Mold Facts

Sampling Protocol for Legionella

2011-04-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

Environmental Sampling Protocol for Legionella

A. Air Sampling for Legionella:

A1. How to Handle Microbiological Media (AGAR PLATES)

Agar plates must be kept refrigerated or in a cooler box with ice packs until ready to use
The plates must be allowed to warm up to room temperature before taking a sample (approx. 20 minutes)
Do not remove the lid from the plate at anytime except during sampling
The plates must be shipped back to MBL on ice with OVERNIGHT PRIORITY. Refreeze and reuse the original icepack (this type of icepack is stable for 24 hours)
Adequate packing material must be used to protect the plates. The weight of the icepack can crush the plates during shipping
Plates must not come into direct contact with the ice, as the tests will be invalid if the media freezers
If there is any delay in sending the agar plates to MBL, they should be refrigerated until ready for overnight delivery
A Chain of Custody (CoC) form must accompany the plates. Note on the CoC the date collected and the date sent to the laboratory

A2. Materials Needed for Legionella Air Sampling

Latex gloves
70% Isopropyl alcohol to sterilize sampler after every other sample
SKC QuickTake 30 pump with Andersen N-6 single stage Impactor
BCYE (Buffered Charcoal Yeast Extract) agar

A3. Sampling Procedure

Allow agar plates to reach room temperature before use
Attach one end of tubing to the intake of the sampling pump (QuickTake 30) and the other end to the inlet of the sampler (Andersen N-6 single stage impactor)
Calibrate the flow rate of the vacuum pump (will be done by MBL)
Wear gloves, open the impactor and wipe the inside surfaces with 70% Isopropyl alcohol and allow to air dry
Place Petri dish containing agar into the sampler
Remove the cover of the Petri dish and place into a sterile sample bag to minimize contamination
Close the sampler
Set timer to appropriate time depending on environmental conditions (sampling time is between 2-5 minutes)
Turn on the pump
When the time is up, the pump will stop automatically
Disassemble sampler and place cover back onto agar plate
Secure lid onto Petri dish with masking tape or Parafilm (avoid using electrical, packing, transparent and duct tape)
Using a fine felt pen, write the sample number on the bottom of the Petri dish
Record all appropriate information on the Chain of Custody

B. Surface Sampling for Legionella:

B1. Swab and Material sampling

Collect a surface sample with a sterile swab where there is scale build up or on water outlets.
Swabs of faucet aerators and shower heads should be taken before the water sample from these sites with the aerator or shower head removed if possible.
Pre-wet the swab with water from the sampling site and immerse swab in 3-5 ml of water taken at the same time to prevent drying during transport.
Collect samples of sludge, slime, or sediment with swabs or in sterile containers.

C. Water Sampling for Legionella:
C1. Materials Needed for Legionella Water Sampling

Use sterile screw-capped plastic bottles for sampling. Bottles should routinely contain a sufficient amount of sodium thiosulfate as chlorine neutralizing agent in the water system
A 1 litter water sample is recommended for potable water sampling and 250 ml for non-potable water sampling
Waterproof marker ( to label bottles)
Gloves
Respirator (wear appropriate respiratory protection during the examination of water systems if a significant potential exists for exposure to high concentrations of contaminated aerosols)

C2. How to Sample for Legionella in Water

Wear gloves and, where necessary, respiratory protection
Use sterile screw-capped plastic bottles containing sodium thiosulfate
Collect water, leaving 2-3 cm air space in the bottle to facilitate mixing by shaking
Tightly cap the bottles to minimize leakage during transportation to the lab
Label sample container appropriately
Record sample information on the chain of custody
Place the samples in insulated boxes or on freezer packs to protect specimens from extreme temperature fluctuations in the summer months
Ship samples by overnight express courier to MBL Inc

D. Types of Samples:
D1. Potable Water

Collect 2 water samples from shower heads, tap water faucets, respiratory therapy equipment, water fountains, etc. First a pre-flush or first draw sample by draining the first 1 L of water from the faucets or flush drains into a bottle. Allow the water to run for approximately 1 minute and collect the second draw of 1 L of water.

D2. Non-potable Water

Collect minimum 300 mL of water from cooling towers, chillers, condensate pans, surface water in reservoirs, sprinklers, hot water storage tanks, evaporative condensers, whirlpool spas, decorative fountains, ultrasonic mist machines, humidifiers, etc. Collect non-potable water samples from the bottom or side of the vessel or reservoir.

D3. Swab Sampling

Swab samples should be taken of shower heads, pipes and taps. Furthermore, sludge, slime or sediments within building water services, cooling towers, humidifiers or spas can also be collected, particularly where accumulation occurs. These samples allow sampling of biofilms, which frequently contain Legionella. Swabs of faucet aerators and showerheads should be taken along with water samples from these sites. When sampling cooling towers, whirlpool spas or fountains, look for areas of biofilms and take a swab sample of the biofilms. Swabs are not considered appropriate for sampling hot water tanks and routine testing of cooling towers.

E. Water Sampling Containers:

Chlorinated water should be treated with sodium thiosulfate (available - please let us know) to neutralize the chlorine. Water samples should be brought to the lab ideally within a few hours of sampling and should be stored at room temperature (20 + 5°C) in the dark. (Please contact us to discuss your needs and how we can help).

F. Potential Sources or Sampling Sites for Legionella:
F1. Potable water system

incoming water main
water softener
holding tanks, cisterns
water heater tanks (at the inflows and outflows)

F2. Potable water outlets, especially those in or near patient rooms

faucets or taps
showers

F3. Cooling tower, evaporative condenser

makeup water (e.g., added to replace water lost because of evaporation, drift, leakage)
basin ( i.e., area under the tower for collection of cooled water)
sump ( i.e., section of basin from which cooled water returns to heat source)
heat sources ( e.g., chillers)

F4. Humidifiers (e.g., nebulizers)

bubblers for oxygen
water used for respiratory therapy equipment

F5. Other sources

decorative fountains
irrigation equipment
fire sprinkler system (if recently used)
whirlpools, spas

G. References:

Arnow, P.M., Weil, D., and M.F. Para. 1985. Prevalence and significance of Legionella pneumophila contamination of residential hot- tap water systems. J Infect Dis. 152: 145-51.
Barbaree, J.M., Gorman, G.W., Martin, W.T., Fields, B.S. and W.E. Morrill 1987. Protocol for sampling environmental sites for Legionellae. Appl Environ Microbiol. 53: 1454-8.
[CDC] Procedures for the recovery of Legionella from the environment. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, CDC.
Joly, J.R. 1993. Monitoring for the presence of Legionella: where, when, and how? In: Legionella: current status and emerging perspectives. Barbaree JM, Breiman RF, Dufour AP, eds. Washington DC: American Society for Microbiology Press, 211-6.

Are The Small White Spheres Specific To One Bacteria?

2011-01-19T12:06:00.000-08:00

Are The Small White Spheres Specific To One Bacteria?

Could These Illnesses Be Related To Mold Spores?

2011-01-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

Could These Illnesses Be Related To Mold Spores?

What Are The Health Issues We Face?

2011-01-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

What Are The Health Issues We Face?

Should I Panic And Move Out Of The House Or Clean The Mold?

2011-01-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

Should I Panic And Move Out Of The House Or Clean The Mold?

Is There A Way To Estimate Length Of Time A Fungal Colony Has Been Growing?

2011-01-14T08:59:00.000-08:00

Is There A Way To Estimate Length Of Time A Fungal Colony Has Been Growing?

Which Mold Test Would You Recommended: Air or Tape Samples?

2011-01-14T07:08:00.000-08:00

Question: Hello...I would like to have mold samples analyzed as our basement has flooded badly twice in as many years. I've recently noticed a white powdery substance around the woodstove brick hearth which has caused me some concern as most of our downtime is spent in the basement which is our family room.

