It's essential to monitor air quality due to the various health issues associated with air pollution, such as asthma. Fortunately, modern technology has advanced enough to make air quality monitors accessible to most people. They can even detect the presence of mold spores in the air. Chemical tests for mold are usually done when mold is visible.
In cases where you can't see mold, but suspect that it is a contaminant in your home, an air quality test can measure the spores present in the air. Air sampling analyzes the concentration of mold spores in the air in your home. Samples are taken from the air and then examined under a microscope. Air tests can tell you if you have a mold problem, even if you can't detect mold growth.
However, the amount of mold spores in the air can change drastically in a short time, giving varying results at different times. The air quality test analyzes an air sample that has been collected from the room in question. It can recognize several particles that float in the air, including mold spores, asbestos fibers, volatile organic compounds, pollen, dust, and other allergens. When the particle detector exposes an air sample to the laser, the mold spores also diffract the light and the sensor counts it as particulate matter.
The type of sensor that will detect mold is a particle detector (electrochemical sensors and MOS sensors won't work outside a laboratory). When mold grows inside the house or in air ducts, it can be a potential health hazard, as its spores can be harmful irritants. Ambient Edge can perform extensive air quality tests to detect mold and make the air you breathe safer. It can't tell the difference between mold spores in the air and other polluting particles, so it counts them all as “particles”.
Air quality testing can detect the volume of spores inside any room or area and see what type of mold is growing. The poor insulation and sealing of your home or air ducts are also critical areas where mold can grow and spread as the air conditioner works. If you suspect that mold grows indoors and can't locate it conventionally, you should perform an air quality test. If you've recently experienced water damage, smell a musty or unusual smell, or are starting to have an allergic reaction from indoor air, you may have problems with mold growth.
After all, it's not surprising that so many people are confused, since both types of tests are used to detect and diagnose mold problems. We generally recommend performing air quality tests for mold, as they provide more accurate and detailed information about the indoor environment.
