When clients ask me if they should have an air quality test, I tell them… if they are thinking about it now, they most likely will think about it in the future when they catch a cold, allergies etc, so lets get it done now.
This from the EPA’s mold web page:
“Is sampling for mold needed? 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.”
Photographs, mention in the report and the summary, and links to the EPA web page I think will keep me sleeping well enough. Like Mr. Kelly said “9 cases in 20 odd years I am shaking in my boots”.
With all of the BS that gets thrown around here from vendors trying to push their garbage and sell their widgets to hard working inspectors I don’t believe what garbage is said without Verifiable Proof. With no proof it’s most likely just another attempt at making more money off a few naive inspectors.
Jim
You see what looks like mold on the floor joists, rafters, drywall, etc. You take a swab and show client. They say go ahead and send to the lab.
Then you get the lab report back and it shows positive for SOME type of mold.
You have no idea how that sample compares to the outside air OR what the inside level is of ONE type mold only AND their will likely be more molds present.
So what have you really done … IMHO, go balls out and if concerned move them to air sampling OR let them sign off they have decided to decline testing.
Dan, there are about seven species of mold that is not recommended to let grow indoors. There is no comparison on a tape sample to the outside.
No ,offense Tom, but that is all wrong is so many ways. 1st it actually shows that you are not very experienced in the mold world… I won’t go on, but it’s just not a good nor correct thing to be saying to your clients, or anyone really.
Jim
Was it growing on him or Johnny?
Diving rods work, but not for everyone. You don’t need them to find a spring, it is visible on the surface.
Just being a smart you know what today. No harm intended.
Nick, you never did answer this question?
Jim
Hey Jim, This may be a bit off topic…
Virginia has no licensing or oversight of mold, unless something recently changed.
I have been on the fence for some time about offering mold testing. Have had numerous requests this year, however I don’t know that I can justify the spend to start testing.
You do no mold testing at all?
I see it all the time and recommend testing by an expert. So many types of mold out there. Not sure I would want the liability either.
My agreement states that I do not perform mold testing or inspections. I do, though point out any type of mold(ish) substance that I find.
Mold is always on the mind of buyers. Pointing out any mold is like screaming fire in a crowded theater. Might as well tell them the walls are covered in asbestos filled, chemical leaching paneling.
Greg, I think you have the wrong impression. We absolutely do mold testing, in fact mold and Radon are our main focus for the past 3 years since my leg accident. Anyway We do over 100 samples per week and over 75 radon tests, so I would say I dabble in the subjects…LOL I am away for the next 4 days, but you should hit me up and I can offer some help if you want.
Jim
My apologies for my misinterpretation of your posts.
Give me a shout or a text when you get back and we can take it from there. I would love to learn a bit more.
540-758-3260
This is an Apartment Unit Townhome 2 story an these are pictures of downstairs behind Dishwasher and upstairs in the attic in the HVAC System. Both connected to the same wall with all the Drainage and Ventilation what would be your recommendation or opinion after seeing this?
Do feel that your inspector missed this?
Yes very much
Were these areas readily accessible and visible? Or did you pull out the dishwasher and remove the vent?
The thing that struck me most about this thread is that the article linked to in the first post suggests carrying around a box of q-tips in your vehicle to do testing with. And even shows just a regular old package of q-tips in the picture. Seems like that would be a good way to obtain a contaminated sample medium.
U can see under the dishwasher so when i saw some of that yes i pulled the dishwasher out. The picture thats under the sink that all exposed an you can see it when you kneel down, Yes i pulled the vent off when i notice dark discoloration that was not the same as the white paint