Can you please advise which test package you would recommended (air or tape samples)? I live in Muskoka so if the air take 15 is recommended, what is the procedure for renting and how are the fees charged per day (is it based on time I sign for receiving the unit or from when you ship our?).

Answer: For visible mold growth, I would recommend use of clear scotch tape. This test will tell us what type of mold you have. Having identified the mold we can then find out if it's known to be a health hazard or not. To know if you have been inhaling excessive airborne mold spores, you need to take air samples. You could rent quicktake 15 air sampler from us. The rental fees are charged per day from the day you receive the equipment.

For more information about the rental fees and sampling, click Buy Mold Test Kit

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2010-04-30T17:59:00.001-07:00

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Mold In Basement

2010-01-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

Question: Hi there, I was hoping to get some clarity on some potential mold issues. We currently rent out a basement unit. We have never had issues before but the current tenant refuses to run the dehumidifier, as a result her wicker headboard got moldy. We had an air quality test that showed the total airborne fungal spore count for the outdoor sample was 11,000 per cubic meter and the indoor count was 43,000 per cubic meter. The testing company said they will come in and clean visible mold and that should take care of it after more indoor tests. I am just worried about spending another $600.00 and still have the same issues. Is this the correct process, should we be allowing the tenant to move back in after this 'surface' clean? Are those results worrisome? Any thoughts would be great. Thanks.

Answer: The testing company is right in suggesting a cleanup of the visible mold. However, cleaning the mold without addressing the underlying cause is a waste of resources since the mold will grow again after a few months if not weeks. The best way to control mold growth in a building is to correct moisture problems in addition to cleaning. You may get more information on mold removal at the Canadian Construction Association's website at http://www.cca-acc.com/homepage_e.asp.

Elevated Levels of Airborne Fungal Spores

2010-01-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

Question: We live in a new home (completed Aug2006). Our house has been tested for mold and the tests have found wet plywood sheathing(>17%) and elevated levels of airborne fungal spores - in particular, the Aspergillus/Penicillium. My husband and I have both had coughs since December/2007. Should I be asking my doctor to do any specific tests? Our house was drywalled and insulated 2 months BEFORE the tarpaper and siding were installed, thus the drywall and insulation was saturated several times during the June/2006 rains. Do you have any other advice for us?

Answer: It is possible the cough is not related to mold. However, I would suggest you consult your doctor. Also, since the tests have indicated elevated levels of Aspergillus/Penicillium, you may want to hire a professional to assess the extent of mold contamination and recommend appropriate level of remediation.

Signs Of Mold In My House

2010-01-20T13:26:00.000-08:00

Question: I have no visible signs of mold in my house... We have been living in it for 7 months and just before that the majority of the house was gutted and re-done. Recently I have had several people tell me that there is black mold in the house... on the outside specifically. These are obviously uneducated people as I know for a fact that what they're talking about is dirt on my house from an old raised flower bed I removed. I guess my question is - what can I do to prove them wrong... I know I could probably take a sample of the dirt on the house for testing but as far as inside the house where there are no signs of mold what can I do to prove it- I just don't want this to escalate and cause a problem when we want to sell...Also how much would it cost to get a dirt sample tested for black mold.lol. I'm sorry this is just ridiculous to me. Small towns, I tell ya. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: I can understand your concern. If people are seeing the dirt on the outside and they are mistaking it for black mold, I would suggest you have it cleaned up if possible. As for prospective buyers, you could have the house tested for mold by a qualified professional. Generally, where there are no signs of mould, air samples could be taken.

Mold Testing In Toronto

2009-12-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

MBL is a leading provider of mold testing laboratory services in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the rest of Canada.

As a mold and bacteria laboratory, the lab specializes in analysis of air and surface samples for:

Bacteria testing including E.coli testing and Legionella testing, total aerobic counts
Mold testing: Culturable Air samples such as RCS, BioCassette, Andersen, SAS, etc.
Mold testing: Direct Microscopic Examination of tape, bulk, swab, and water samples
Mold Testing: Spore Trap including Air-O-Cell, BioAire, and Micro5 cassettes, Allergenco, Burkard and BioSIS slides

MBL's mold and bacteria testing services are not restricted to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We serve clients in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Foundland.

MBL clients include:

Industrial hygienists
Environmental consultants
Quality assurance managers
Home Inspectors
General contractors
Cleaning and restoration contractors
Property managers
Insurance, financial, or legal professionals who deal with microbial contamination issues

For questions related to laboratory testing of samples, sampling methods, laboratory data interpretation and other issues related to microorganisms, please call 905-290-9101 (within Toronto area) or 1-866-813-0648 if calling outside the GTA.

Mold and Moisture

2009-09-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

Mold growth is not always visible depending on the stage of growth and also whether the color of the mold itself is the same as the color of the material it’s growing on. For example, a white mold growing on a white background may not be easily visible.

Mold thrives where it’s damp. In water damaged indoor environments mold is often found on the inside of a wall cavity or on the underside of a carpet. While measuring the relative humidity in a building may indicate the potential for mold growth, the most important measurement is that of free water in the material. The “free water” is technically referred to as water activity and should not be confused with the moisture content of a material. The water activity ranges from 0 to 1.

As the water activity of organic material exceeds about 0.65, there is an increasing likelihood that mold will grow on it. Different fungi have different moisture requirements. Based on water requirements molds can be categorized as primary, secondary or tertiary colonizers.

Primary fungal colonizers

Capable of growing at low water activity (<0.85).

Primary colonizers prefer simple sugars.

Primary fungal colonizers include molds such as:

Aspergillus versicolor

Aspergillus versicolor(25°C)

Eurotium spp.

Paecilomyces variotii

Penicillium aurantiogriseum

Penicillium brevicompactum

Penicillium chrysogenum

Wallemia sebi

Secondary fungal colonizers

Require intermediate levels of water activity (0.85-0.90).

Secondary fungal colonizers include:

Aspergillus flavus

Aspergillus nidulans

Aspergillus sydowii

Aspergillus versicolor (12°C)

Cladosporium cladosporioides

Cladosporium sphaerospermum

Mucor circinelloides

Rhizopus oryzae.

Tertiary fungal colonizers

Require high water activity (>0.90), i.e., wet conditions. This group of fungi is generally used as indicator of moisture damage. Some tertiary colonizers, such as Chaetomium globosum and Stachybotrys chartarum prefer complex sugars (such as cellulose) or complex organics (such as wood).

Tertiary fungal colonizers include:

Alternaria alternata.

Aspergillus fumigatus

Chaetomium spp.

Epicoccum spp.

Exophiala spp.

Fusarium spp.

Mucor plumbeus

Memnoniella echinata

Phialophora spp.

Phoma herbarum

Rhizopus spp.

Stachybotrys chartarum

Trichoderma spp.

Ulocladium consortiale.

Does Mold Contribute to Respiratory Disease and Allergic Reactions?

2009-08-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Does mold contribute to respiratory disease and allergic reactions? The answer is yes. This happens when susceptible individuals inhale excessive amounts of spores and other tiny fragments of mold. Prolonged exposure to mold spores can also elicit sensitivity.

What are mold spores and how do they affect us?

Mold spores are tiny structures produced by molds for propagation.
Inhaled spores and mold fragments can cause allergic reactions such as runny nose and eyes, and asthma-like symptoms.
Prolonged exposure to unusually large numbers of spores and fragments can result in the development of allergic alveolitis.
Spores of pathogenic fungi if inhaled can infect the respiratory system and the rest of the body.

Generally there are less spores indoors than outdoors. Therefore, unless there is actively growing mold in a home the amount of mold spores present in a home are very unlikely to affect the occupants. However, in industrial environments the concentration of spores can be very high. The types of molds present in industrial environments depend on work carried out and the prevailing conditions.

