According to the EPA, in most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building’s compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.
In reality many customers are hiring an hygienist to perform initial testing and mold inspection prior to the remediation itself, even if the mold is visible and obvious. In our opinion as a mold remediation company, it is good idea to have the place tested first. A good mold inspector won’t only give you lab results to figure out yourself. A good mold inspector will educate you on the mold situation that you have and will be able to instruct you if you can do it as DIY project, or if you have to hire a professional mold removal contractor. A good mold inspector will give a full mold remediation protocol with recommendations on what necessary to do in order to perform the mold remediation and pass clearance test.
Not all mold inspectors are equal. When looking for a mold inspector it is important to look and check their reputation and certificates. Also look at their experience.
So going back to the beginning, in our opinion it is important to have any area tested for mold prior to the mold remediation and absolutely after the work is done.