Toxic Black Mold

Home & Garden Online Directory

2009-12-13T11:26:00.001-05:00

Home & Garden directory is an online resource for home and garden services and products including accessories, tools, furniture, home improvement, kitchen and dining accessories, electrical home appliances, windows, plants, garden furniture, swimming pools and spas, furnishing equipment or anything else related to home and garden business and shopping. The categories have a wide selection of bedroom, bathroom, cleaning, home decoration, outdoor structures or garage tools and services.

Also listed are providers and suppliers of services and products related to Asbestos removal, mold testing and removal, landscape design, fertilizers, patio, home and garden party products and designs, floors and walls decoration or laundry equipment. If you're a supplier or provider of services related to home and garden, get listed for free at Home & Garden Online Directory

Fungal Spore Trapping and Enumeration

2009-08-21T19:38:00.004-04:00

The objective of trapping and enumeration of air-borne fungal spores in indoor environments may be 1) to determine the load of allergenic spores and their composition, 2) to determine whether there were hidden sources of fungal amplification, 3) to assess the effectiveness of remediation. Regardless of the objective, the methods of trapping and enumeration are the same.

Fungal spore trapping

Generally spores are trapped by impacting air onto some inert media or some suitable growth agar media. Enumeration of fungal spores trapped on inert media is performed by direct microscopic examination without culturing. This is referred to as total fungal spore count or non-viable analyses. When air is impacted on growth agar media any fungal spores or hyphal fragments that can germinate on that media develops into colonies (often referred to as colony forming units) that are then enumerated and identified if necessary.

Fungal Spore Trapping for Total fungal Spore Counts (Non-viable).

The common air samplers for total fungal spore counts are slit and circular type of samplers. Slit samplers include Air-O-Cell, BioCell, VersaTrap, Allergenco, BioSis, and Burkard. Examples of circular samplers include Cyclex, Cyclex-d and Micro-5. These samplers (cassettes) are attached to a pump that can draw air at the rate recommended by the manufacturer of the cassette.

Fungal spore Enumeration Using Air-O-Cell Cassettes

The Air-O-Cell cassettes are opened in the laboratory by cutting around the sealing band. The glass cover slip (containing the sample trace) is removed and slowly placed at an angle with the media collection side facing either upwards or downwards. If the glass cover slip is to be placed with the media facing down, one to two (1-2) drops of lacto phenol cotton blue is placed in the center of the microscope slide before placing the glass cover slip. The edges of the cover glass can then be secured with a drop of nail polish. If the cover glass is to be placed with the media collection side facing up, it can first be secured with nail polish and then 1-2 drops of lactophenol cotton blue is placed in the middle of the sample. A second clean cover glass is then placed to cover the sample collection media and spread out the stain. Care should be taken not to trap air bubbles as these could interfere with the analyses.

The sample deposition trace is identified at lower magnification (10X or 20X) objective and spore counting is performed at a minimum magnification of X400. There has been a lot of debate as to what magnification should be used during identification and enumeration. Some analysts have recommended use of 100X oil immersion. However, it’s important to note that use of 100X objective with oil can be very messy and in most cases may not add quality to the results. In our opinion, the most important considerations when it comes to spore enumeration and identification are a good quality microscope and a well trained analyst.

In the past laboratories were using a variety of methods to analyze spore traps. This made comparison of results (and even terms used in the reports) difficult. The ASTM International has now released a new standard “Standard Test Method for Categorization and Quantification of Airborne Fungal Structures in an Inertial Impaction Sample by Optical Microscopy”. While this standard may not resolve all limitations of spore traps it will ensure that labs that use the standard analyze samples in a similar manner. The standard, however, may not improve the precision or accuracy of results, since, as it’s stated in the standard itself “…the detector in this method is the analyst, and therefore results are subjective, depending on the experience, training, qualification, and mental and optical fatigue of the analyst”.

Enumeration and Identification of Fungal Colony Forming Units.

Enumeration of colonies is performed under a stereo microscope or a suitable colony counter. Counting of colony forming units (CFU) is straight forward and easier than enumeration of total fungal spore counts. However, accuracy may be affected by:

Colony density: If there are too many colonies, they tend to merge and this makes counting very difficult and inaccurate.

