What are the methods for testing exposure to mold (fungi)?

From the Guidelines

I strongly recommend against relying on DIY mold testing kits and instead suggest professional mold testing if you suspect exposure, particularly if you're experiencing symptoms like respiratory issues, headaches, or fatigue, as the most recent and highest quality study suggests that testing the environment for specific molds is usually not necessary, but professional assessment can help identify and remediate significant infestations 1.

Importance of Professional Testing

The most reliable methods for mold testing include air sampling, which captures airborne mold spores; surface sampling, which collects samples from visible mold; and bulk sampling, which tests materials from your home.

• Air sampling can help identify the types and concentrations of mold spores present in the air.
• Surface sampling can detect mold growth on surfaces, even if it's not visible to the naked eye.
• Bulk sampling can test materials such as drywall, carpeting, or insulation for mold contamination.

Remediation and Prevention

If testing confirms mold, remediation should be performed by certified professionals for significant infestations, especially with toxic molds like black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) 1.

• Improve ventilation to reduce moisture and prevent mold growth.
• Control humidity below 60% to inhibit mold growth.
• Clean visible mold with soap and water, and consider using a solution of bleach and water for more severe infestations.

Health Risks

Mold exposure can cause health problems because mold releases spores and mycotoxins that trigger inflammatory responses in the body, particularly affecting those with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems 1.

• The severity of symptoms often correlates with the concentration of mold and duration of exposure.
• Fungal sensitization, particularly to Alternaria species, is a risk factor for the development of asthma, increased severity of asthma, and asthma-induced fatalities 1.

From the Research

Mold Exposure Testing

• Mold exposure can cause a variety of symptoms, including rhinitis, cough, headache, respiratory symptoms, central nervous system symptoms, and fatigue 2
• Patients with environmental mold exposure can present with IgE- and non-IgE-mediated symptoms, and mycotoxins, irritation by spores, or metabolites may be culprits in non-IgE presentations 2
• Allergic responses seem to be the major cause of symptoms in individuals exposed to mold, rather than toxic effects 2
• Mold exposure has been associated with respiratory health complaints, including asthma development, exacerbation of asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, cough, wheeze, dyspnea, nasal and throat symptoms, and respiratory infections 3
• Specific IgE to mold mixture (sIgE to mx1) is a useful diagnostic marker to verify mold-associated respiratory symptoms, especially in asthmatics 4

Diagnostic Markers

• sIgE to mx1 is significantly higher and found more frequently in exposed individuals than non-exposed individuals 4
• Serum concentrations of club cell protein (CC16) are significantly lower in exposed subjects, especially in asthmatics 4
• Positive associations are observed among mold sensitization, asthma, and mold exposure, but not in subjects with predominantly environmental sensitizations without mold sensitization 4

Prevention and Remediation

• Mold growth in the home, school, or office environment should not be tolerated because it can physically destroy building materials, produce offensive odors, and sensitize and produce allergic responses in allergic individuals 5
• To reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating allergies, mold should not be allowed to grow unchecked indoors, and remediation should be done after the source of moisture is identified and eliminated 5