Often, people will ask the laboratory if it tests for toxic mold. The lab can test and identify any mold. If a mold is known to produce toxins (mycotoxins) the lab can provide this information. It is good to remember toxigenic molds (what the public refers to as toxic mold) do not produce the toxins all the time. Therefore, presence of a toxigenic mold in a house does not necessarily mean the occupants were exposed to mycotoxins. However, some of the toxic molds are also capable of causing mold allergy. Learn more on toxic mold in the article “Mycotoxins In Indoor Environment, Their Health Effects and the Moulds Producing Them”.

It is the allergy season again. Do you know mold allergy symptoms may include the following:

• Coughing and wheezing and other lower respiratory symptoms,
• respiratory infections such as aspergillosis,
• allergic diseases such allergic asthma and bronchitis,
• non-inflammatory, unspecific symptoms including eye and skin irritation, fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting?

For more information, click Mold Information: Learn More About Mold and Bacteria.

It is good to know not all molds that occur in homes are hazardous. However, current Canadian mold guidelines advise building occupants to clean-up and/or remove visible mold growth. To control mold growth, moisture should be eliminated or reduced. To learn more click Mold In Your Home.

It is good to remember that not every mold is a health hazard. However, all molds are potentially hazardous. For more information on hazard classes of molds visit this page http://www.moldbacteria.com/learnmore/moldlist.html.

It is good know that mold growth in houses is controllable. For more information about mold growth and control visit this page http://www.moldbacteria.com/topic_1.html

It is good to remember that while dead mould would not continue growing, it is still a health hazard.