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Airborne bacteria and mould in paper production facilities

April 9, 2013 by
Figure 1 Paper article new2

The manufacture of pulp and paper requires large amounts of energy, water and trees. It has been estimated in Canada that this industry is responsible for half of all waste dumped into this country’s waters and approximately 5.6% of known common air contaminants. In 1995, the Canadian pulp and paper industry generated as much as 7.1 million tonnes of solid waste. The components of that waste were 60% wood and bark, 23% pulp and paper mill biosolids, 12% inorganic residues and, 5% … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bacteria, Mold

Indoor Mold And Bacteria and Their Health Effects

January 31, 2013 by
Rye bread with mold growth

Indoor mold has become a household name. We have all heard or seen on advertisements phrases like toxic mold or black mold. These phrases create fear, panic and confusion. People have spent thousands of dollars in indoor mold remediation or disposed of household items including clothes because of mold contamination. Are these decisions based on facts or fear? It is a difficult question to answer. The objective of this article is to provide some basic facts about indoor mold and bacteria and the … [Read more...]

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Beware of Signature Ornaments Containing Aspergillus Mold During the Holiday Season

December 21, 2012 by
Asp 1

Preparing for the holidays can be an exciting time to share with loved ones. Gathering up old holiday decorations and adding new ones to the collection has been a long standing tradition in many families. This year however, there are a few precautions we urge people to take when purchasing ornaments and other decorations for mold contamination. The most recent recall of Signature Collection ornaments, picture frames and 43 centimeter red trees were found to contain Aspergillus … [Read more...]

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Fungus, Beauveria bassiana being used to fight bed bugs

November 21, 2012 by

Entomologists at Penn State University have published research showing that bed bugs can be killed by a fungus known as Beauveria bassiana, which grows naturally in soils and causes disease in insects. Beauveria bassiana is found throughout the world. It is named after Agostino Bassi, an Italian entomologist, who discovered it in 1835 as the cause of the muscardine disease of silkworms. Since then, Beauveria bassiana has been found to parasitize a very wide range of insect hosts. It … [Read more...]

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Meningitis caused by ‘black mould’, Exserohilum rostratum

October 25, 2012 by

The black mould, Exserohilum rostratum (ex-sir-oh-HY-lum ross-TRAH-tum), which has caused meningitis in people who were treated with tainted shots for back pain is proving to be difficult to treat. Exserohilum rostratum an emerging causal agent for meningitis, is a common mould that can be found in soil and thrives in warm, humid climates. Although it has been associated with sinusitis and skin infections and, in some cases, it can cause inflammation of the eyes, bones, and heart, it has never … [Read more...]

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Mold Allergy

August 18, 2012 by

Mold spores, the main cause of mold allergy are present in the air year-round, particularly indoors in damp areas like basements, washrooms, bathrooms and garages. Mold spores are tiny particles that can easily evade the natural protective mechanisms of our nose and upper respiratory tract. The spores attach themselves to the lining of our nose, which then causes the various allergy symptoms. Mold spores are usually not a problem indoors, unless there is actively mold growth on wet or damp spots … [Read more...]

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Mold in Homes

August 17, 2012 by

Mold in homes is unsightly and could create serious health problems. Small airborne mold spores or particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Inhalation of mold spores can lead to respiratory problems. Mold spores could be both toxigenic (i.e., have toxic effects) and allergenic. Mold in homes is apparently quite common especially in basements of old homes where moisture levels are high. Discovering mold in homes causes panic in many people. Since you're reading this now, you're probably … [Read more...]

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How to distinguish mold growth from other discolorations

July 21, 2012 by
The mold Penicillium growing on ceiling wood

The first step in any mold growth investigation is a visual inspection of the building and documentation of the area covered by mold growth. This requires the ability to recognize mold growth as opposed to dirt, stains or other discolorations. mold investigators sometimes come across discolorations or stains that they suspect to be mold growth, only to receive a report from the lab indicating there was no mold detected. Commonly, black discolorations on insulation material and wood … [Read more...]

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Aspergillus-Penicillium and Unidentified Spores: What Should You Know?

July 21, 2012 by
Penicillium spores are very similar to Aspergillus spores

Indoor sampling for airborne mould spores may be conducted to help in evaluating occupants ill health complaints, determining the effectiveness of remediation procedures, or assessing health hazards or proactive indoor air quality monitoring. Mould spores enter a building from outdoors through: air intakes for the heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning system (HVAC), doors and windows contaminated building materials and contents. The common practice in mould investigation is … [Read more...]

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Troubleshooting Microbial Contamination In An Industrial Environment

June 20, 2012 by
Picture of mouldy bread

Processing industries such as pharmaceutical, personal hygiene and beauty products, food (including dairy) have microbial contamination control procedures in place. Regular hygiene monitoring of a plant and equipment, and microbiological sampling of products and raw materials are invaluable in detecting potential sources and routes of contamination. Contamination especially in food industry can result to not only human morbidity and mortality but also to business losses. When is troubleshooting … [Read more...]

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Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) Inc
1020 Brevik Place, Unit 1A • Mississauga, ON   L4W 4N7 • Canada • phone: 905-290-9101 • toll-free: 1-866-813-0648 • fax: 905-290-0499.

204 – 4475 Wayburne Drive • Burnaby, BC  V5G 4X4 • Canada • phone: 604-435-6555 • fax:604-435-6553.