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  1. #1
    Dave Gootam's Avatar
    Dave Gootam Guest

    Default Mold Detection Device Feedback

    Hello Experts,

    I am working on a proof of concept for a mold kit that detects the three common types of mold (Aspergillus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys). Using this device, an user can detect the mold type right there at the home instead of sending the sample to the lab. Device works on air sampling and/or swab sample within 48 hours, and price will be around $35-$40.

    I would like to get feedback on different types of devices out there, and what types of devices are used professionals/inspectors like you. My questions are as follows.

    1. When I checked Home Depot or Lowes, the only things out there are $7-10 test kits, and the samples needs to be sent to lab. Do you also use these kits available in retail stores, and send the samples to labs?

    2. If you use different kits/devices than available in consumer retail, what are those? Where do you purchase them?

    3. Do you see value in device concept I mentioned above?

    I apologize if I am asking silly questions. But I really appreciate your time, and would be very grateful for any feedback you offer.

    Thanks
    Dave.

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    St Paul, MN
    Posts
    1,630

    Default Re: Mold Detection Device Feedback

    Here in Minnesota the Department of Health says don't waste your money on mold testing. If you can see it or smell it, you've got a problem that needs to be addressed. So, it has no value to me.

    MinnesotaHomeInspectors.com
    Minnesota Home Inspectors LLC
    ASHI #242887 mnradontesting.com

  3. #3
    Phil Brody's Avatar
    Phil Brody Guest

    Default Re: Mold Detection Device Feedback

    Since we are not using antibiotics to correct the condition of mold,the classification is of little value. If there is an appearance of mold that's all that has to be noted.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: Mold Detection Device Feedback

    I suggest you read the info at this link.

    Indoor Fungal Habits


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
    Posts
    5,851

    Default Re: Mold Detection Device Feedback

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Gootam View Post
    Hello Experts,

    I am working on a proof of concept for a mold kit that detects the three common types of mold (Aspergillus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys). Using this device, an user can detect the mold type right there at the home instead of sending the sample to the lab. Device works on air sampling and/or swab sample within 48 hours, and price will be around $35-$40.

    I would like to get feedback on different types of devices out there, and what types of devices are used professionals/inspectors like you. My questions are as follows.

    1. When I checked Home Depot or Lowes, the only things out there are $7-10 test kits, and the samples needs to be sent to lab. Do you also use these kits available in retail stores, and send the samples to labs?

    2. If you use different kits/devices than available in consumer retail, what are those? Where do you purchase them?

    3. Do you see value in device concept I mentioned above?

    I apologize if I am asking silly questions. But I really appreciate your time, and would be very grateful for any feedback you offer.

    Thanks
    Dave.
    I see little value to such a kit or test.

    If you see mold, smell mold then you have mold. Knowing what they species/genius is will not help the situation. Also you have to take into consideration if the mold is viable or not. I'm betting that this kit will only work on a viable sample.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Lake Barrington, IL
    Posts
    1,367

    Default Re: Mold Detection Device Feedback

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Gootam View Post
    I am working on a proof of concept for a mold kit that detects the three common types of mold (Aspergillus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys).
    There are thousands of species of mold and people can be sensitive to any number of them. Having a test that's limited to just three would not seem to be of benefit, at least for me.

    Eric Barker, ACI
    Lake Barrington, IL

  7. #7
    Phil Brody's Avatar
    Phil Brody Guest

    Default Re: Mold Detection Device Feedback

    Also don't think the HI wants to be liable for correct mold species identification,it's easier and cheaper to just state "what appears to be mold/fungi". If they are curious they can bring in the lab. Although, I'm sure there are homeowners that would buy it - ebay


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    2,797

    Default Re: Mold Detection Device Feedback

    Hum... I'm almost ready to market my $45.00 test kit for jock itch and athletes foot, so you can know just which species of organism you are treating before you go to the drug store!

    What? You mean you just *treat* it ???

    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Nazareth, Pa 18064
    Posts
    45

    Default Re: Mold Detection Device Feedback

    If you are going to test, three types of mold do not seem enough.
    However I am not a IH.
    I do have few questions.
    Are you a lab or microbiologist?
    Is this a "built in the garage" product?
    What it the logic for testing for only three types of mold?
    Will the results be defensable in court?
    Penicillium/Aspergillus is found everywere. Will your test give me a spore count per cubic meter to compare to a control?
    Just wondering



  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    North Central Texas
    Posts
    491

    Default Re: Mold Detection Device Feedback

    In Texas the testing requires a separate license which entails a testing protocol. Your simplistic approach would be of zero help to an HI here. As others have said, if an HI in Texas sees what looks like mold, the mere statement of that observation fulfills any responsibility on his/her part. It would also be prudent to recommend further investigation by an expert.

    Texas Inspector
    http://www.texasinspector.com
    What the plainspoken man lacks in subtlety, he makes up in clarity.

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