Which environments are higher risks?

Mushroom farms,
Saw mills,
Paper mills,
Composting areas,
Waste disposal sites
Demolition sites,
Agricultural environments, e.g., animal farms.

Mold Testing In Toronto

2009-06-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

MBL is a leading provider of mold testing laboratory services in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the rest of Canada.

As a mold and bacteria laboratory, the lab specializes in analysis of air and surface samples for:

Bacteria testing including E.coli testing and
Legionella testing, total aerobic counts
Mold testing: Culturable Air samples such as RCS, BioCassette,
Andersen, SAS, etc.
Mold testing: Direct Microscopic Examination of tape lift, bulk, swab, and water samples
Mold Testing: Fungal Spore Count and Identification for air samples collected using Air-O-Cell, BioAire, and Micro5 cassettes, Allergenco, Burkard and BioSIS slides

MBL's clients include:

Industrial hygienists
Environmental consultants
Quality assurance managers
Home Inspectors
General contractors
Cleaning and restoration contractors
Property managers
Insurance, financial, or legal professionals who deal with microbial contamination issues.

Mold And Bacteria In A School

2009-03-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

Question: I am an employee of a school that has numerous mold/bacteria issues due to water issues (pipes breaking on 4 separate occasions, as well as storm related water and roof damage when it was being constructed approximately 14 years ago. In addition to this, there have been known MAJOR HVAC issues and problems since the school was built. I as well as many others, have been battling numerous, ongoing health issues over the past 8-14 years while working in this building. An outside consulting company was finally hired (once again, due to many staff complaints) and the results are in, indicating NUMEROUS and various molds from Class A through Class C in our building. ie...Aspergillus fumigatus 4,500 CFU,
Aspergillus versicolor 15,000 CFU,
Penicillium spp 280,000 CFU,
Penicillium sp 670 CFU,
Fusarium graminearum 15,000 CFU,
Fusarium solani 9,000 CFU,
Chaetomium globosum 15,000 CFU,
Cladosporium 190,000 CFU,
Yeasts 330,000 CFU,
Rhodotorula glutinis 130,000 CFU.

The above testing was done with a dilution factor of 1000X. I have listed only 1/4 of the molds as I have yet to research the others on the list! Proper abatement guideline procedures were also not followed after each water issue and with the last water break they had working going on when we were all in the building!

As a 'lay person' your website has given me very wonderful and helpful information with regard to the numerous molds found in our building. I am glad to FINALLY understand what I know is the source of my many health issues. Given the information I have been reading, aren't the numerous types as well as the numbers above alarming? Or am I over-reacting? Should this building even be occupied? Would OSHA be the next step for me to attempt to bring awareness and get resolve? Please respond at your earliest convenience. Thanks in advance for your time :)

Answer: It's difficult for us comment without additional information on what type of samples were analyzed, how the samples were collected and the method that was used to analyze the samples.

If the samples that were analyzed were either swabs or bulk material, the numbers in the results can be very misleading and could even exaggerate the situation thus causing panic for nothing. If you could provide the complete report (without the name of your school and the company that did the testing and their addresses), we could possibly help you understand the report.

When it comes to indoor mould, it's not the numbers that you see in the report that matters (especially if these numbers are derived from bulk or swab samples!). What matters is the type of mould, the amount of mould one inhales, their body resistance and other unknown factors.

Dr. Jackson Kung'u, PhD.
Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) Inc.

Residential Air Quality Testing

2009-01-27T09:37:00.000-08:00

With winter temperatures dropping way below the freezing point, we're spending most of the time indoors. However, rarely do we think about indoor air-quality and the impact it can have to our families' health. It's well known that poor indoor air-quality can cause or aggravate asthma, headaches, chronic fatigue and insomnia.

To ensure your family is not exposed to high levels of indoor biological or chemical pollutants, perform air quality testing. In this short article, we're going to see how one can test for airborne mold spores in their homes.

Air Quality Testing For Mold

Testing air for mold is very simple and does not have to be expensive. A homeowner or property manager can save money if they could initially test the air themselves before calling in a professional. This does not mean that a professional is not required but should only be hired to resolve complex problems not simple air testing.

For most people, "Self-Testing" (using the same tools used by professionals) in areas of concern is all they need to identify if mold is present in excessive amounts.

When Do You Hire A Professional?

If the air test results show excessive amounts of airborne spores, you may consider hiring a professional to conduct further investigation and:

determine where the mold is located
determine the extent of mold growth
based on where the mold is located and extent of mold growth, determine the best and safe way to remove the mold.

You may also hire a professional if the air testing results show insignificant amounts of airborne mold spores and you or your family is sick and you suspect the cause could be the indoor air quality.

Instructions for Testing Air For Mold Like a Professional

Air testing begins with the collection of at least one volumetric air sample from the outside and one or more interior volumetric air samples from what we call the 'areas of concern (AOC).

The volumetric air samples are be collected with an air pump to which a special kind of filter cassette is attached. The pump's "flow-rate" is set ("calibrated") to draw a specified volume of air - for a specified length of time (usually 5 or ten minutes) - through the filter. The sample is later examined in the laboratory under high magnification to identify and count mold structures - dead or alive. This is important as dead ('non-viable') mold spores can cause allergy problems, too.

We all know that molds are a normal part of our world...both inside and outside our homes and structures. And, as most buildings are ventilated with outdoor air...anything contained in the outdoor air can get inside - including dust, pollutants, pollens...and mold spores.

Therefore, the 1st air sample is collected outside the structure or residence to determine the 'normal' mold spore counts in the air outside.

The 2nd air sample is taken indoors, in the 'area of concern.' From a minimum of two samples we can make a comparison between the outside air and the inside air.

Why Is This Comparison Important? When the laboratory receives the air samples the number of collected mold spores is counted. Then the sampling times and the flow rate will be calculated by the laboratory and the result will be the number of spores that are contained in a cubic meter of air.

Volumetric Air Samples may be COMPARED AGAINST EACH OTHER in valid and meaningful ways. And, from these comparisons, valid and meaningful conclusions may be drawn regarding the 'health' of your home.

A normal, healthy indoor environment can be defined as one where:

Species or types of mold that are found on the inside air sample are also found on the outside air sample - this is referred to as normal 'mirroring' or 'trapping.'

However:

The number of mold spores found inside should not be greater than the number of mold spores found outside. (The general rule-of-thumb is that INSIDE spore counts should be between 10% and 70% of the OUTSIDE spore count). Also, the types of mold spores present in the inside air should be similar to those found in the outside air. Some types of mold spores when detected inside (and not outside) even in very low levels could indicate a problem.

Doing Your Own Air Testing:

It's fun doing your own air testing and it's easier than vacuum cleaning the carpet or doing laundry.

Steps in Air Testing For Mold Spores

The 1st step is to carefully read the sampling instructions that will be sent to you with the RENTED Sampling Equipment.

The 2nd step is to determine the 'Areas of Concern.' As experienced Indoor Air Quality Consultants, we start by identifying the 'AOC.' The AOC might be a musty-smelling bath or bedroom, a room where there has been a plumbing problem or roof leak, or in a bedroom where an allergic child sleeps. Indicators are musty smells, deterioration from water damage and of course, visible 'suspect' mold.

The 3rd step is to conduct air sampling in those areas using our easy to use testing system exactly like a professional consultant. For more details, click Mold Testing Kit.

Mold Tape Lift Sampling

2009-01-26T03:55:00.000-08:00

Mold tape lift sampling is one of the cheapest and easiest way to take a sample of mold. This method is recognized by mycologists (those who study mold and yeasts) as a valid method for taking a sample of mold without destroying the material on which the mold is growing on. The method can be used to sample for mold or mildew growing on wood, fabrics, shoes, clothes, drywall, books (with some care not to rip the book off), ceiling tiles, or any other surface.

