Can Air Quality Testing in Toronto Detect Mold Before it’s Visible to the Naked Eye

Posted in Air Quality, on March 21, 2025

One of the most challenging things about household mold growth is that it can be impossible to spot. Many of SafeAir’s clients are surprised to learn they have an active mold infestation after having air quality testing done. Specialized services, like mold inspection in Toronto, can help with early detection, provide proactive guidance, or uncover hidden colonies. Mold spores are also detectable during air quality testing in Toronto, which will alert you to moisture, airflow, or humidity issues that can lead to mold as well as other common air quality issues. 

How Mold Spreads Indoors Before it Becomes Visible

Mold spreads via small particles similar to seeds that are called spores. These microscopic particles are light enough to travel through the air, settling in new locations. Once activated by moisture, these spores will spark new infestations, increasing the surface area and space affected by mold. 

Mold can also spread through spaces that are connected, such as where walls and floors meet. For example, SafeAir has helped clients with mold growth beneath flooring or carpeting, behind drywall, and in HVAC systems and insulation. In these instances, one small patch of mold will grow larger over time despite there being little or no air movement. 

Mold grows through organic materials, which are effectively eaten during the process. . Once infestations grow through to the visible side of a material, your infestation is likely a lot larger than it seems. 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hidden Mold Growth

Even if it’s hidden, mold in your home will cause physical signs or health symptoms. Some of the common symptoms our clients report include: 

• Coughing.
• Sneezing.
• Headaches.
• Running nose or congestion. 

Some of the signs of hidden mold growth are:

• Strange stains or marks on walls, floors, or ceilings. 
• Peeling paint or wallpaper. 
• Soft flooring or walls. 
• A musty odour. 
• Condensation. 

How Air Quality Testing Detects Mold Before It’s Visible

Detecting these hidden areas of mold growth before it gets large and out of control can save you the headache and cost of expensive mold remediation. At SafeAir, we specialize in indoor air quality testing for all types. Clean, fresh air is essential to general health from the brain to the respiratory system to the skin and even good sleep! Some of the types of testing we do for mold include:

• Air samples that measure spore concentration in different rooms can help pinpoint areas with hidden mold infestations. 
• Surface and swab tests collect spores that have settled and can even identify species of mold. 
• Humidity and moisture assessments can further direct us to areas that need more in-depth testing or monitoring. Thermal imaging can detect moisture buildup behind walls without needing to make damaging holes. 

When Should You Get Air Quality Testing for Mold in Toronto?

If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of indoor mold growth, it’s time to book air quality testing in Toronto. Some other everyday situations where we recommend air quality testing include: 

1. After a flood or water damage.

Moisture is the most important ingredient in mold growth, which makes drying out after an unexpected leak or flood essential to prevent mold growth.

2. If you experience unexplained or new allergies or have respiratory issues. 

While coughing and sneezing might be viral, anything that lingers longer than 2 weeks should be checked out by your family doctor. Mold may be the cause of unexplained allergies, wheezing, coughing, or skin issues, so it’s well worth checking out. If you have chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, mold may affect you more seriously than someone who does not. 

3. Before buying or selling your home.

Get or give peace of mind and include mold testing during your pre-purchase home inspection.

4. If you smell a musty odour.

Smell is often the first sign of a mold infestation. Mold has a distinct musty odour reminiscent of forest floors. 

How to Prevent Mold Growth After Air Quality Testing

Once we’ve assessed your home for mold growth, SafeAir will provide our results in an easy-to-understand format. We’ll give suggestions for addressing any moisture or humidity issues that may lead to mold, like using a dehumidifier, as well as recommendations for annual maintenance that can help head off an infestation, like cleaning the HVAC or changing air filters. 

Professional mold inspection in Toronto is a safe and science-based service that can provide an impartial snapshot of your home's indoor environment. For families wishing to increase their general health and wellness and keep their homes safe and healthy, air quality testing in Toronto is one of the best ways to make small changes with big impacts. To learn more or ask for more details about our environmental assessments, contact SafeAir online or by phone today. 

CALL NOW!