if you think you have a mold problem or if you are sick in your home and suspect mold is to blame, I recommend contacting a reputable professional to do an investigation. The self-test kits found at local hardware stores are not accurate. They may tell you there is a problem when there is not and they are not good at detecting Stachybotrys, one of many problematic types of mold. Stachybotrys has frequently been referred to as "black mold," but there are many types of mold that are black. You can’t judge a mold by its color; there are some types of edible mold that are black and other molds that aren’t black but are probably every bit as bad as if not worse than Stachybotrys. So getting a competent diagnosis is important.
Several states have licensing requirements for mold inspectors. By itself, having a license does not make one competent. Ever had a bad hair
cut from a licensed cosmetologist? A bad roof installed by a licensed roofer? One helpful screening tool is checking to see if the inspector has Errors and Omissions (E & O) insurance. Another is asking for references. See if the consultant has been in the business for awhile, if they have complaints on file with the Better Business Bureau, and if they are in good standing with professional or trade organizations. It also makes sense to hire a mold inspector who has experience in other areas of indoor environmental quality, building science, and Building Biology.
A mold inspection should really be called a mold investigation. Unless you see mold there won’t be any inspecting, and at least half the time mold is hiding. One way to look for mold is look for damp spots. The inspector should spend time checking the moisture levels of walls and ceilings
control procedures more complicated and requires site — and climate-specific design strategies beyond the scope of this book. Guides that distinguish and explain these design strategies for climate-based moisture control are available through The Energy & Environmental Building Association (EEBA). We highly recommend them. (See Further Reading at the end of this chapter.)
