Re: * newbie needs testing advice

[Guest guest]

What I think you ought to do first is:

Define a purpose.

If the purpose is to test for the presence of mold and identify any mold and

have a count of the various molds found then a professional inspection would be

in order.

To do all of this will surely cost the $300 that a trained mold inspector has

quoted. After all it will take some experience to decide where to test for the

mold.

On the other hand if your only desire is to very simply test for the presence of

mold without a laboratory qualitative/quantitative analysis then go to a Home

Depot store and buy their testkit and follow the directions.

I regularly test for mold with all who wish to buy a machine both before set up

of the machine and then after the machine has been working for three days. If

mold is the problem they'll always be a dramatic reduction in mold growth in the

second dish. For this type of a demonstration we don't need anything but a

comparative test but with professional testing equipment.

It's the best way I know to prove how good an air purifier is working.

Such a routine works well with air filters, HEPA filters, ozone machines or

precipitators.

The Dallas pricing is about average for professional lab work. But the cost

comes in when you realize that often four or more samples must be taken at $100

each plus an inspectors fee.

The price I'm used to is $200 plus $60 for each sample with a minimum of three

samples required. Samples are taken by an experienced inspector after an

extensive interview with the homeowner to identify where in the building is the

mold might be found. The condition of the building is inspected to notice any

damage where water might have intruded. The attic is not normally inspected

unless the interview suggests a problem is present. Any walls with

discoloration suggesting mold might be within the wall will prompt the inspector

to propose probing within the wall from at least the nearest electrical outlet.

If you do it yourself with one sample all you will learn is something about that

one location. If you have mold in your kitchen it probably won't be found by

testing in a bedroom. If your mold is in the master bathroom than testing in a

bedroom may or may not find any.

Ken

Original Message -----

From: lunagirl32002<mailto:j_genser@...>

<mailto: >

Sent: Friday, June 17, 2005 11:11 AM

Subject: [] newbie needs testing advice

Hi all

This is my first time on the list. I checked the files but did not see

anything on this...I want

to find the cheapest most reliable method of testing for mold. I found some

test kits

through the Environmental Health Center in Dallas

(www.aehf.com/catalog/index.php<http://www.aehf.com/catalog/index.php>?

cPath=96 & osCsid=e99900e22b1a264ab6b609938d3d9305) and also a local company

(Quantum) that can come out today to do the testing. They charge a minimum of

$300

and they use an air pump to take a 5 minute sample for airborne mold. Results

take 7-10

days. The mail-in kits from Dallas are for 30 minute open air samples and

results take 4-6

weeks and only costs $100.

Just wondering if anyone has had positive or negative experiences with testing

that could

help me decide which way to go.

Thank you!!

lunagirl

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