The following are simple instructions:

Wear some gloves (which you can purchase from a pharmacy or dollar store).
Get clear scotch tape and cut approximately 2-3 inches.
Hold tape at one end and place sticky side down onto the surface with visible mold growth and press gently.
Remove tape and stick it without folding onto a plastic bag (e.g., ziplock bag).
Number each tape and identify the locations sampled. For example:
- Tape 1: Basement, east wall.
- Tape 2: Windowsill, master bedroom.
- Tape 3: Ceiling tile, kitchen.

Enclose the tape samples in an envelope or bag and send them to Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) Inc., at the address below:

Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) Inc.
1020 Brevik Place, Unit 1A
Mississauga, ON L4W 4N7
Canada
(Attn: Lab Manager)

Mold Testing In Houses

2009-01-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

Mold testing in houses is becoming common as people become more aware of health risks associated with mold growth in houses. Mold testing has 2 components. The first is the visual inspection of the house for any visible mold growth and/or moisture damage. Presence of musty smells is generally an indication of microbial growth. During visual mold inspection, the assessor estimates the extent of (area covered) mold growth. The extent of mold growth is generally categorised into 3 levels; low (level 1), medium (level 2) and high (level 3). The remediation strategies are based on the level of contamination.

The second component of mold testing in houses involves taking samples for laboratory testing. The samples to take depend on what is being investigated. For example, if people are experiencing health problems, such as allergy, which they suspect could be caused by mold, then the investigator could take air samples. This is because people are not affected by mold that is on the wall but by what they inhale in the air. On the other hand, if the investigator is just interested in knowing what type of mold is growing on the wall, they could take either a piece of material (bulk) with the mold or they could take tape samples. Other times, the investigator may collect dust samples.

Extensive mold growth requires the help of a qualified professional. However, there are some basic tests, including air testing, that a homeowner or property manager can do on their own.

If you have any question regarding mold testing, give us a call at 905-290-9101.

Who Does Mold Assessment In Saskatchewan?

2008-11-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

We have been getting enquiries regarding companies that do mold assessment in Saskatchewan. A few of these have registered themselves on our online directory at http://www.moldbacteria.com/servicelist/saskatchewan.html.

One of the companies that we know very well is Got Mold? As stated on their website, their mission is to be the most successful solutions provider for the indoor environmental industry by providing superior quality work and customer service. They are committed to solving client challenges and promoting healthy indoor environments by increasing awareness of indoor environmental issues as to ultimately improve the quality of life for the Saskatchewan people.

Got Mold? provides the following services:

Mold Remediation and Removal
Fire & Flood Damage Restoration
Asbestos Abatement
Dry Ice Blasting (Cleaning)
And more…

Dry Ice Blasting

Got Mold? can be contacted at:
Location: #1 - 1622 Ontario Avenue, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, S7K 1S8.

Saskatoon: 652.MOLD (6653) | Regina: 352.MOLD (6653)

Saskatchewan Toll Free: 866.513.2722 | Fax: 306.652.2969

President/CEO: James C Watson (AMRT) (WRT) (FRT).

How To Get a Sample of Black Mold

2008-10-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

To get a sample of black mold is very easy. The cheapest (and most effective) way is to use clear scotch tape. The procedure for sampling for black mold (or any other mold) using scotch tape is as follows:

Cut 2-3 inches of clear scotch tape
Holding the tape by the edges, stick the tape onto the surface you wish to test for black mold
Press the tape gently and then peel of the tape
Again holding the tape by the edges, stick the tape flat on a plastic bag (e.g., zip lock bag)
On a piece of paper, provide the information regarding the sample. For example from where the sample was collected (wall, ceiling, baseboard, carpet) and whether from the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc.
Put the sample and its information in another bag.
If taking another sample, repeat the same procedure.

For more information on how to sample for black mold and where to send the samples, click http://www.moldbacteria.com/moldtesting_for_homeowners.html or call 905-290-9101.

How to identify types of mold in your house

2008-10-16T01:22:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t You Like To Know if Mold in Your House is Making People You Love Sick?

With all the news about black mold and its effects on your health, you may be a little worried if you see mold in your house, especially if you think it looks like black mold. You may already know that some types of mold are toxic and can cause health problems, while others do not affect your health, and are only a cosmetic problem.

Traditional thinking was not to bother identifying the type of mold inside a house, and to simply remove it with bleach and water, which will kill the surface of the mold, but may not kill the mold inside the material it's growing on. Also, mold spores, whether dead or alive can still cause allergy to sensitized individuals.

And, did you know that if you remove toxic mold incorrectly, you can put your health at even further risk? Removing toxic mold without proper protection exposes you to toxic spores released into the air when mold is disturbed.

Unfortunately, you can’t identify what type of mold is in your house by looking at a picture. Even someone specialized in mold identification cannot identify types of house mold by pictures of growth on a wall alone.

If you have visible mold in your house, don’t panic!

A Simple, Inexpensive Lab Test Using an Ordinary Household Item Can Provide You With Peace of Mind.

We’re a private laboratory specializing in identifying mold and we’ve identified literally thousands of house mold samples.

What you do is send us samples of visible mold growing in your house using ordinary clear scotch tape! It’s inexpensive and as effective as any mold identification kit you can buy online for over $10 US, in addition to the cost of sending the sample to a laboratory for testing. Caution! Please do not collect samples until you’ve read instructions on how to safely collect mold samples outlined on our order form.

What we do is examine your mold samples directly under the microscope, and within a few days, we’ll send you a report that will:

Identify the types of mold in your house
Tell you whether it’s toxic or harmless
Direct you to the right resources or professionals to have the mold removed safely.

And that will give you peace of mind.

Don't Delay. Left Alone, Mold Continues to Grow. Send us your samples today!
Make sure you know what type of mold is in your home. Make sure you know whether it's hazardous to your health or not, and make sure you know exactly how to remove it. It's easy, it's affordable and it will give you peace of mind.

Download our easy-to-use order form today. It includes information you need to send together with the samples. Should you have any question, please feel free to contact the lab directly at (905)290-9101!

Household mold types photos

2008-10-02T04:27:00.000-07:00

If you have been wondering how molds look like when cultured in a laboratory, http://www.moldbacterialabs.com is excellent site for mold types photos. Try this direct link http://moldbacterialabs.com/mold-pictures/.

How to take mold samples for testing

2008-09-29T04:17:00.000-07:00

There are 2 types of samples that one can collect for mold testing. These are air samples and surface samples. For surface samples, one can use clear scotch tape. For instructions on how you can collect mold samples using scotch tape click How To Sample For Mould Using Clear Scotch Tape. Air samples are also easy to collect. However, you would need a sampling pump that draws air into special cartridges. These cartridges are then sent to the lab for air testing. Remember!. It's the types of mold and the amounts that you inhale that matters. Consider testing air in your home. For instructions on how to test air click How To Sample Air For Total Fungal Spore Counts.

Can Indoor Mold Problems Cause Fatigue And Respiratory Problems?

2008-05-06T04:05:00.000-07:00

Indoor mold can cause respiratory problems. While mold exposure is also often cited as a cause of fatigue, there is no scientific evidence to support or disprove this.

Molds do cause respiratory allergy and infections. Allergic diseases include rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, allergic pneumonia, alveolitis and diffuse pulmonary fibrosis.

Some molds are also capable of infecting the respiratory system. However, infection generally occurs in immunocompromised individuals. The most common cause of lung infection is Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus fumigatus is a concern in hospital environment since it can easily infect patients.

Cost Of Mold Testing

2008-03-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

The cost of mold testing is highly variable. For lack of standards and regulations in the industry, the quality of the testing is also highly variable. Currently, it is difficult for consumers to know whether they are being ripped off in mold testing or not. When hiring a mold testing company, consumers should consider not only the cost but also the scope of work and the quality. It's difficult to evaluate the quality of a service that has not been rendered. However, a bit of research about the company could help in deciding if it's a company that can be trusted. Understanding what mold testing involves is critical.

