Mold Test Kits: How to Know the Kind of Mold You Have

If you discover mold in your home or building, prompt action is required. This is because mold can cause health problems in some individuals. If mold is discovered, immediate treatment is necessary in order to contain the problem.

You can get a DIY mold testing kit. If you find mold, it is a good idea to get one of these kits. Follow the directions, take a sample and have it analyzed. This way you will know for sure what type of mold you are dealing with.

Testing for Mold Growth

To test the mold that is growing in or infesting your home, you have to scrape the mold off the surface and get it into the testing container. This is done using the standard safety precautions. You must wear gloves and a full face respirator when you are getting the mold sample for testing. The respirator should have an organic vapor filter. You can use a clean paint scraper or use the scraper included with the kit for obtaining a mold sample. Carefully scrape the mold and place it into the collection plate, taking care not to allow the mold spores to become airborne. Otherwise you will be spreading your mold problem.

Label Your Sample

Your mold test kit should include a label. If it does not, use a pressure sensitive label and be sure to include the name and address of the property, the date and time the sample was taken, and other pertinent information.

Testing Indoor Air Quality

To test your indoor air for mold, get a second mold test kit. Run your HVAC system on fan for a few minutes while holding the test area of the test plate into the airflow. Then seal up the test container and label it.

You can also collect mold samples in the air with the settling method. First, run a fan in the room to be tested. This will stir up the air. Place the mold testing container in the middle of the room on the floor or on a table. Leave it there for a while, like an hour or so. As particles settle out of the stirred up air, they will land on the collection plate. Seal it up and send it out to be tested.

All of the mold tests should be done at the same time in order for there to be some control to the testing. Be sure to properly close, seal and label all test vials and containers. Then send them off to the lab to be tested.

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