Question: We are in the process of purchasing a home. There appears to moisture stains in several parts of the house. Should I have a home inspector do an evaluation for mold problems? -Jim in Scottsdale

Based on our research, the story on hazardous mold is evolving and getting more interesting every day. It is becoming more common for home inspectors to offer testing services for hazardous mold. Read on about a few of the reasons why this is a troublesome trend.

At seminars across the country, home inspectors are being trained in a day or two to provide evaluations for the presence or absence of mold in a property. The promotion is: purchase inexpensive air sampling equipment and market testing services to your existing customers for quick additional income. They also teach that swab samples or tape lifts can be used when you see suspected mold on a surface. Unfortunately, a short course on this topic and some marginal equipment combines to become a dangerous mix. Many home inspectors do not have errors and omissions insurance that will cover mold testing so the customer and others in the real estate transaction are at risk.

Lawsuits for mold cases can run in the millions of dollars. Some buildings are irreparably damaged and must be destroyed along with all the possessions inside. Unlike asbestos and radon, mold exposure can harm your health in a matter of hours or days. Standards for mold evaluation are incomplete and certifications for field evaluators are unreliable. Choose your mold evaluator carefully!

A comprehensive mold evaluation should include more than just air sampling and a few sample tape lifts. With this method of testing you can get results that are incorrectly false negative; saying that no mold exists. Proper evaluation may include 2 to 3 hours of visual assessment. It might also include air sampling within suspect wall cavities, moisture testing and in some cases removal of cabinets or surface materials. Home inspectors that add mold testing to their service lineup are often providing inadequate testing with limited knowledge. This is a dangerous combination. You want a professional opinion, not just a sampler’s test from a home inspector with two days of education. An environmental expert can help you determine the extent of the damage and help you remediate the problem.