If you see black mold in your home, DO NOT panic! A number of molds can sometimes be found growing in houses on drywall, wood, behind wallpaper, and on ceiling tiles in areas that are constantly moist or have suffered water damage or leaks.

mushroom-like and black mold - Mold Testing and Bacteria TestingSome of these molds such as Stachybotrys, Aspergillus and Penicillium are associated with adverse health effects. Others like Alternaria and Cladosporium are well known allergens that trigger allergic reactions to sensitized individuals.

BUT, not all black molds that occur indoors are hazardous. Also, some dangerous molds are not black.

For $54.99 (Canadian dollar) per sample, you may submit a mold sample to determine whether the mold present is hazardous or only a cosmetic concern. A tape-lift mold sample is the most inexpensive test, and from it, Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories can give you information and guidance on what to do next. It is an easy way to determine if the mold is toxic and if it will require more intensive investigation and remediation. Cleaning hazardous mold requires special protection.

How Do You Take Mold Samples?

If you hire a professional mold inspector to come to your home, they’ll take samples and send these samples to a third-party laboratory to find out the kinds of mold present in your home. What if you can collect the samples yourself and send them directly to the same lab? It would not only save you money but also give you an opportunity to discuss your mold test results with microbiologists who understand these molds more than anyone else.

Taking Mold Samples is easy! All you need is CLEAR SCOTCH tape and to follow the simple steps below.

  1. Wear gloves if necessary.
  2. Cut a few inches of clear scotch tape (2-3 inches). Avoid touching the sticky side.
  3. Holding the edges of the piece of tape, press it gently to the suspect area. Apply light pressure to the non-adhesive side.
  4. Peel tape off surface with slow, steady pressure, holding the tape edges only.
  5. Without folding the tape, apply sticky side of tape (i.e., side with mold) to the inside of the plastic bag.
  6. Close bag and label the outside of the bag with a brief description of the sample. For example:
    • Tape #1: Basement, east wall
    • Tape #2: Windowsill, master bedroom
    • Tape #3: Ceiling tile, bathroom
    • Tape #4: Under counter, kitchen sink.

    (NOTE: More than one mold type may be present. If several sites show visible mold growth, it is advisable to take more than one sample.)

  7. Put only one sample in each bag.
  8. Download, print and complete the sample submittal form. If you cannot print the form, get a blank sheet of paper and provide the following information:
    • Name
    • Address
    • Phone
    • Fax (if available)
    • Email address
    • The date the samples were collected
    • Credit card information for payment (Visa or MasterCard). You can also call us at 905-290-9101 to provide credit card information on the phone
  9. Put the samples into a mailing envelope together with your completed sample submittal form (or the sheet you completed) and mail your samples to:
    Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) Inc.
    1020 Brevik Place, Unit 1A
    Mississauga, ON L4W 4N7
    Canada.

What to expect after the lab receives your samples

We’ll analyze your mold sample in our ISO 17025 Accredited laboratory and send you a lab report to tell you:

  • exactly what type of mold your sample is
  • whether your sample is a toxic mold or just a cosmetic problem
  • if there are any known health problems associated with that mold and what they are
  • how to safely remove it
  • how to make sure it never comes back.

About Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories

Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 International Standard. ISO/IEC 17025 is one of the most important accreditations for all types of laboratories performing tests and calibration.

Microbiology testing laboratories need to get accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 to demonstrate their technical competency and to ensure the accuracy of the test results. Having accreditation by regulatory bodies certifies that the results are consistent and accurate and are generated using industry-standard protocols.