Mold inspector needed to check condo - got very sick

[PoisonedinBKK]

I'm creating a list of mold inspection companies in Bangkok but I've a hard time finding them. The condo I'm renting is infested with hidden mold due to leakage in the ceiling and I want to have it checked + cultured in a lab. I've already ordered some kits from the USA but it might take a while to arrive and then having it cultured takes some time. Time I don't have, need to have it checked and confirmed asap.
If anyone knows of a mold inspection company based in BKK, please let me know.

[EvilDrSomkid]

Best I can think of is taking samples yourself and go a to a few hospitals and pay them to check them.

Good luck with getting the condo association to remedy this.

[Jamie]

Do you have a weakened immune system? Severe mold allergies or asthma? If not, you probably have little to worry about. Why do you want to test for mold? If you had water damage, you most likely have mold or remnants of mold. Remember, without water, mold doesn't grow.

Instead of spending time and money getting samples taken and tested, wouldn't it be better to get to the source of the issue? Any environmental remediation company can remove the affected (I am assuming it is dry wall) material. They generally seal off the area they are working, remove the moldy material, and clean up all while using HEPA filtration. They should do post sampling clearance to make certain they have done a proper cleanup.

I have a background in the environmental field with a number of years spent dealing with indoor air quality issues.

[FritsSikkink]

Go to your landlord en tell him you want it fixed if he doesn't do that leave

[Hank Taylor]

Why Sample? It is important to take mold samples for a variety of reasons. Firstly, mold spores are not visible to the human eye. Only by laboratory analysis can one know what types of mold exist in a building. Lab analysis will provide evidence of the size and scope of the problem in a building and based on the type of sampling conducted provide a list of the types of mold present in a particular area. Although you may see mold growth on a wall or under a sink you don't know the extent, or has it already spread to other rooms? Hiring a contractor doesn't necessarily mean he is qualified or has the right equipment. Check to see is he a Certified Mold Remediation Contractor. When you find the right contractor be sure to do Post Clearance testing. What Is Involved In A Post-Remediation Verification Survey? Post-Remediation means, "after mold has been removed". A post-remediation verification survey (sometimes called clearance testing) includes a visual inspection and moisture assessment of the construction materials that were part of the remediation work, and air quality testing inside the work area. Both are necessary to properly assess whether or not the mold remediation was successful. Successful mold remediation is defined as follows: 1. No visible mold growth on any of the construction materials. 2. All construction materials are dry according to current industry standards. 3. The cause of the mold growth has been resolved. 4. Airborne mold spore levels are consistent with indoor air quality standards. 5. Cross-contamination of non-work areas has not occurred.

Hank Taylor Environmental Hygienist

Certified Mold Inspector Certified Mold Remediation Contractor

email and link to commercial website removed per forum rules

Edited October 7, 2013 by Crossy

[wayned]

Go to your landlord en tell him you want it fixed if he doesn't do that leave

Sounds like the best solution to me. No matter what you do or how much you spend, if he won't fix it you're still screwed. Why bother with the BS?

[Jamie]

Sampling will not necessarily tell you what you want. I've had samples taken in a mold ridden bathroom as well as outside in ambient air. The outside air had a higher spore count than the bathroom sample.

Again, if you have water damage, you need to fix the problem. If you have mold issues on the inside of walls, you will in all likelihood not even pick this up on a test. Post clearance is more important.