To illustrate why considering cost a lone when hiring a mold testing company is not a good idea, let's consider a hypothetical mold testing case.

Let's say your house has a basement, 3 bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, dining room and 2 bathrooms. You suspect there could be mold somewhere but you have no idea where the mold could be. You want to hire a company to do the mold testing. For the sake of this example, let's assume the following costs:

1. Mold inspection (i.e., visual inspection involving walking around looking for sources/signs of mould in the house): $350.00

2. Cost of sample analysis in the lab: $100.00 per sample.

For this work Company "A" may charge $590 while company "B" could quote $950. If you were to considers the price only, you would hire company "A" because their price is lower by $360. However, let's now consider the services the 2 companies intend to provide. Company "A" would come in and probably take an air sample in the living room and another outdoors and no visual inspection at all. Their fee includes the $350 for mold inspection which they didn't perform (or just assume taking samples is mould inspection) and $240 for the sample analysis and shipping costs. Taking this samples would take less than an hour.

Company "B" would perform a thorough inspection, take air samples (and a few tape samples) from the basement and from each of the other rooms. Their fee includes $350 plus $600 for sample analysis and shipping. By inspecting all the rooms and taking samples where necessary, company "B" is likely to detect the mold problem (if it is there) while company "A" would miss it. This work would take company "B" at least 1 and a half hours.

From this hypothetical example, the 2 companies actually make the same amount of money from this project but company "B" has provided quality service. However, although company "A" are doing a shoddy job, they are likely to get more business since they appear cheap to the consumer who doesn't know what mold testing involves.

Mold Testing and Removal Companies in Saskatchewan

2008-02-07T06:09:00.000-08:00

Mold growth in buildings is a major problem in North America, including Saskatchewan. Mold testing and removal should be conducted by professionals with specific experience in mold sampling protocols, sampling methods for mold, and interpretation of results. Many homeowners or tenants are not sure where to get help when they find mold growth in their houses or offices.

If you live in Saskatchewan and you're looking for a mold testing company or a mold remediation company you may find one in the Online Directory of Saskatchewan Mold Testing and Remediation Service Companies. The listing is not exhaustive. We have only listed those companies that requested to be listed. Be sure to check the credibility of the company you decide to hire.

Black Mould

2008-01-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

What is black mould? "Black mould" does not refer to a single type of mould. Many indoor moulds can appear black especially at advanced stage of growth when the mould produces dark pigmented spores. Some of the indoor moulds that appear black include Aspergillus niger, Ulocladium species, Cladosporium species, Memnoniella species and Stachybotrys species. Black mould is erroneously used to refer to Stachybotrys.

Are black moulds a health hazard? The colour of a mould does not determine whether it's a health hazard or not. For example, a number of species of Aspergillus are not black yet they produce highly potent toxins and/or are highly allergenic. All moulds regardless of their colour should be considered as potentially hazardous if found growing in occupied spaces (in houses or offices), on food or feed.

Humidifiers create perfect conditions for mould and bacteria growth in winter

2007-12-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

During winter the dry heated air in homes and offices can irritate the nose and the throat. This irritation is reduced by use of humidifiers. However, humidifiers, if not used properly, can create perfect conditions for mould and bacterial growth. Use of humidifiers in confined areas with the doors and windows closed could result in condensation and mould growth on the walls. Mould is a recognized health hazard. Humidifier water can also support bacterial growth.

What to do:

Monitor the humidity level to ensure it is between 30 and 50%
If you must use a humidifier, buy the kind that uses steam or boiled water
Regularly clean the humidifier as per the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent microbial growth in the water.

Mold Testing and Removal Companies in Manitoba

2007-12-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

Mold growth in buildings is a major problem in North America, including Manitoba. Many homeowners or tenants are not sure where to get help when they find mold growth in their houses or offices. If you live in Manitoba and you're looking for a mold testing company or a mold remediation company you may find one in the Online Directory of Manitoba Mold Testing and Remediation Service Companies. The listing is not exhaustive since we have only listed those companies that requested to be listed. Be sure to check the credibility of the company you decide to hire.

How To Test For Mold In Your Home

2007-11-12T20:53:00.000-08:00

Mold testing can be expensive. Before involving a professional, it is important to be sure you have a mold problem that requires professional help. Some preliminary tests that a home owner can cheaply perform include:

1. Sense Of Smell
If there is persistent "musty" or "earthy" smell it is possible that there is mold in the house. In this case you may want to call a professional to find out where the mold is located, the extent of mold contamination and the underlying cause.

2. Air Sampling
If people in the house are getting sick and you suspect mold as the cause, but you cannot see it or smell it, you can take air samples to test whether the air contains mold spores or fragments. The simplest way for a homeowner to take air samples is to order for a mold test kit which you can expose to the air in your home. The kit is then sent back to the laboratory for analyses. The problem with this type of mold test kits is that if the mold spores in your house are dead, the kit would not detect them, yet these dead spores could still cause allergic reactions to sensitive individuals.

To test for mold in your home regarless of whether the spores are dead or not, you would need an air sampling pump. The pump is expensive to buy, but you can rent one for a day for $50.00. The cost of renting the air sampler and the analysis of the air samples by a qualified laboratory would still be hundreds of times cheaper than calling a professional to test for mold that you don't even know if it existed. A qualified laboratory should be able to advise you on how and where to take samples.

3. Bulk and Surface Sampling
If you are concerned about visible mold, you can send a tape sample to a laboratory. You can also send pieces of material that show mold growth. The laboratory would identify the types of mold present and also provide information (where available) as to whether those types of mold are a health concern.

To order for a mold test kit, call 905-290-9101.

Is black Mold On My Walls Bad?

2007-11-06T03:42:00.000-08:00

Is black mold on my walls bad? Not every black mold is bad but all molds should be treated as potential health hazards. The only way to tell whether the mold is bad or not is to have it tested by a qualified mycologist (i.e., a person who is qualified to correctly identify yeasts and molds). But regardless of whether the mold is of health concern or not it should be removed for a number of good reasons. First, mold damages any organic material it grows on. Secondly, mold is unsightly and we don't want to see it growing on the walls of our houses.

It is important to remember that mold growth is an indication of moisture problem. Therefore, the key to controlling mold growth indoors is to eliminate moisture.

What Everyone Needs To Know About Mold

2007-11-01T04:27:00.000-07:00

Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.

There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.

Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.

Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.

In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Source: US, Environmental Protection Agency

How To Get Rid Of Basement Mould

2007-10-31T16:21:00.000-07:00

Mould growth in any environment requires moisture. One reason why basements are notorious for mould growth is because most of them are ever damp. Although moulds differ in the amount of moisture they require for growth, there is a level of moisture below which no mould can grow. Therefore, if we can ensure that organic materials in the basement are dry then we can effectively control mould growth. For example, if we can keep the relative humidity at or below 60%, we can be sure there would be little (if any) mould growth.

British Columbia Mold Testing And Mold Remediation Companies

2007-10-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a mold testing or mold remediation company in British Columbia, you may find one listed on the Directory of Mold Testing and Remediation Companies in British Columbia. The information in this directory was provided by the company owners or their representatives. We would therefore encourage the users of the Directory of Mold Testing and Remediation Companies in British Columbia to research the credibility of the companies they decide to hire for mold testing or mold removal services.

If you are a credible mold testing or mold removal company operating in Canada and would want your services listed on our online directory, please complete a request form at Online Listing for Mold Testing and Remediation Companies in Canada.

Can Mold On Bread Make You Sick?

