Our mold testing services have only one objective: unbiased results based on current indoor environmental conditions. We do not perform decontamination or remediation work, further reassuring every client that our findings are solely based on scientific data, free from any conflicts of interest.
Committed to the scientific process, we use advanced assessment tools and methodologies for rapid and accurate mold detection. Our strict protocols and scientific rigor in the lab, paired with our expertly trained sampling technicians, ensure reliable data in detecting and identifying hidden mold growth.
All samples are analyzed in-house by our certified microbiologists and expert analysts. From beginning to end, this tight control over quality and accuracy ensures detailed mold assessment reports and individual, practical consultations. Let us bring our microscopic approach to mold assessments directly to you for any residential, commercial, or industrial environment.
Our field technicians undergo rigorous lab-approved training and continuous education, ensuring they are well-equipped for accurate mold testing. Their expertise guarantees an unbiased, scientific approach to collecting representative samples that reflect the true condition of your indoor environment.
The integration of our laboratory and field services creates a seamless process that ensures assessments are properly handled and samples are promptly processed for microscopic analysis in our state-of-the-art facility. We provide fast, accurate and reliable mold testing services for residential, commercial and industrial projects. Discover why so many people continue to trust Axxonlab.
We aim to exceed industry standards for mold assessments, ensuring every test is conducted with the highest accuracy and reliability possible. This dedication to quality along with our commitment to providing an unmatched customer experience solidifies why thousands have put their trust in Axxonlab for their mold testing and analytical needs since we began in 2011.
Comprehensive in-house quality control measures are implemented throughout the analytical process, enhancing accuracy behind the microscope and consistency in our detailed reports. This thorough approach provides high-quality data for confidently identifying and addressing mold issues in your home or office.
We offer direct consultation for clients at every stage of the mold testing process. Our expert team is available to answer any questions at any time and assist with interpreting microbiological results, ensuring personalized support and guidance for managing any mold issue in any environment.
First, it’s important to note that “black mold” is generally meant to describe a particular species called Stachybotrys chartarum. This “toxic black mold” has been sensationalized in the remediation industry and many misleading articles have been written about its effects on human health.
Second, Stachybotrys chartarum can be a number of colors, such as gray or green, depending on its sporulating phase, the substrate (building material) it’s growing on and the type of moisture content present. Additionally, there are hundreds and hundreds of mold species that appear black in color. Most often, the “toxic black mold” that people believe they have growing in their home is non-toxigenic and can belong to a number of ubiquitous mold types.
Last, professional mold testing provides a wide array of data that can help determine the appropriate course of action. There are many factors to consider when recommending vacancy of a property and often involves multiple professionals to make that call.
Axxonlab’s position is one rooted in the scientific process, void of sensationalism, and based on verifiable data. We will guide you through this process and help ensure you receive honest, accurate and helpful insights to any mold issue.
Yes, absolutely! Axxonlab has been providing second opinions and consultations on existing reports and lab results for over a decade. Several of our team members are recognized as expert court witnesses for environmental and analytical cases, regularly lending their experience and practical training to shed accurate insights on mold or asbestos reports.
If you are doubting the claims made in a recent mold or asbestos assessment, or simply want a more detailed, unbiased, scientific interpretation of laboratory results, we welcome you to book a consultation with one of our experts today.
Indoor mold growth is the symptom of a moisture issue. If your office has had many leaks the conditions conducive for fungal development may exist. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a condition where people experience various symptoms of illness or discomfort that seem to be linked directly to spending time in a particular indoor environment, like an office, or other workplace. These symptoms typically improve or disappear when affected people leave that building. Visible black mold growth on walls or ceilings is not necessary for a mold issue to be present. In fact, most of the spaces we assess have no visible signs of mold growth at all! Axxonlab’s mold testing services include sampling the air for microscopic mold spores. You cannot see mold spores with the naked eye (unless you have superpowers, in which case, please send your resume ➡ here).
This type of mold test can provide incredible insights into the particulates you may be breathing in while at the office, and together with your physician, can help determine if it’s directly impacting your health.
Household cleaning products like bleach or vinegar can be used to clean light mold growth on non-porous surfaces, such as ceramic, metal, or glass. However, bleach and vinegar are ineffective products when trying to effectively remove significant mold growth, especially on porous surfaces like drywall, wood, or textiles.
Mold has a very complex cell wall.
The basic backbone of the cell wall is chitin (the same substance that makes up lobster shells). It is very hard. This is why professional fungicides are the preferred products to use as they are engineered to penetrate the complex and fortified cell structures of fungus.
When bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is applied to moldy, porous materials (e.g., drywall), the mold may initially disappear but often reappear within weeks. Bleach eliminates surface organic matter, but the mycelia beneath the surface remain unaffected and mold will subsequently regrow.
Bleach cannot penetrate the material and reach the mycelium. Bleach can exacerbate the situation by introducing additional moisture. The water from the bleach solution can be absorbed by the material, providing nourishment to the mycelium without eradicating it.
Although household vinegar is mildly acidic and can inhibit mold growth to some extent, it is not potent enough to kill all types of mold, especially more resilient species. Vinegar may not kill the entire mold colony or eliminate the spores, which means mold can quickly return if environmental conditions are favorable.
Both products – bleach and vinegar – contain a lot of water. For example, in a bottle of bleach, there may be only 3-5% of sodium hypochlorite, while the rest is primarily comprised of H20.
Water is the problem; mold is the symptom.
All mold issues ought to be assessed by a professional to determine the most effective remediation protocol. Contact us today for a comprehensive assessment.
Visible Mold:
Indicates active mold colonies.
Spores are released into the air as part of the reproductive/survival cycle.
Airborne spores spread throughout the environment, settling on surfaces or inhaled.
Potential health issues from inhaling spores.
Spores can settle and cause new mold growth, impacting the integrity of building materials as mold is a degrader of cellulose.
No Visible Mold:
Mold can be hidden (behind walls, under flooring, or even in HVAC systems).
Hidden mold still releases spores. Spores are microscopic particles. Imagine the size of a cotton ball as a large beach ball. One mold spore, in comparison, would be smaller than a tiny grain of sand next to that beach ball. They can pass through porous materials, cracks and pathways very easily.
High humidity or water damage can promote mold growth and initiate spore release.
An absence of water or nutrients can also activate a survival mechanism in mold, causing spores to be released.
Airborne spores, when inhaled, can potentially impact one’s health.
A professional mold assessment that includes air quality testing can detect the presence, type and concentration of mold spores present, regardless of whether mold is visible or not.
Axxonlab’s mold assessments involve dispatching one of our lab-approved environmental sampling technicians to collect data from the areas of concern in an unbiased and scientific fashion.
We collect a variety of air and surface samples along with a full range of real-time diagnostic measurements of temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Every sampling technician is equipped with thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to help further understand current indoor environmental conditions that may be conducive to fungal development.
A standard residential mold assessment can take up to an hour to perform, and every aspect of the assessment is photographed for the report.
All collected samples are then analyzed in our laboratory by our team of certified microbiologists, undergoing rigorous quality control to ensure accurate data for you. We aim to have the full report completed and in your hands within 24-hours following the site visit.
Our dedicated laboratory support team is always available to walk you through the report – line by line – to help interpret the results and prepare you for any recommendations we have made.
ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) is a DNA-based method developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess mold contamination in homes.
It quantifies the presence of 36 mold species commonly found in water-damaged buildings.
HERTSMI-2 (Health Effects Roster of Type-Specific Formers of Mycotoxins and Inflammagens – 2) is a subset of the ERMI test, focusing on five specific mold species known to be highly associated with water-damaged buildings and significant health risks. Similar to ERMI, dust samples are collected and analyzed using qPCR for the five mold species. The results are used to calculate a HERTSMI-2 score, which helps assess the potential health risks related to mold exposure.
There is ongoing scientific debate about the interpretation of ERMI and HERTSMI-2 scores.
Some experts question the accuracy and reliability of these indices in predicting health outcomes or mold-related issues.
The ERMI and HERTSMI-2 tests have not been widely accepted or standardized in the mold assessment industry.
We currently do not offer or support ERMI/HERTSMI-2 testing or analytical services.
Axxonlab’s comprehensive mold testing service adheres to current industry standards and remains the most reliable and acceptable methodology for fungal assessments.
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) testing is generally not included in Axxonlab’s standard, comprehensive mold assessment service.
VOCs are a large group of organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and are emitted as gases into the air from certain solids or liquids.
Mold spores are microscopic, solid, airborne particulates. Mold is a microorganism and part of fungi’s incredibly diverse kingdom.
Although both are related to indoor environmental sciences, the methodologies to sample each vary significantly from one another.
Axxonlab offers an enhanced mold assessment option for those who want to include TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compound) counts, PM 2.5 and PM 10 (particulate matter) readings, and instant CH2O (formaldehyde) detection. This enhanced mold assessment is particularly beneficial for environments with recent renovations that include new cabinetry or countertops, or where an odor issue is the predominant concern. Connect with us today to learn more about our enhanced mold assessments and how our lab-approved environmental sampling technicians can help you.
