EMSL offers three mold test kits
for use under different situations. If you have visible water damage and suspect mold growth then the Tape Lift Test Kit is a great way to sample. Tape Lifts are the most common sampling method for visible mold but should only be used on smooth and hard surfaces such as sheetrock, studs, and other wooden building materials. We do not recommend their use on porous materials like fabrics, upholstery, and carpeting as the mold spores would be imbedded in these materials and not collected well with a Tape Lift. Also if the hard surface  is extremely wet then the adhesive on the Tape Lift will not stick well due to the water. In these situations use our Swab Test Kit. They are great for collecting mold on wet surfaces and are frequently used when trying to sample hard to reach areas such as inside HVAC systems, under heavy furniture, or inside registers, grills, and vents. The Bulk Test Kit is useful when you suspect contamination of insulation, filters, or dust. Simply collect a small amount of the material and return it inside a re-sealable plastic bag with the kit.

 

If you suspect mold problems in your home or just want to make sure there are no issues but do not have any clear water damage or visible mold growth then our ERMI Test Kit is the best option. Using this kit you will collect dust samples around the house and submit it for mold DNA testing. We will determine your Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) value based on the quantity of DNA for 36 molds in your dust sample. EPA researchers developed this test as an easy way to evaluate the moldiness of a home. A low ERMI value would indicate your home does not have a mold problem while a high ERMI value would indicate a high probability that you have a mold problem. If you get a high ERMI we recommend you hire an IAQ professional to investigate possible causes and provide recommendations on remediation.

 

 

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