2007-10-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Can mold on bread make you sick? Yes, if the type of mold contaminating the bread is toxigenic (toxin producer) and it has produced significant amounts of the toxin. Whether one gets sick or not also depends on individual's susceptibility. Some people may require relatively high concentrations of the toxin to get sick. Sadly, in major towns of some poor countries street people including children eat moldy food from garbage bins, but thank God they rarely get sick.

Testing For Mold In Home

2007-10-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

Many homeowners often ask us if there is a way they could test for mold themselves in their homes. Although we recommend seeking professional help there are some simple tests that a homeowner can perform if mold growth is not extensive.

Testing For Visible Mold Growth Using Clear Scotch Tape

Clear scotch tape can be used to sample visible mold.

Cut 2-3 inches of the tape and press it gently onto the surface with visible mold growth.

Peel the tape off the surface and stick it onto a plastic bag (e.g., ziplock bag)

Put the sample into an envelope and then send to Mold & Bacteria Laboratories for identification. For $45 per sample the laboratory will tell you the type of mold present on the sample and whether it is a type considered to be of health concern. If you are sure the mold covers less than 10 square feet, you can clean it yourself (with proper protection) after fixing the moisture/water source. For large amounts of mold growth, we recommended you seek professional help. For detailed instructions on how to take tape samples download the document Homeowner Form.

Testing For Airborne Mold Using Agar Settle Plates

If you can't see mold but have persistent musty or earthy smell, you may consider testing the air for mold. Musty or earthy smell is often an indication of microbial growth such as mold and some type of bacteria. A homeowner can perform preliminary tests using agar settle plates before calling a professional. Download the document "Air sampling for mold using agar settle plates" for detailed instructions on how to perform this test. You can obtain the agar settle plates from Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories.

Agony Of Living In A Moldy House

2007-10-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

Recently we received the email below and the sender agreed we could share it with our readers. Here, we're talking of the agony of living in a moldy house.

"Dear Dr. Kung'u:
An article of yours was recently posted on a listserv in the States to which I belong, and I am curious about your work. Several years ago now, I lived in a building which had a sewer pipe leak beneath it go untended long enough for the water to soak up into the structure of the building and cause a great outgrowth of mold in the wood floors beneath the carpeting in the unit below mine. Mold was first seen growing up the walls and on clothes in picture frames and on items in the closet.

Several of us in this small building had bizarre neurological problems with balance and seizures, but it took us awhile to connect the dots to exposure to neurotoxins resulting from the leak under the building. When my downstairs neighbor was diagnosed as having asthma and allergies from his mold exposure, we moved from the building.

Unfortunately for my neighbor downstairs, it was not soon enough - he died three months later after producing quantities of foam and blood from his mouth. I've been working with his mother since that time, and we have finally proved that he had Trichothecene mycotoxicosis. We don't yet have quite all the information we need to prove causation for court. We haven't been able to tie the Trichothecene to a particular mold found there by means of DNA, however, there were several molds present in an earlier air sampling that can produce Trichothecene.

Since it was a sewer leak, we know bacteria was involved, although the sampling we've had done hasn't tested for bacteria, and we don't really know what we need to know about what role it played in our human tragedy. Is there a good primer anywhere to read up on what to test for and how that is done? Do you do that sort of work in the U.S.?

Thank you,"

The Halloween Mold and Bacteria

2007-10-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

During Halloween the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary: microscopic black mold may turn into giant monsters, the tiny bacteria cells could turn into huge amoebae-like giants capable of engulfing and digesting several human beings at once. Watch out on mold and bacteria on Halloween. These destructive creatures may turn into super- decomposers on Halloween and destroy all your Halloween pumpkins, Halloween costumes and even the Halloween homes.

As a microbiologist (i.e., a friend of those nasty organisms that are too tiny to be seen without a microscope) I fear the flesh-eating bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes, and others ). During this Halloween I fear all molds and bacteria may turn into fresh-eating creatures. Given the numbers of these organisms in homes, outside in the parks, and virtually any place you may think of, I fear if these organisms turn into super flesh-eating germs...this Halloween could be the end of the human race.

Take care our readers. If you enjoyed reading this fictitious Halloween story pass the link to as many of your friends as you can. For facts about mold and bacteria visit http://www.moldbacteria.com or http://www.mouldfacts.ca.

Alberta Mold Testing and Remediation Companies

2007-10-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

If you reside in Alberta and you're looking for a mold testing company or a mold remediation company you may find one in the Online Directory of Alberta Mold Testing and Remediation Service Companies. The listing is not exhaustive since we only listed those companies that requested to be listed. The user of this online directory is advised to find out the credibility of the company they decide to hire.

Toxic Mold

2007-10-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

What is toxic mold? Strictly speaking there is no toxic mold. The correct term is "Toxigenic Mold". Toxigenic molds refer to those molds that produce byproducts toxic to humans and animals. These byproducts (secondary metabolites) are referred to as mycotoxins. Not every mold is toxigenic. It is good to know toxigenic molds do not produce mycotoxins all the time. However, since it is difficult to tell when mycotoxins are produced (unless a test is performed) food or feed contaminated with mold should never be consumed.

Symptoms of Black Mold

2007-10-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

Side Effects Of Black Mold

With the current awareness of potential health problems associated with mold growth in houses people want to know if they have been exposed to harmful black mold. All molds are potentially harmful. However, a few types have frequently been associated with adverse human health effects. Generally people are concerned when they see black mold growth in their houses or offices. The colour of the mold, however, does not determine whether a mold is harmful or not.

What do you do if you have been exposed to mold? If you are not feeling sick, do not panic. Seek your doctor's advice. Remember, we are exposed to mold spores everyday. If the mold is in your house, have it removed by a professional. If the mold is in rented property, discuss the problem with the property owner to have the mold removed or look for another place to stay. It is estimated that 20% of the human population is susceptible to mold allergy.

For symptoms associated with mold exposure and what to do click, Is Your Family's Health Affected by Toxic Mold in Your Home?

Mold Testing and Removal Companies In Ontario

2007-10-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

When you suspect a mold problem in your home, you don't want to risk your health by trying to clean the mold yourself unless you're sure of what you're doing. Also, if you are buying a home, you want to be sure the home you buy is not contaminated with mold. There are many companies in Ontario that provide mold testing and removal services. You can find a listing of mold testing and mold remediation companies or professionals operating in Ontario by clicking Mold Testing and Removal Companies In Ontario. We know the listing is not exhaustive since we have only listed those companies that requested to be listed. It is up to the user to find out the credibility of the company they decide to hire.

Can A Landlord Sue A Tenant For Mold?

2007-08-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

In the past we have heard many cases of tenants suing their landlords for mold growth. I believe there are very few (if any) cases of landlords suing their tenants for mold growth. Although we are not legal experts or building scientists there are probably instances where tenants are solely responsible for mold growth. First, what triggers mold to grow in a building? Everybody knows it is moisture! The key sources of moisture are often stated as:

leaks from pipes and roof
flooding
rising damp
condensation
occupants activities that generate moisture such as cooking, laundry, and bathing.

If mold develops because the tenants never operated fans when cooking, doing laundry or bathing, then they, and not the landlord are responsible for mold growth. Also, I believe the tenant should be held responsible for mold growth if they have been having leaks and they don't report them to the landlord on time for repair.

So, if you are a tenant and you find mold growing in your house, be sure the landlord is responsible before you rush to a lawyer's office. You may find yourself being sued by your landlord for causing mold growth in their property!

(This discussion is the writer's opinion, it is not legal advice)

Farmer's Lung

2007-08-18T03:52:00.000-07:00

Did you know farmer's lung is an allergic lung disease that affects farm workers handling hay or other plant materials contaminated with mould and actinomycetes?

Did you know a single gram (dry weight) of hay could contain up to 102,000,000 (102 million) fungal spores and 1,200,000,000 (i.e., 1200 million) actinomycete spores?

