Environmental Mold Testing: Q&A with JW Biava and Angela Pifer
JW Biava’s Links:
Immunolytics: Gravity plates, swab tests and dust testing | Live Q&A Chat
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Join Angela Pifer and JW Biava for an in-depth live Q&A on environmental mold testing.
This was a full two hour conversation, and we covered far more than the usual question of whether or not mold is present in a home. We walked through how to think about testing, how to choose between gravity plates, swabs, Swiffer dust testing, air sampling, and wall cavity testing, and how to avoid making major decisions based on one single sample.
We also discussed what proper mold containment should actually look like before anyone opens a wall, how to interview an inspector or remediator, how to test inside a wall through a very small opening, and what to look for when mold may be hiding in the HVAC system, furniture, carpeting, clothing, vehicles, or other less obvious places.
One of the most surprising takeaways was that your car has a cabin air filter, often located behind the glove box, and that filter can become part of the mold exposure picture if condensation or contamination develops in the vehicle.
We also covered:
- Why one mold test shouldn’t be used to characterize an entire home
- Why an ERMI may remain elevated immediately after remediation
- How to test carpeting, couches, clothing, and even pets with gravity plates
- Why opening your windows isn’t always the best answer
- How seasonal changes can affect mold testing results
- What a true negative air containment should include
- How to find a qualified environmental professional
- When AirWell Now or the ISEAI Get Help directory may be useful
- How wall cavity samples are collected using a spore trap and pump
- Why sampling the wrong stud bay can still miss a mold problem
This replay is especially helpful if you’re trying to decide what type of testing to order, whether you need an inspector, or whether the remediation plan you’ve been given is actually thorough enough.
