There is a musty smell or visible mold
A persistent musty odor, past water damage, or visible growth.
A musty smell often means mold is growing somewhere, even when you cannot see it. Air sampling sent to an accredited lab is more representative than a settle-plate kit. If you find a large area of growth, or the home had significant water damage, consider a professional assessment before any remediation.
What to do
- Use a mold test. Air sampling is more reliable than settle plates.
- Send samples to an accredited environmental microbiology lab.
- For large growth or major water damage, get a professional assessment first.
Where to go next
General information to help you find the right test and an accredited lab. This is not medical, legal, or safety advice. For a confirmed exposure or a health concern, talk to a qualified professional, and always confirm a lab's current accreditation with the certifying body.
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