze and track mold growth. These photos can be used for classification but don’t carry the risks of or require the same sampling methods as traditional samples.

IAQ Meter – Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Meters measure the toxins and presence of mold present in a given area. They are useful for determining the risk posed by mold and the extent of treatment and methods needed to eliminate future risk.

Contact Auburn Environmental today and schedule a mold inspection.