Did you know that up to 1,600,000,000 (i.e.,1600 million) spores per cubic meter of air have been recorded in farm buildings while hay was being shaken for animals?

And did you know that on average a female worker performing yardwork inhales 18 liters of air per minute while a male worker inhales 29 liters per minute? That means a female worker in a farm building could be inhaling 1,728 million spores per hour while a male could be inhaling 2,784 million spores per hour!

Are Former Grow ops A Good Deal For Home buyers?

2007-08-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

Homes formerly used as grow ops drastically lose their market value. Are these homes a good deal for home buyers? I would say a number of these homes would definitely be a good deal. In fact some old homes may be worse deals than former grow ops. However, the fact that the house was used as a grow ops calls for you to be extra cautious.

As a buyer, the first thing you need to know is whether the house is structurally sound. If it is not, you would not want to continue with the deal. If it is structurally sound, the next thing you would want to know is the level of both biological and chemical pollutants. It is strongly recommended that you seek professional help before committing yourself to the deal.

Nail Fungus

2007-08-09T04:16:00.000-07:00

Infection of toe and finger nails by fungi is referred to as onychomycosis. It has an overall prevalence of 2% to 13% worldwide, but the prevalence is much higher in elderly people and those with weak immune system. Toenails are affected in 80% of all cases of nail infection.

What Causes Nail Infection?
Over 90% of nail fungal infection cases are caused by the mould Trichophyton rubrum followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. There are other moulds that cause nail infection including yeasts such as Candida species.

What Are The Symptoms of Nail Infection?
Initial infection may go unnoticed but as the fungus damges the nail, the following symptoms may be observed:

Discoloration of the nail plate or bed
Nail thickening or deformity
Crumbling of nails
Pain, redness and swelling of the surrounding skin
bad smell

How Does Infection Occur?
Nail fungal infection occurs when one gets into direct contact with an infected person or indirectly through sharing a shower, shoes, or nail clippers. One may also get infected by bathing in contaminated communal bathing facilities. Tiny cuts on the nails helps the fungus to get through.

Treatment of Nail Infection
Nail fungal infection may appear a minor cosmetic problem that does not merit treatment. However there are good reasons why one should seek treatment. So, if you suspected your nails could be infected, visit your doctor for advice.

References
Roberts DT, Taylor WD, Boyle J (2003). Guidelines for treatment of onychomycosis. British Journal of Dermatology; 148: 402–410.

Harmful Effects Of Fungi

2007-08-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Fungi is a group of organisms that includes the yeasts, moulds, and the mushrooms.

Harmful effects of fungi to humans
A number of moulds and yeasts cause human and animal diseases. For example, species of Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Sporothrix are opportunistic pathogens and easily infect individuals with weak immune systems.

A number of other moulds are well recognized causes of allergic reactions. For example Penicillium roquefortii and Aspergillus clavatus are causes of pulmonary allergy in the cheese and brewery industries respectively. Arthrinium casues skin allergies of cane harvesters.

Apart from infection and allergies, some moulds produce toxic compounds that are harmful to both humans and animals. The best known of these toxins is aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is mainly produced by some species of Aspergillus such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasitica. Aflatoxin is a powerful trigger of cancer (i.e., it is carcinogenic).

Harmful effects of fungi to plants
Majority of plant diseases are caused by fungi. The plant diseases caused by fungi range from tissue death to vascular wilting. Fungi cause both field and storage losses of agricultural products.

Myth: Only Old Homes Have Mold Problems

2007-07-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

A common myth is that only old homes have mold problems. The truth is that mold doesn't care whether your home is old or new. If there is a moisture problem, mold will just grow in a new home as it would in an old home. However, it is important to know that as the building materials age, they may become more prone to mold growth but unless there are moisture problems mold will not grow. The only logical reason why old homes are likely to have mold growth is that they may have had leaks here and there which have gone unnoticed for a long time.

Next time you are looking for a new home to buy, remember new homes are not free from mold growth if there are moisture problems.

Check out Frequently Asked Questions

How To Prevent Mold Growth

2007-07-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

Preventing Mold Growth

Preventing mold growth is better and cheaper than trying to remove it after growth.

Suggested steps you can take to prevent mold growth in your home

Reducing moisture content in your home will reduce the possibility of mold growth. Moisture is the only element mold needs that you can control to some extent. The other elements: air, food source and temperature are practically difficult to control. Very few molds can grow at a humidity less than 60%. Therefore keep your home's humidity low. You may want to consider a dehumidifier if necessary.

Repair leaking pipes, roofs and window sills immediately. Mold requires persistent moisture for the spores to germinate and and grow. A leak won't cause mold to grow if you clean up the water and repair the problem within 24-48 hours.

Ensure your house has positive drainage. In other words, rain water should drain away from your house, not into the basement.

Areas such as sinks, showers, laundry rooms and bathtubs should be kept free of standing water.

Inspect your home's interior (and even exterior) regularly for moisture intrusion. Any visible mold growth indoors no matter how little should be removed. If visible mold is not removed it provides more spores for new mold growth.

Ensure your house is well ventilated.

Keep your house as dust free as possible by vacuum cleaning the carpet, upholstery and mattresses as regularly as possible. Spores settled in dust on surfaces start new mold growth once moisture becomes available.

Mold Symptoms

2007-04-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

Mold symptoms may occur in sensitive individuals following mold exposure. Mold symptoms are generally allergic responses caused by inhaled mold spores and fragments. These types of responses are familiar to most people (stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, flu-like symptoms, wheezing). They are allergy symptoms. However, it is important to know that these allergy symptoms can have other causes (biological and non-biological indoor allergens) other than mold. Other biological indoor allergens may include dust mites, animal dander, and to some extent pollen.

Why Do Some People Suffer From Mold Allergy?

Mold allergy symptoms are allergic responses by the body trying to attack inhaled mold particles in the same way it would try to fight off any sickness. Mold allergies or sensitivity can develop in anyone exposed to mold over time. Therefore, if you notice visible mold growth, have it cleaned up and the underlying cause (source of moisture) identified and fixed.

How Common Are Mold Allergies?

Mold allergies are very common. In fact, it is believed they're more common than pollen allergies. It is estimated that 2 people out of every 10 will react to normal spore concentrations and the other 8 would also react if exposed to high concentrations. Household molds commonly associated with allergy symptoms include Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys among others.

If you or a member of your family experience hay fever-like symptoms that seem to disappear when you are out of the house, you may want to know whether mold is the cause by having your home tested for mold.

If there is visible mold growth in your house and you'd like to know whether the mold could be a type that's associated with mold allergy symptoms, you can find out for sure by sending samples to the lab for testing. To send samples download the sample submittal form, complete it with the required information and send it together with your samples to the address on the form.

Symptoms of Mold and Mildew Exposure

2007-03-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

Symptoms of mold (mildew) exposure vary from individual to individual. Some of the symptoms attributed to mold exposure are highly controversial even among the experts. Generally some molds such as Alternaria and Cladosporium cause allergic reactions (commonly referred to as hay fever) to sensitive individuals. Exposure to opportunistic pathogens such as some species of Aspergillus and Fusarium can lead to infection especially to people with weakened immune system. For example, Aspergillus fumigatus can infect the lungs of immuno-compromised individuals causing a disease condition referred to as aspergillosis.

A small group of molds also produce, at some stage of their growth, toxic byproducts (mycotoxins) which are harmful to human health when inhaled, ingested or come into contact with the skin. Some mycotoxins are recognized carcinogens (i.e., they can trigger cancer).

Allergenic symptoms associated with mold exposure include:

Allergic asthma and bronchitis;
Non-inflammatory, unspecific symptoms such as eye and skin irritation, fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

White Mold

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What is white mold? Some molds may appear white at the early stage of their growth but change color with age (see the mold picture on the left). The reason is, with some molds the color we see is actually the color of the spores. The body of the mold (i.e., the network of filaments) is generally white or colorless. So, a mold may appear white before it produces spores and later appear black or blue after producing the colored spores. However, some molds have characteristic white color (regardless of age) since their spores are not pigmented. As with black mold, white mold is not a specific type of mold since a number of molds may appear white.

