• The first step in mold testing is a visual inspection.mold on petrified wood image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Mold can grow on wallboard, ceiling tiles, wood and many other materials. It also grows on moist, dirty surfaces like concrete, insulation and tiles. It should be no surprise that mold is present almost everywhere in at least small amounts. But mold growth can and should be prevented before it becomes a health risk. New York City health officials have issued guidelines on how to go about testing if you think you have a mold problem.
  
  

Environmental Assessment

• If you notice mold growth, it should be addressed quickly. Look for sources of water and fix them. Remove and dry water-damaged materials. If you think you need a trained professional's assessment and help developing a remediation plan, the American Industrial Hygiene Association recommends that the person have a science or engineering degree and two years of full-time supervised experience in mold assessment.
  
  

Visual Inspection

• A thorough visual inspection is an important first step. You should note the extent of water damage and mold growth on building materials. Be sure to look at hidden areas like crawl spaces, attics and behind wallboard. Baseboards, carpet backing and padding, wallpaper and insulation are common growth areas that should be assessed. Pay special attention to surfaces that contain cellulose---ceiling tiles, structural wood and drywall. Check for dampness in ventilation systems and filters.
  There is equipment that can help assess the moisture level. Moisture meters, infrared cameras and borescopes are all used. Depending on the level of mold growth, consider wearing gloves and a disposable respirator. Try not to disturb the mold so as to minimize its generation or migration.
  
  

Environmental Sampling

• If you can visually identify mold growth, sampling probably is not necessary before remediation. But environmental sampling can be beneficial in cases where you need to confirm the source of mold or if you cannot visually identify the source. There are several different types of sampling---air, surface and dust, for example---each of which use different methods. Those methods are not standardized. They may generate varied results that are hard to interpret. When New York City issued its guidelines in 2008, there were no widely accepted guidelines for comparing health or environmental assessment results.
  
  Sampling should only be used by a professional who is aware of the technique's limitations. It's also recommended that the samples be analyzed in a laboratory that specializes in environmental mycology and is accredited in microbiology by a reputable organization.