Overgrowth: Some fungi grow faster than others thus masking the slow growing fungi

Counting is easier in some media such as dichloran 18% glycerol (DG18) agar which restricts the growth of colonies and significantly reduces the number of merging colonies. One drawback in using DG18 is that it can completely inhibit the growth of some fungi especially the hydrophilic species such as Stachybotrys and Chaetomium.

Malt extract agar (MEA) is commonly used in indoor air quality surveys. MEA is a nutrient rich medium and has high water activity, which favors hydrophilic and fast growing species which may mask, inhibit or entirely suppress the growth of other fungi.

Simultaneous use of MEA and DG18 is recommended since MEA supports the growth of a wide range of hydrophilic and mesophilic fungi while DG18 supports the growth of xerophilic and moderately xerophilic fungi. Therefore, use of MEA or DG18 alone may significantly reduce the number of species recovered.

For air samples collected using Andersen and other similar samplers, the colony count is adjusted (positive hole correction) before calculating the number of CFU per cubic meter of air. This adjustment is however not performed for air samples collected using the Reuter Centrifugal Sampler (RCS).

Choosing a mold testing laboratory that is right for you

2009-02-01T16:39:00.004-05:00

Mold testing professionals and other users should consider several factors in choosing a mold testing laboratory. This article refers to laboratories that specializes in identification and enumeration of mold and bacteria commonly detected in air, fluids and bulk samples collected from homes, schools, offices, hospitals, industrial, agricultural, and other work environments. Mold testing laboratories are generally not regulated by provincial or federal agencies. Consequently, it is important for mold testing professionals to investigate these laboratories by obtaining information about their performance, operation, and service before sending mold samples for analysis. A mold testing professional requires assurance that the test results will be of quality, be credible, and meaningful. Specific guidelines are discussed here to aid the mold testing professional in evaluating a mold testing laboratory.

Factors to Consider
Test Methods - The use of appropriate test methods is very important in order to accurately identify and/or enumerate mold spores or colony forming units (CFU) in an air sample.

Laboratory Proficiency - The proficiency of a laboratory refers to its ability to produce accurate and precise test results. It is difficult for a laboratory to independently assess this factor. Thus, reputable labs participate in AIHA sponsored EMPAT program. The Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing (EMPAT) Program is a voluntary performance evaluation program, administered by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), for environmental microbiology laboratories. A main purpose of the EMPAT is to provide proficiency testing samples to laboratories who wish to monitor and improve the quality of their mold testing data. Participating laboratories receive a summary of their performance for each field of testing (FoT). Continued self-evaluation and adjustment improves the integrity of the mold test results. A prospective client should ask the laboratory management if they are members of the EMPAT program.

Laboratory's EMPAT Results - It is important that a representative of the laboratory review with the potential client their EMPAT quarterly test results with those summarized for all EMPAT participating laboratories. Information for each FoT of interest to the client should be included. Mold testing professionals should ask for this comparison in order to make a good decision about a laboratory. Some laboratories that participate in the EMPAT program are not proficient.

Other Customers - The potential client should ask the laboratory to provide the names and telephone numbers of some customers. This allows the mold testing professional to evaluate the laboratory from the perspective of users like themselves.

Laboratory Results - Ask a laboratory representative for copies of sample results and ask them to explain the meaning of the units if they are unclear.

Turn-Around Time - Ask how long it takes the laboratory to do the routine mold testing and return the results. In order for the results and recommendations to be useful, the turn-around time must be as short as possible. A good laboratory should be able to provide the results in two to three working days for the routine mold tests of direct microscopic examination. It is also very important to make sure the laboratory does not sacrifice accuracy by short cutting the methods to attain this turn-around time. It is a good idea to check the turn-around time with those who have used the laboratory.

Visiting the Laboratory – Where possible, it is important to visit the mold testing laboratory before submitting samples. A representative of the laboratory should not hesitate to show a potential client the testing area. During the visit, observe the orderliness and cleanliness of the work area. Ask how the samples are handled. In addition, ask how the data is handled and ask about quality control that is used.

Sampling Supplies - Most mold testing laboratories supply test media such as agar, air-0-cells, and swabs to their customers. Find out about the supplies and how they are obtained from the laboratory.

