First Alert Diy Home Lead Test Kit Prospecto
Introduction to Mold
Molds are microscopic fungi that exist almost everywhere. Molds feed off organic materials and
facilitate the decomposition of these materials for use by the other plants and animals. To thrive,
mold requires only moisture and a food source. Mold can enter your building through open
doorways, leaks, the HVAC system, or even clothes. Once the mold is in the building and finds a
suitable food source, all that is required for a mold colony to start is moisture. High humidity, like
the type that results from leaving a space unconditioned, can also provide the necessary
environmental mold growth.
facilitate the decomposition of these materials for use by the other plants and animals. To thrive,
mold requires only moisture and a food source. Mold can enter your building through open
doorways, leaks, the HVAC system, or even clothes. Once the mold is in the building and finds a
suitable food source, all that is required for a mold colony to start is moisture. High humidity, like
the type that results from leaving a space unconditioned, can also provide the necessary
environmental mold growth.
Toxic Mold
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), six varieties of household mold are common
and three can produce toxins. The common toxic molds are Stachybotrys, Aspergillus and
Penicillium. Stachybotrys is a black colored mold, which is considered the most potentially
dangerous of the common toxic mold types. Aspergillus can be yellow to green or black.
Penicillium is white or blue-green to green in color.
As a mold colony begins to grow, the possibility that mold will have an effect on human health
grows as well. This is due to mold spores. Molds produce microscopic cells called “spores” which
spread easily through the air, acting like seeds forming new mold colonies under the right
conditions. These spores also act as irritants to humans. When inhaled or ingested they may
cause sneezing, watery eyes or, in the case of some people, allergic reactions. In the case of
“toxic” molds, the spores produce a poisonous substance called mycotoxin. When mycotoxin is
inhaled or ingested it may produce nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, or wheezing in individuals
sensitive to mold while people allergic to mold may show signs of fever or shortness of breath.
People with chronic illnesses such as obstructive lung disease may develop mold infections in their
lungs.
and three can produce toxins. The common toxic molds are Stachybotrys, Aspergillus and
Penicillium. Stachybotrys is a black colored mold, which is considered the most potentially
dangerous of the common toxic mold types. Aspergillus can be yellow to green or black.
Penicillium is white or blue-green to green in color.
As a mold colony begins to grow, the possibility that mold will have an effect on human health
grows as well. This is due to mold spores. Molds produce microscopic cells called “spores” which
spread easily through the air, acting like seeds forming new mold colonies under the right
conditions. These spores also act as irritants to humans. When inhaled or ingested they may
cause sneezing, watery eyes or, in the case of some people, allergic reactions. In the case of
“toxic” molds, the spores produce a poisonous substance called mycotoxin. When mycotoxin is
inhaled or ingested it may produce nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, or wheezing in individuals
sensitive to mold while people allergic to mold may show signs of fever or shortness of breath.
People with chronic illnesses such as obstructive lung disease may develop mold infections in their
lungs.
Identifying and Treating Mold
No matter what type of mold is in your building the health threat depends on the size of the mold
colony and what type of mold is present. If the size of the mold colony is less than two square feet
and the mold is non-toxic mold you may be able to remediate the area yourself. However,
remember all that is required for a mold colony to start is moisture and the presence of a few
mold spores. Fix your moisture problem first, such as leaking pipes, or condensation build-up, etc.
Then, if you choose to remediate your mold problem yourself, use chlorine-bleach solution of one
cup bleach in one gallon of water and scrub the mold. Wear eye protection and a respirator with
carbon filters. Do not scrape the dry mold. Scraping can send the potentially toxin-carrying
spores into the air.
If the mold colony is larger than two square feet or if you are unsure of the exact size of the
colony or the type of mold you are facing you may want to call in a mold remediation/
restoration company.
colony and what type of mold is present. If the size of the mold colony is less than two square feet
and the mold is non-toxic mold you may be able to remediate the area yourself. However,
remember all that is required for a mold colony to start is moisture and the presence of a few
mold spores. Fix your moisture problem first, such as leaking pipes, or condensation build-up, etc.
Then, if you choose to remediate your mold problem yourself, use chlorine-bleach solution of one
cup bleach in one gallon of water and scrub the mold. Wear eye protection and a respirator with
carbon filters. Do not scrape the dry mold. Scraping can send the potentially toxin-carrying
spores into the air.
If the mold colony is larger than two square feet or if you are unsure of the exact size of the
colony or the type of mold you are facing you may want to call in a mold remediation/
restoration company.
How Does the Mold Test Kit Work?
The mold testing kit allows you to quickly and accurately test for various types of mold colonizing in your home
or workplace. It will also help you determine if a discoloration on the ceiling or wall is simply a stain or mold.
