Mold can come in various colors ranging from red to orange to black. It can appear moist or powdery and resembles a fungus. Black mold is the most commonly referred to mold because it can be toxic. Not all black molds are in fact toxic, but if you see or smell mold in your home or business make sure to have a mold testing company thoroughly examine it before deciding on your remediation strategy.
There have been many side effects associated with mold. Mold can be disseminated through the air and cause respiratory problems. Common other syptoms are frequent headaches.
Mold inspections range in cost from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on a number of factors. It is always best to discuss the specifics of your particular situation with a mold testing professional prior to booking an appointment.
There are do-it-yourself kits for home mold testing. They can be a good first indicator of a mold problem but there is always a chance that they are not administered in the right way and mold is missed. We always recommend having an inspection done by a professional. Better safe than sorry.