Anyone have experience testing for mold or other allergens?

[Kara]

My son and I have chronic allergy/cold symptoms at home, and I'm starting to wonder whether we might have something in our house that's triggering it. I don't really have the money to have a professional come test for mold or other allergens, so I'm looking into home tests.

Has anyone had experience with this type of thing? Any products you would recommend?

Thanks!

Kara

[jessica31876]

No experience in testing but have you looked where there might be moisture and make sure you have no leaks anywhere in the house? Another culprit is air conditioning. So much stuff accumulates in the filters and the air ducts. Could be dust mites in bedding even. I hope you find an answer and can start feeling better!

[heathergw]

we paid for the professional... but we knew when we bought the house there was mold... we wanted to know exactly what it was and how dangerous it was... because some of it can be downright dangerous... we have a friend who can barely function anymore and can't even work because of how badly it poisoned his body... so we take it very seriously... I'm not sure that the home ones can be as specific. Tho, you can take the home one, and if it comes out positive and you think it's what's triggering your problems then do the professional testing, if you don't want to fork out the money.

[MamaBee]

I agree with Heather... mold is something not to be mess around with, and if you have it, you might have to get professionals in to clean it out correctly.

Otherwise, do you use an April Air humidifier or other humidifier that is connected to heating unit? Our house inspector told us they are a hot bed for allergens... also have you changed the filter on the furnace and/or cleaned the ductwork? Mattresses and carpeting are another area that allergens hangout in - could have those cleaned and see if that helps?

Good luck - I suffer from indoor allergens, too... I can relate to what you are going through. :)