Professionals Mycologists - Find out if the laboratory has professionals who are trained in mycology (the study of molds and yeasts) or microbiology to work with the customer. Before deciding on a mold testing laboratory, visit the laboratory and meet with a professional to discuss concerns about testing mold. When visiting a laboratory, ask to review the educational credentials of the professionals. Find out about the training background of the analysts.

Laboratory Test Prices - Prices for mold testing often vary greatly from one laboratory to the next. Ask about the prices. Determine if the price for each test or test package is given in writing. Also find out if discounts are given for large numbers of samples and whether prices are negotiable.

If you’re looking for a mold testing laboratory, please call 905-290-9101.

Mould Training Course: February 25, 2010

2008-10-06T15:12:00.007-04:00

The awareness of the impact of mould growth in buildings and facilities is increasing every day. People not only consider mould unsightly in homes and workplaces, but they are also aware it can effect the indoor air quality and cause or exacerbate health symptoms. Many claims for damages, replacement of building materials and health effects as a result of exposure to mould have also been filed successfully across north America and more so in the USA.

MBL provides a unique, comprehensive one-day mould training course on how to recognize indoor mould, how to develop effective sampling strategies, how to interpret laboratory results and how to pprevent mould growth in homes and work environments. This course has been designed to aid those who would like to learn more about how to investigate mould problems in a building, current mould guidelines/remediation techniques. Participants will gain an understanding of where and what types of moulds are typically found in the natural environment, what factors influence the growth of moulds in indoor environments, tools and techniques to identify moulds, health effects associated with mould exposure, classification of work for remediation techiniques, Canadian Construction Association mould guideliness and other guidelines, and prevention of mould growth.

The course is intended for OHS/EHS Specialists, General Contractors, Building Maintenance Personnel, Health and Safety Committee Members, and Plant and Operations Mangers. For more details click Mold Training

Mold Training: February 25, 2010

2008-09-30T10:00:00.004-04:00

Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) is pleased to offer the Mold Training Course on February 25, 2010. Learn how to recognize mold, perform effective sampling, and interpret laboratory results. For course fee and other details, please click Mold Training Course.

Air Sampling For Total Fungal Spore Counts

2008-07-25T09:14:00.005-04:00

We have compiled a short flash video demo on how to sample air for airborne fungal total spore counts. To see the video, please click Air Sampling For Total Fungal Spore Counts.

After seeing the video, please be kind enough to suggest how we could improve the video.

How To Sample For Mould

2008-07-21T23:51:00.003-04:00

We have compiled a short flash video on how to sample for mould using clear scotch tape. To view the video click "How To Sample For Mould Using Clear Scotch Tape". For comments or questions regarding the video or mould sampling please call (905)290-9101

What Are Mold Spores?

2008-06-21T14:29:00.002-04:00

Mold spores are tiny propagative units similar in function to plant seeds but they do not contain preformed embryo. They can be produced by sexual or asexual means.

Types of Mold Spores
Various terms are used to describe mold spores:

Ascospores: spores produced by ascomycetes, e.g., those of the mold Chaetomium;
Basidiospores: spores produced by basidiomycetes e.g., those of mushrooms;
Conidiospores (conidia): spores produced by most members of the deuteromycetes, e.g., those of molds such as Aspergillus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys;
Sporangiospores and Zygospores: spores produced by Zygomycetes, e.g., those of the mould Rhizopus.

Some mold spores can remain viable for many years.

Bacterial and Fungal Contamination of Metalworking Fluids (MWFs)

2008-03-21T10:33:00.003-04:00

Metalworking fluids are used to cool and/or lubricate metal works during machining, grinding, cutting, milling, etc. MWFs can get contaminated when good hygiene practices are not followed or when fluids are not properly managed or maintained. Bacterial and fungal contamination of metalworking fluids (MWFs) is a major concern in the industries which use these fluids. Contamination may cause equipment malfunction, off-odors, degradation in the fluid quality, economic losses and finally, they pose as a major health hazard. Several Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria are found as contaminants. These include Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Proteus sp. and Coliforms. Fungal contaminants include, Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp. and Cephalosporium sp.

Major health concerns of bacterial and fungal Contaminated metalworking fluids include skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and, occasionally, breathing difficulties such as bronchitis and asthma. Learn more about contamination of metalworking fluids.

