5 Problems with Mold Plate Testing
- Not all culture media grow all molds
- Fast-growing molds eat all the food before slow-growing molds (Stachybotrys) can grow
- Only grows viable (living) spores, not non-viable (dormant) spores
- Only traps airborne spores, not sticky ones like Stachybotrys
- Give a false sense of confidence that a space is mold-free
I try to stay in my lane as a body expert. But I just have to step out of my lane for a minute.
This must be said!
Mold testing plates are problematic. They are NOT reliable enough to rely upon as a sole method of testing.
I’ve now had the 3rd consultation in a short span of time where a family used mold plates to determine whether their homes were safe, and are now dealing with a severe illness as a result of mold. This time it’s leukemia in a child.
My heart can’t take it anymore!
Please please please do NOT rely upon a mold plate test. If you’re going to use it, make it a part of a comprehensive assessment.
If the mold plate test looks bad, you have more investigation to do.
If the mold plate test looks good, you still may have a mold problem.
ps – Because I know I’m not a building expert, all 5 points have been verified by certified building inspectors, scientists who make the mold plate agar media, and research studies.
Citation:
Birgitte Andersen, Anita Thrane Nissen,
Evaluation of media for detection of Stachybotrys and Chaetomium species associated with water-damaged buildings,
International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation,
Volume 46,
Issue 2,
2000,
Pages 111-116,
ISSN 0964-8305,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0964-8305(00)00092-5.