White Mold Or Efflorescence?

There are times when efflorescence is mistaken for white mold. Efflorescence is a white salt deposit commonly seen on concrete floors. As the water wicks up from the ground through the concrete it carries with it dissolved salts. When the water evaporates it leaves behind the visible white stuff which many homeowners mistake for mold.

How To Distinguish White Mold From Efflorescence

The easiest way to distinguish white mold from efflorescence is to put some of the stuff into a drop of water. If it dissolves, it is not mold. Also, since efflorescence is crystallized salts, it breaks into a very fine powder if squeezed between fingers.

What To Do If You Detect Mold In Your Home

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If you detect mold in your home don't panic. The fact that you have seen visible mold growth doesn't necessarily mean your health or that of your family has been compromised. The health effects associated with common molds generally depend on the amount and type of mold present and sensitivity of the occupants. It is difficult to tell the type of mold by the colour. Some molds may appear black while others may appear white, blue, green or a shade of various colours. Black mold could be any mold. Be aware of the current misinformation regarding mold. One of such misinformation regards a mold called Stachybotrys or Stacky in short. Stachybotrys is commonly referred (though incorrectly) as the black mold. Although some species of Stachybotrys are highly toxigenic and may cause severe health effects from exposure, presence of black mold doesn't necessarily mean the health of the occupants has been affected. However, regardless of whether a mold is toxigenic or not, it should not be allowed to grow in occupied environments.

So What Do You Do If You Detect Mold In Your Home?

1. Send samples to a reputable laboratory for testing so that you know for sure what type of mold you are dealing with. The laboratory report includes a listing of the types of mold present in the samples and also information (where available) on whether the mold is known to be of health concern.
2. If the mold in your home is not toxigenic and it covers less than 10 square feet, you may be able to clean it yourself. If the mold is toxigenic or it covers more than 10 square feet, consult a mold professional. A professional would a assess the extent of mold growth and recommend a suitable level of mold remediation.

What To Do If You Detect Mold In Your Home

2007-02-18T17:04:00.000-08:00

So What Do You Do If You Detect Mold In Your Home?

Mold

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What is Mold?

Mold belongs to a group of organisms called fungi. Mold differ from other fungi in that their body is made of a network of thread-like structures or filaments. For mold to grow in buildings moisture, suitable temperature and food source must be present. Cellulose-containing materials such as dry wall, cardboard or any plant or animal based products are suitable food sources for molds.

How Would One Recognize Mold?

Mold growth is often associated with organic material such as cellulose-containing material that have been wet or damp for a prolonged period of time. Mold may appear as discolored, raised, wooly or hairly growth. Molds can be a variety of different colours, and may not be identified by colour alone.

Why Is Mold a Health Concern?

During growth mold may release spores into the air. Inhalation of these spores can result in a variety of health effects which can generally be categorized as infection, allergies or irritation. Of the three main categories of health effects, allergy is the most common, producing symptoms such as sneezing and coughing in affected individuals. People inhale airborne spores everyday, both indoors and outdoors. However the health effects associated with exposure to mold depend on a number of factors including:

Individual susceptibility – if a person’s immune system is weakened for any reason they may be at risk of mold exposure. Individuals undergoing medical treatment such as chemotherapy or kidney dialysis, expectant women, infants and elderly people should not be exposed to mold.
Level of mold exposure – if exposed to high levels of mold over a long period of time, one may develop sensitivity to mold.
Type of mold – certain types of molds are known to be more hazardous than others.

Some molds may produce toxins (mycotoxins) during their growth. Currently, health effects due airborne mycotoxins have not been established. However, ingestion of mycotoxins such as aflatoxin can be fatal.

Mold In Houses

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Mold in houses is a health hazard, it's unsightly and also damages materials on which it is growing on. In houses mold can be found growing on walls, ceiling tiles, clothes, shoes, books, foodstuffs, and other valuable items.

What Is The Source Of Mold In Houses?

Mold in houses originates from outside environment in form of airborne spores and fragments. Outside the house, the molds grow on dead plant material (a few of these moulds are also capable of growing on living plants causing diseases) and produce spores which become airborne. The concentration of spores in the outside air reaches peak levels in summer. When we open our doors or windows, the spores and other mold fragments are blown into our houses by wind and settle on various surfaces. If the surface on which the spore has settled become wet, the spores germinate and if the material is organic such as paper, leather, and wood the germinated spores continues to develop into visible mold growth which in turn produces mores spores.

A number of molds are also soil borne. These can be carried into houses by flood water or soiled shoes, implements or other articles.

Frequent vacuum cleaning reduces spore load in houses.

How To Get Rid of Black Mold Safely

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How to remove mold safely

As the saying goes "prevention is better than cure". Similarly, preventing mold from growing in your home is better than trying to remove it. Proper maintenance of a building is the key to control of mold growth. Regardless of whether one is dealing with "black mold" or not, it should be removed safely. If you've found a small amount of surface mold (less than 1 square meter or 3 square feet) growing in your home, you may clean it yourself. It is highly recommended that you consult a mold remediation specialist if the mold you find is larger than 1 square meter. And do not attempt to remove areas of mold that are greater than 10 square meters. Refer to the mold remediation guidelines for more information.

Steps to take to get rid of mold

Before you clean, you may want to find out whether the mold you've found is toxic or merely of cosmetic concern. Our visible mold test kit will let you know for sure. If it is toxic, you may want to call a mold remediation specialist even if the area is small.

If you decide to clean small amounts of mold yourself, please take precautions. Disturbing mold may release harmful spores into the air, which can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms or cause your family to feel ill if the mold is toxic. For complete instructions on how to remove mold safely in your house (remember extensive mold contamination requires removal by trained people), read the Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry available at the website of the Canadian Construction Association.

Wear disposable (throwaway) cloth, gloves and a dust mask
Enclose the area with plastic sheet to contain dust and prevent spread of spores
Turn the furnace or air conditioner off before you start
If the mold is growing on hard surfaces, simply wash, and dry the area thoroughly. Ensure the moisture problem is fixed even before attempting to clean the mold. It's a good idea to check the area regularly to be sure the clean up was effective
If mold is growing on surfaces that cannot be cleaned such as porous material, cut off the contaminated material and replace them with new material.

For a more detailed treatment of mold removal read the Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry.

Black Mold

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Black Mold and my Home

It can be nerve-wracking if you either suspect or know that black mold is growing in your home. Media sensationalism has caused a great deal of fear about black mold. But not all black molds are toxic, and not all toxic molds are black.

What is Black Mold?

The term black mold does not refer to a specific type of mold. However, the term is used eroneously to refer to Stachybotrys chartarum. Stachybotrys chartarum is the infamous black mold associated with lung bleeding and the deaths of infants in Cleveland, Ohio in the 1990's. When wet, Stachybotrys may appear greenish black and slimy, but can also look sooty and black. It's been associated with a number of health problems some of which are highly controversial. These include inflammation of the skin, cough, running nose, nose bleeds, a burning sensation in the mouth and nasal passage, cold and flu symptoms, headache, general fatigue, and fever.

Black Mold On Windowsills

Cladosporium may appear black and is very common on windowsills. Many home occupants panic when they see this black mold growing on the windows. It is good to know that Cladosporium is not toxigenic. However, it is allergenic meaning that some people may express allergic reactions if they inhale airborne spores of Cladosporium. Another mold that may appear black is Ulocladium. This may be found growing on damp walls. Ulocaldium is also not known to be toxigenic.

Next time we will discuss How To Get Rid of Black Mold Safely