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Author:
Richard Romando

If a homeowner is tackling the toxic mold himself, he should invest in a facemask, safety goggles, and household rubber gloves, as inhaling or touching toxic mold can be poisonous. A mask, particularly the kind used by carpenters to keep from inhaling sawdust, would work well for this task.

Lift-tape testing is an easy and effective way to test toxic mold. Using 1-inch wide and 3-inch long, clear adhesive tape, fold the tape under itself, sticky-side to sticky-side, and form a tab. Holding the tab, press the tape onto the mold-infected surface hard enough to get a sample on to the tape. However, do not press so hard that the sample gets squashed, as that will obscure important characteristics of the mold structure. It is advisable to prepare two or more samples of mold.

Press the tape, sticky-moldy-side down, to the inside wall of a new, unopened zipper bag. Freezer bags work best, as they are broad and will keep the tape flat. As you press the adhesive tape onto the bag, stick down first the free end that you did not touch, and then press down the rest of the tape onto the bag by pressing on the non-sticky side of the tape. You can then send it to the Mold Inspector Laboratory for laboratory analysis and identification.

This technique is called Direct Sampling and is considered the best means to identify visible toxic mold in a home, office, or other building. As toxic mold spores are rarely airborne (unless disturbed physically), direct sampling may be the only way to know if you have toxic mold spores in the building.

Toxic Mold provides detailed information on Toxic Mold, Toxic Mold Testing, Toxic Mold Symptoms, Toxic Mold Tort Experts and more. Toxic Mold is affiliated with Black Mold.

| Article Keywords: Mold

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Mold... How Black Mold Affects You And What You Can Do About It The toxic kind of "Black Mold" is known as the Strachybotrys atra. This slimy, greenish black substance can actually lead to health risk such as asthma and bronchitis. Studies conducted by the Center of Disease Control or the CDC reflect that this mold is the reason for over "100 cases of lung disorders." Molds can also be located in anyone's home. These industrial molds may not be toxic and it takes a lot of time and effort to specify which mold is toxic and which isn't because it will entail laboratory exams. However, the best conclusion we can tell you is that if a mold is found in your home, it is considered to not be a healthy home. Mold is a parasite which attaches itself to various hosts: be it people, animals, clothes, shoes or even the doors and windows of houses. These spores grow faster when it is moist and damp. Some molds even develop under water. Look above your ceiling now and check for molds. If there is a spot which is frequently wet from rain and drips a lot, chances are you'd see some molds there. Also, go to the bathroom and check your tiles. Chances are there is a bit of a mold there. Wall paneling and cardboard, they can have molds in it. Even cotton. Clothes you haven't worn for a long time now and has been stocked up in the attic or in the basement can have molds attached to it. Try touching a mold. It is slimy. Try rubbing it on the surface. It would smear its greenish and blackish fluid. Once you see a mold, try to remove it when you can. Clean it up as soon as possible. Although these can be easily done if the infested area is small like leak and plumbing problems. These can easily be handled by bleach and water. If you want, you can also add soap to the solution that you have handy there. Apply the bleach solution to the moldy are and...