Are results from mold test kits reliable?

Question

I recently purchased a mold test kit, and it appears some mold was growing in the petri dish after about 48 hours of observation in my basement. Does this mean I definitely have a mold problem and need to hire some mold remediation experts (which I have learned is very costly) or is there still a possibility that the mold is not very significant or harmful? Or, is it possible for me to do mold remediation on my own, short of tearing down and replacing all the drywall?

Answer 1

There are more molds then there are people on the earth. Black molds are usually dangerous to breathe. If you find some growing on the walls, you can be sure that the back of the wall board is full of mold.

This is what will have to happen. you will have to take out all the wall board, all of it will have to be stripped out and, the insulation will have to come out.

The inside walls will have to be sprayed and, de-molded, you might say. To say the least, you cannot do this.

I told you what has to be done, not that you can do this. It takes professionals and, a hazmat team that knows what they re doing. My Uncle, years ago, was tearing out some walls for the wood, full of dried mold. He didn't know at the time what it ensued. He started coughing later that year, he showed spots on his lungs later, they thought cancer, he started passing out, spitting blood, coughing out pieces of lung tissue. They finally operated, He had the mold growing in his lungs, actually growing, he lost one lung over it.
A lesson to the wise to be leary. It's better to spend a buck and live a few years longer or, move.

The test dish only tells you that a mold is growing there, it's a kids test kit like a lab kit for a science class. It doesn't really tell you what it is, how bad it is, what type it is, etc, etc.
I hope you didn't pay to much for it.

Answer 2

Mold Test Kit Results

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Are results from mold test kits reliable?
I recently purchased a mold test kit, and it appears some mold was growing in the petri dish after about 48 hours of observation in my basement. Does this mean I definitely have a mold problem and need to hire some mold remediation experts (which I have learned is very costly) or is there still a...

Answer 4

I am having problems with this too and am interested in testing mold in my home. I apologize that I'm not going to be able to answer your question but I have a question to add: Do the home test kits tell you how bad the mold is or just tell you yes/no you have mold? Because I already know there is mold in my home. can you do multiple rooms with one kit?

Answer 5

how much repair you do depends on your peace of mind and wallet. I had some mold growing on my wall and under my carpet, just applied some kilz over it after scrubbing it wih bleach, no further trouble. you have a ventillation problem, obviously, like i do. doing a teardown won't correct the prob, it's just a quick fix, until more mold grows. I'm going to buy an EZ Breathe ventillation system. it costs like 1500 bucks, but sounds like an excellent investment, as it gets rid of mold, odors, and condensation on windows, which is another problem of mine. their website is www.ezbreathe.com, you may want to take a look.....

Answer 6

there are different types of mold tests available eg: air, swab, petri dish....
follow the directions and send it in..they will issue results which will give you a better ideal of what kind of mold it is and possible health issues associated with the mold.
remediation depends on extent.
stop the moisture first. no moisture means no mold.
if you live close to Boise then i can give you a great price on testing..i don't do remediation....can do radon testing also.