There are two different types of analytical sampling methods explained below. With this kit, you may sample
up to a total of 9 locations using a combination of both methods. Use a different test strip or the sample bag
for each location.
Preparation Instructions
1. Fill out the information portion of the test card. Please print all the information to insure proper entry and
or workplace. It will also help you determine if a discoloration on the ceiling or wall is simply a stain or mold.
There are two different types of analytical sampling methods explained below. With this kit, you may sample
up to a total of 9 locations using a combination of both methods. Use a different test strip or the sample bag
for each location.
Preparation Instructions
1. Fill out the information portion of the test card. Please print all the information to insure proper entry and
reporting.
2. Before you test look for discoloration and/or leaks in areas such as the air conditioning system, under sinks,
plumbing, accesses, attics, windowsills, closets, flooring around commodes, baseboards, showers and tubs,
behind refrigerators, and behind washers and dryers.
behind refrigerators, and behind washers and dryers.
3. When you get ready to start sampling areas in your home make sure to use the tape that comes with the
kit and only test areas that are indoors. Outdoor areas are constantly exposed to extremes in temperature
and humidity, making it unstable for accurate testing.
and humidity, making it unstable for accurate testing.
4. Determine the type of sampling method you are going to use. For further explanation of method types
please review Method Instructions below.
5. The kit will either contain a pad of clear mold tape or a roll of clear transparent tape. Remove a sample
tape strip from the pad of Mold sampling tape provided or cut a 2” piece of tape from a roll of “clear”
transparent tape being sure to leave enough room to grip the tape with fingers. Be sure that you do not
touch the sticky side of the area on the tape used to test for mold with your fingers; this could contaminate
your results.
transparent tape being sure to leave enough room to grip the tape with fingers. Be sure that you do not
touch the sticky side of the area on the tape used to test for mold with your fingers; this could contaminate
your results.
Note: There will be excess tape upon completion of all six testing locations.
Method Instructions:
Method 1 Visual Sampling: (Recommended Method) involves taking a sample of a visual mold growth.
Gently press the sticky side of the tape to the area of concern.
Apply the tape strip to the appropriate location on the test card being careful not to press hard over the
sample area. This may crush mold spores that are present which may invalidate the test.
Method 2 Bulk Sampling: allows you to take a sample of material (carpet, pad, tile, wood floor, etc.) and
test for the presence and/or type of mold.
Cut a small piece (2” x 2”) of the bulk sample in the contaminated are and place in a zip lock bag provided.
On the outside of the zip lock bag, write the location using a permanent marker.
Include in your total payment, $15.00 for each bulk sample sent. 3 bags are included with this kit.
Gently press the sticky side of the tape to the area of concern.
Apply the tape strip to the appropriate location on the test card being careful not to press hard over the
sample area. This may crush mold spores that are present which may invalidate the test.
Method 2 Bulk Sampling: allows you to take a sample of material (carpet, pad, tile, wood floor, etc.) and
test for the presence and/or type of mold.
Cut a small piece (2” x 2”) of the bulk sample in the contaminated are and place in a zip lock bag provided.
On the outside of the zip lock bag, write the location using a permanent marker.
Include in your total payment, $15.00 for each bulk sample sent. 3 bags are included with this kit.
Conclusion Instructions:
6. Place the exposed test strip to its designated area on the card. Do not press on the tested area of the tape
6. Place the exposed test strip to its designated area on the card. Do not press on the tested area of the tape
strip, this will crush the mold spores invalidating your test strip.
7. Below the used tape strip, indicate the location where the test was conducted. You are not required to use
all the testing areas provided with this kit. Each strip or bulk analysis requires a lab analysis fee of $15.00
per test card location and bulk sample. Record the location in the slots provided below and keep for your
records:
per test card location and bulk sample. Record the location in the slots provided below and keep for your
records:
8. Mail the test kit with completed information card and lab analysis fee in the form of check, cash, money
order, or credit card in the amount of $15.00 per test card location or bulk stamp in the pre-addresses
envelope. (i.e. If all six test card locations were used: $15.00 x 6 locations = $90.00 lab analysis fee) If you
fail to include the lab fee, your test will not be analyzed. The lab will mail test results to you within 72 hours
of receipt of the sample(s) and the lab fee.
envelope. (i.e. If all six test card locations were used: $15.00 x 6 locations = $90.00 lab analysis fee) If you
fail to include the lab fee, your test will not be analyzed. The lab will mail test results to you within 72 hours
of receipt of the sample(s) and the lab fee.
Location 1
Location 2
Location 2
Location 3
Location 4
Location 4
Location 5
Location 6
Location 6
Bulk 1
Bulk 2
Bulk 3
Bulk 2
Bulk 3
MOLD TEST KIT
M08-0523-000
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