How Do I Know If I Have Black Mold in My Home

2008-02-14T10:37:00.004-05:00

The only way to know whether you have black mold in your house is to have the mold tested by a qualified mold laboratory. If you have visible mold growth, you can easily take samples for laboratory testing by using clear scotch tape. All you need to do is to cut 2-3 inches of clear scotch tape and stick it onto the surface with mold growth. Then remove the tape and stick it onto a plastic bag and then send it to a lab. For details on how to take air samples, please visit http://www.moldbacteria.com/moldtesting_for_homeowners.html

If the mold is not visible but there is musty smell, you can take air samples. While negative air samples do not necessarily mean there is no mold growth, air samples can help in detecting hidden mold growth. For details on how to take air samples, please call 905-290-9101.

Canadian Mould Remediation Guidelines

2008-02-09T11:38:00.000-05:00

There are a number of mould guidelines in Canada. These include:

Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry

The Guide prepared by the Canadian Construction Association offers practical advice on mould-related issues (legal, insurance, and health considerations). It also offers helpful information on how to minimize mould growth, identify and measure it, and step-by-step instructions on remediation.

The guide is free to download from the CCA website http://www.cca-acc.com/documents/electronic/cca82/cca82.pdf and hardcopies can be purchased from your local construction associations.

EACO Mould Abatement Guidelines

Environmental Abatement Council of Ontario prepared this guideline to assist building owners, constructors, contractors, subcontractors and workers who have duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations to safely perform work activities involving Mould (Microbial) Abatement and remediation. A free copy is available on their site at http://www.eacoontario.com/downloads.htm

OAA Mould Control Practice Guide

The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) issued the Mould Control Practice Guide to assist and educate its members with respect to certain matters related to mould and mould in buildings. The guide is available at their website at http://www.oaa.on.ca/client/oaa/OAAHome.nsf/web/Mould+in+Buildings+-+OAA+Mould+Practice+Guide?OpenDocument

Fungal investigations in public buildings, workplaces, and homes

2008-01-28T09:53:00.000-05:00

Investigation of fungal contamination in indoor environments normally includes visual inspection and sampling. The samples to collect, the number, when and where to collect them and the methods to be used for sample analyses depends on the objectives or goal of the investigation. The samples that may be collected include air, dust or bulk samples. Swabs or clear cellophane tape can be used to sample for fungi from contaminated surfaces. The samples can be analyzed by either direct microscopy or by culture methods depending on the type of data required.

Symptoms Of Mold Exposure

2008-01-21T11:17:00.000-05:00

Mold exposure through inhalation of airborne spores may affect human health in many ways. Some of the severe diseases associated with mold exposure include infection of the respiratory system (including the lungs) by species of Aspergillus. Aspergillus fumigatus, for example, is a common cause of Aspergillosis in individuals with weakened immune system.

A variety of other health problems have also been associated with airborne mold spores, such as chronic respiratory infections, dry cough, eye irritations, skin symptoms, asthmatic symptoms and allergy. Non-specific symptoms include headache, fever, and lack of concentration.

Cladosporium herbarum

2007-12-02T11:40:00.000-05:00

Cladosporium herbarum is a common outdoor and indoor mold. It is commonly found on dead herbaceous and woody plants, textiles, rubber, paper, and foodstuffs of all kinds.

In the indoor environment, Cladosporium herbarum is found in floor, carpet and mattress dust, damp acrylic painted walls, wallpaper, HVAC insulation, filters and fans. It is frequently the most prominent mold in air-spora. It grows over a wide range of temperatures, and has frequently been reported causing spoilage of meat in cold storage.

Cladosporium herbarum is not known to be toxigenic but can be highly allergenic to sensitive individuals. For more information about Cladosporium herbarum and other species of Cladosposporium, click http://www.moldbacteria.com/learnmore/cladosporium.html

Indoor Air Quality: Biological Pollutants

2007-11-25T09:52:00.002-05:00

Indoor air quality is compromised by both biological and non-biological pollutants. Sources of biological pollutants include microorganisms, animal, insects and related organisms.

The most common biological pollutants include molds and their byproducts, dust mites, pet dander (scales from hair, feathers, or skin), droppings and body parts from cockroaches, rodents and other pests or insects, viruses, and bacteria. Due to their small size, many of these biological pollutants are airborne and easily inhaled deep into the lungs.

