Is mold testing even necessary?

[Vince Santos]

I don't test for mold but recommend a specialist for evaluation and testing. I've considered the typical "tape test" applications but have stayed away from it as I believe extensive training would better serve both myself and my client before I add this ancillary service.

What are your thoughts on the following?


"Although most amateur mould inspectors (especially “Certified Mould Inspectors”) perform mould “testing,” such “tests” are virtually

always invalid and virtually never needed. The “tests” usually produce useless and meaningless “data.” Legitimate mould assessors rarely perform “testing” or sampling. Instead, proper indoor mould assessments can be performed on the basis of a visual inspection."
Above quote from the following.
http://www.forensic-applications.com...es/Page477.htm

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by vsantos

"Although most amateur mould inspectors (especially “Certified Mould Inspectors”) perform mould “testing,” such “tests” are virtually

always invalid and virtually never needed. The “tests” usually produce useless and meaningless “data.” Legitimate mould assessors rarely perform “testing” or sampling. Instead, proper indoor mould assessments can be performed on the basis of a visual inspection."
http://www.forensic-applications.com...es/Page477.htm

I think you would be unwise to claim you have the credentials to determine the validity of your statement.

JMHO

[Bob Elliott]

Some people are not affected and some are.
It is like allergies.

If there is mold ,it is indication of a problem that needs to be corrected.

When a client wishes a mold test , I would suggest recommending a qualified mold tester, that is certified from among the NACHI members.

Why waste time dissuading anyone.?

We are not scientists.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

That site was designed to support claims in court to try to show validity and to gain more legal testimony work.. In mold field there are good people who try to help people who suffer from mold toxification and there are some people who get paid to appear in court as so called experts to help defend large companies who are being sued because they did not clean up the mold like they was asked. Causing harm to innocent people. Sad but true.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

If you decide to perform testing, take the training to do all types of mold testing and go only as far as you feel comfortable and your training allows.

[Dennis R. Goudreau]

there are different type of mold testing, from a ERMI test which classifies mold by DNA strain , to clearance test of course these are nothing new to people here but mold testing does have its place, it can be ordered for medical reasons or remediation.

[Vince Santos]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I think you would be unwise to claim you have the credentials to determine the validity of your statement.

JMHO

I'm not attempting to validate the quote as it was not mine.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by vsantos

I'm not attempting to validate the quote as it was not mine.

I realized that but you are endorsing "that expert" just the same, why go there at all?

IMHO refering to the EPA is a better option.

Why not use what the EPA says:

In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

[Vince Santos]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I realized that but you are endorsing "that expert" just the same, why go there at all?

I understand, you make a good point actually. Sorry if it was perceived that way as that was far from my intention. My only intention was/is to learn what others think about that statement. I'm giving people here the benefit of the doubt in believing they understand "that expert" is not the only expert and their views do not validate anything just because they say so.

I for one do, and will continue to, recommend evaluation and testing when I find mold.

[rmaday]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I realized that but you are endorsing "that expert" just the same, why go there at all?

I thought it was just a question.

Originally Posted by vsantos

What are your thoughts on the following?


"Although most amateur mould inspectors (especially “Certified Mould Inspectors”) perform mould “testing,” such “tests” are virtually

always invalid and virtually never needed. The “tests” usually produce useless and meaningless “data.” Legitimate mould assessors rarely perform “testing” or sampling. Instead, proper indoor mould assessments can be performed on the basis of a visual inspection."
Above quote from the following.
http://www.forensic-applications.com...es/Page477.htm

BTW, I agree w/ Mike regarding the EPA site.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by rmaday

I thought it was just a question.

You're right.


BTW, I agree w/ Mike regarding the EPA site.

I didn't mean to be heavy handed. Sorry.

I offer mold sampling myself but don't hard sell it.

Sometimes people want to know for sure so I have the service available.

I always explain that mold is common, some people have problems with it and that moisture penetration is the real issue.

[jkogel]

Here's a thought : Just keep calling it something that "appears to be mold, has mold-like characteristics."

I believe a lot of Home Inspectors are qualified by experience find mold, and anyone can take samples for the lab. You just have to be careful describing it.
So why not advertise the ability to find and sample mold as a service?
Cuz you might miss a patch? Now, that's a thought.





John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca

[rmaday]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I didn't mean to be heavy handed. Sorry.

I offer mold sampling myself but don't hard sell it.

Sometimes people want to know for sure so I have the service available.

I always explain that mold is common, some people have problems with it and that moisture penetration is the real issue.

What!? Educating the client!?
What a concept.

[Joseph Tribuzio]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I didn't mean to be heavy handed. Sorry.

I offer mold sampling myself but don't hard sell it.

Sometimes people want to know for sure so I have the service available.

I always explain that mold is common, some people have problems with it and that moisture penetration is the real issue.

Yes , that is what i do as well, (except for offering a mold sample)

Fix the issue causing it, and b aware of any adverse reactions.

[Joseph Tribuzio]

Originally Posted by relliott

some people are not affected and some are.
It is like allergies.

If there is mold ,it is indication of a problem that needs to be corrected.

When a client wishes a mold test , i would suggest recommending a qualified mold tester, that is certified from among the nachi members.

Why waste time dissuading anyone.?

We are not scientists.

agreed -