Question 1

My mother has COPD. How can I test mold myself? WE rent our duplex. Should I trust the landlord to it?

Accepted Answer

Don't bother with the home test kits. If you don't have visible mold, but have a musty smell, you certainly have live mold.  If there are any places water has leaked around tub, sink, toilet, washing machine, kitchen, or ceiling, there is a very good chance you have mold inside a ceiling, wall, or floor. I don't know state laws concerning renters' rights, but ask your landlord to schedule an assessment when you are home. If they find any, they take samples on swabs to do lab tests and find out what type of mold it is. There is probably a law about the quality of indoor air in rental property.  If you can't get your landlord to take care of it, Servicemaster does a free assessment that is reliable.  If mold is detected, give the guy your landlord's phone number.  They want business, so the company will keep on him.  When you have solid proof of mold, your landlord is more likely to take it seriously.  Do NOT trust the landlord to do it himself or have it done when you are not home!

Question 2

How does it work? If you get a pos do you mail it in to find out how much mold and what types?  Thanks,

Accepted Answer

It test for the 2 worst kinds which are labeled on the testers themselves. The kit also comes with additional swabs that can be mailed in if you want a more detailed report. But the 2 square testers are labeled so at least you'll know right away if you have either or both of the bad stuff

Question 3

Do you have to visually see something suspicious?  I just smell a mildewy smell....

Accepted Answer

In our case, we visually saw dark areas on our walls... but if you can detect a moldy/mildewy smell in the air.... I would go where it's most concentrated and take samples there... floor, wall, etc.   Good luck!

Question 4

How can you test for mold not visible behind drywall or baseboards? Do you have to cut out a piece of your wall?

Accepted Answer

if the mold is not visible the test kit from mycometrics is great. it is pricey but we have no visible mold and found out we have a high count of aspergillus to the point that it is not habitable for someone with CIRS. we did not need to open up the walls, the mycometrics test measures the dust particles. now we are wondering where exactly the mold is (which may require opening up the walls).

ASIN	B006JAERJK
Best Sellers Rank	#95,701 in Health ( See Top 100 in Health ) #74 in Home Medical Tests
Item model number	HH2003
Manufacturer	Alexeter Technologies LLC
Product Dimensions	20.32 x 12.7 x 2.54 cm; 49.9 g

5-Minute Mold Test

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