How Environmental Hygienists Find Mold You Can't See

Invisible Doesn’t Mean Harmless

You can't always see mold. You can't always smell it. But it's there. In fact, mold spores are present in almost every indoor environment to some degree—especially in older buildings, basements, or water-damaged structures found throughout the Chicagoland area.

Invisible mold can still pose serious health risks and cause structural damage if left undetected. That’s why environmental hygienists play a vital role in mold detection and testing. These trained professionals use advanced tools to identify and document hidden mold, helping both homeowners and remediation teams take action.

The Hidden Health Dangers of Mold

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor mold exposure can:

• Trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions
• Cause chronic sinus issues and coughing
• Lead to skin irritation, headaches, and fatigue
• Suppress the immune system with exposure to mycotoxins

The risk is especially high for:

• Children and infants
• Seniors
• People with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems

In multi-unit housing or tight city buildings, such as those found in Chicago neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Logan Square, and Edgewater, poor ventilation and moisture buildup exacerbate the problem.

How Mold Enters the Airstream

Mold often starts in unseen places, such as inside walls, under floors, behind baseboards, and within HVAC systems. It reproduces by releasing microscopic spores into the air. When these spores are disturbed—even by walking across carpet or opening a door—they become airborne.

Dried mold can also break apart into fragments that hitch a ride on dust particles, spreading to other parts of your home.

Invisible mold spores are inhaled daily in buildings affected by mold. That’s why traditional visual inspections often fail to uncover the full extent of contamination.

How Environmental Hygienists Detect Invisible Mold

Here are the specialized tools environmental hygienists use:

1. Laser Particle Counters

• Measure the number and size of airborne particles
• Identify if there is an abnormally high volume of particles <1 micron (lung-damaging range)

2. Spore Trap Sampling

• Collects airborne mold spores using vacuum or pump systems
• Sent to certified labs to identify types of mold

3. Thermal Imaging Cameras

• Reveal temperature anomalies behind walls or ceilings
• Help detect hidden leaks or condensation areas where mold may be growing

4. Moisture Meters

• Identify moisture levels inside drywall, wood framing, and concrete
• Indicate areas at high risk for mold development

5. Surface & Swab Sampling

• Test suspect materials like drywall, carpet padding, or insulation
• Confirm the presence of active mold growth

Bonus Tool: Real-Time Lab Data Portals

• Modern mold testers can input data into online tools that return lab results in hours rather than days

When Should You Hire an Environmental Hygienist?

Consider bringing in a certified hygienist in the following scenarios:

• After a flood, burst pipe, or roof leak
• Before purchasing a home or commercial building
• When unexplained illnesses persist at home or work
• Before or after mold remediation for clearance testing
• When you suspect mold but don’t see visible signs

A hygienist’s report can also help when filing insurance claims or proving damages in tenant-landlord disputes.

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Works Hand-in-Hand With Hygienists

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we collaborate with independent environmental hygienists to verify the presence of mold before and after remediation.

Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Assessment – An environmental hygienist inspects the site and performs testing.
2. Remediation Plan – We use the report to create a targeted mold removal strategy.
3. Abatement – Our IICRC-certified team removes mold-affected materials and sanitizes the space.
4. Post-Remediation Testing – The hygienist retests to confirm the property is safe.

We follow IICRC S520 standards for mold remediation to ensure complete and compliant cleanup.

Explore our Mold Remediation Services →

Real-World Example: Mold Found Without a Trace

A family in Evanston, IL contacted us after persistent respiratory symptoms. No visible mold was found. But after hiring an environmental hygienist:

• Air samples revealed high spore counts from Penicillium and Cladosporium
• Thermal imaging uncovered a slow leak behind kitchen cabinets
• Our team safely removed mold-contaminated drywall and treated the area with antimicrobial agents

A follow-up test showed spore counts had dropped by 96%.

FAQs About Hidden Mold Detection

Q: Can I use a home mold test instead of hiring a hygienist? A: Most home test kits are unreliable and lack lab verification. Certified hygienists provide objective, lab-backed results.

Q: Does insurance cover mold testing? A: Sometimes. Coverage depends on your policy and whether the mold resulted from a covered water loss. We can help document findings for insurance claims.

Q: Is a musty odor always a sign of mold? A: Not always—but it’s a strong indicator. A professional air quality test is the best next step.

Q: How often should indoor air be tested for mold? A: If you live in a flood-prone area or have had leaks, annual or biannual testing may be smart—especially for properties with children, seniors, or immunocompromised residents.

Call Chicago’s Trusted Mold Experts

Mold that you can’t see can still hurt your home, your health, and your peace of mind. Don’t take chances.

For certified mold remediation services backed by independent testing, call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons at 773-376-1110 or visit our website.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

With over 40 years of service in Chicagoland, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is your local expert in water damage cleanup, mold remediation, and fire restoration. We are IICRC-certified, family-owned, and proud members of the Restoration Industry Association.

We serve:

• City of Chicago: West Loop, Lakeview, Gold Coast, Wicker Park
• North Shore: Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Highland Park, Lake Forest
• Western Suburbs: Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park

Explore our guidebook for homeowners: RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset by Sam Simon and Nasutsa Mabwa.