When people get mold test results back, the report can feel impossible to read. It lists spore types you’ve probably never heard of (Stachybotrys, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, etc.) along with numbers measured in “spores per cubic meter.” The question we always get is:
Does this mean I have a real mold problem?
That’s why we put together a simple rubric. It’s not meant to replace medical or lab advice, but it gives you a clear way to decide if remediation makes sense.
- Pay attention to the concentration. Labs measure this in spores per cubic meter. Bigger numbers = bigger problem
- Certain molds are worse than others. For example, Stachybotrys (“black mold”) is considered toxic even at low levels
- Toxic marker mold present (such as stachybotrys or chaetomium)
- Over 500 m3 for any one type of mold
- Expanding visible mold in the living space
- Mold showed up in your blood or urine (or other mold sickness diagnosis)
Below are three test that we took across three different homes all on August 14, 2025. They are a good example of the range of results you may see in your home.
This first test was done at an office building in in Brentwood, TN where some of the employees were concerned about mold sickness.
You'll notice a few things about this test:
- Both offices have nearly identical mold loads
- The molds present are common molds that are found in most indoor spaces and are not often linked with mold sickness at low levels
- All spore loads are below 500 m3
- There wasn't visible mold
As such we did not suggest treatment and the landlord did not proceed.
This second example is a home done in Nashville which was selling and the home inspector pointed out an issue in the crawlspace so we got called in to test.
If you look at the bedroom test it doesn't meet our criteria to treat as there is no one spore that is above 500 and there are no marker or black molds but then if you look at the right side crawlspace test it is clear there is a problem lurking below.
The first thing that should jump out to you in the crawlspace is the 1 spore found of Stachybotrys. If we find that we always recommend treatment because that mold is toxic and can make you really sick, beyond the feeling of allergies.
The crawlspace also requires treatment based on the high concentration of Basidiospores and Penicillium which clearly indicate there is a mold source down there but again. The Stachy is the worst thing here and we suggested treatment so the owner scheduled it prior to selling.
Check out this test we did for a community home in Antioch TN. We did two tests across both a bathroom and living room and both came back with serious issues.
Again You can see the single spore of Stachy we found. That’s the biggest concern here—and on its own it means this bathroom needs treatment right away, since people are using it daily.
The reason even one spore of a marker mold like this is so alarming is that these spores are heavier and much harder to pick up on air tests. So if we caught one, it’s a strong sign there’s a serious underlying issue. Combine that with all the other visible growth, and it’s clear there’s been a water problem that the mold is feeding on.
This home needed, and received, remediation from Claro without delay.
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