DIY Mold Testing: Is It Reliable?

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

A home mold kit can only detect the presence of mold

Do They Work?

Molds are a normal part of our natural environment and are usually found at levels that have no effect on people. However, mold grows rapidly indoors if one element is present — moisture. This fungus flourishes in warmth, darkness and oxygen, making many spaces in your house likely candidates for mold growth, especially "mold magnets" like basements. Homeowners in Louisa, VA, sometimes buy mold testing kits, DIY mold screening devices and various mold-detecting tape lifts and swabs to determine if they have a mold problem. Are they reliable? Here's a rundown:
Basically, a home mold kit can only detect the presence of mold. Because mold is all around us, outdoors and indoors, it will always test positive. An over-the-counter kit doesn't have the capability to provide more important information:

Mold Type
Home testing can't distinguish between the two types of mold:

• Harmful mold, or black mold, is often found in large patches across surfaces. It grows rapidly, causes property and structural damage and requires professional mold remediation.
• Non-harmful mold is the kind found in spaces like the pantry, refrigerator or breadbox. Although a common nuisance, this type of mold can be easily cleaned and removed.
  

Mold Source
Mold testing kits can't identify the mold's place of origin. The first step in remediation is pinpointing the location of the moisture causing the mold. In residential properties, the source could be anything from a seeping chimney to a cracked water pipe. In most instances, a professional evaluation is needed to determine the cause of the moisture.

Mold Level
DIY testing can't determine the level of infestation. The DIY kit only collects mold spores and confirms its presence. To know the degree of mold infestation, a homeowner would need to submit the kit for lab analysis (at added expense) or contact a mold remediation company for an assessment.
So, do mold testing kits work? Yes. Are they reliable or useful? No. The effectiveness of a DIY kit is limited. Only environmental hygienists and trained remediation professionals can accurately test for mold in your home.