Health Effects From Biological Pollutants
Some biological pollutants may cause serious health problems including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some types of asthma. Other health problems attributed to biological pollutants are sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and digestive problems.

It is believed allergic reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen. The reaction may occur immediately upon re-exposure or after multiple exposures over time.

Testing For Airborne Mold Spore Concentration

2007-11-23T09:49:00.000-05:00

Testing for airborne mold spore concentration is achieved by impacting a known volume of air onto a surface coated with sticky material. As the air hits the sticky surface the spores and any other particulates in the air are trapped. In the laboratory the spores are identified under a microscope, categorised into various groups and counted. This method is excellent for estimating how contaminated the air is but it does not tell us what proportion of the counted spores are still viable. If an estimate of the proportion of viable mold spores is needed, then the air has also to be impacted onto some growth agar media. Viable mold spores would then grow on the media and appear as mold colonies, usually referred to as colony forming units (CFU). CFU is not a very accurate way of measuring the viable proportion of airborne mold spores. This is because a single colony can develop from one spore or a group of spores. Secondly, fast growing colonies tend to overgrow slow growing colonies. Also, the agar media used may not support the growth of all categories of viable spores present in the air.

Testing For Mold Requires Training

2007-11-12T07:37:00.000-05:00

Testing for mold is not difficult. But you need to know not only where to look for it but also which species are toxigenic or allergenic. One also requires to have a clearly defined objective for the testing. If the objective of testing for mold requires that samples be taken, it is important to know what types of samples to take and the limitations or disadvantages of different types of samples. The type of samples to take is determined by the type of data the mold investigator requires. The type of data required, on the other hand, is determined by the objective(s) of the investigation.

There are some mold training courses out there that can provide you with basic skills necessary for mold investigation. You may want to review the Mold Training Course offered by MBL. This unique, comprehensive one-day training course focuses on how to recognize indoor mold, how to develop effective sampling strategies, how to interpret laboratory results and current guidelines on mold remediation. Course dates are found at http://www.moldbacteria.com/training.html.

Is Air Sampling Of Mold Necessary?

2007-11-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

Is air sampling of mold necessary? Any type of mold sampling whether air or surface sampling should be based on a well defined objective. For example, if the objective is to determine whether occupants were exposed to airborne mold spores, then air sampling would be recommended. Air sampling may also help to detect hidden mold growth.

Before sampling for mold, it is important to have a well defined objective.

Mold Information

2007-11-10T07:26:00.000-05:00

Mold is a recognized health hazard. Every single day thousands of people who suspect they or their families are sick due to mold are looking for mold information from the Internet. But how reliable is the information posted on the Internet? Most of the mold information on the Internet is intended to create fear and panic so that the consumer of this information can buy a service or a product.

Where can one get reliable mold information?

Reliable information can be obtained from government sites, academic sites and a few private sites owned by mold experts. By mold experts, I mean people who studied molds at universities for their higher degrees. There are many self-proclaimed "mold experts" online.

Before believing what you read about mold online be sure you can trust the source of the information.

Black Mold Fungus Called Stachybotrys

2007-11-08T07:21:00.000-05:00

Many people get concerned if the black mold fungus called Stachybotrys appears in lab results even if only a few spores were reported. Some people conclude the results are okay if Stachybotrys was not present even when counts of other mold spores are relatively high. But is Stachybotrys the most dangerous indoor mold? Possibly not. Species of Aspergillus such as Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger (A. niger is a black mold too) are well known health hazards. Personally I would not be concerned if a few spores of Stachybotrys are reported in air samples especially immediately after mold remediation.

How To Take Bacteria Samples

2007-11-02T07:22:00.000-04:00

Sampling Air For Bacteria
Bacteria air samples are taken by impacting air onto some suitable growth media. Two of the commonly used samplers are Andersen (N6 Single Stage) and Reuter Centrifugal sampler (RCS). The Andersen sampler uses petri-dishes while the RCS uses agar strips. For environmental bacteria, a general purpose media such as Tryptic (Trypticase) Soy Agar (TSA) can be used.

Sampling Surfaces For Bacteria
Sterile cotton swabs can be used to sample for bacteria contaminating surfaces. The swabs are then sent immediately to a laboratory for culturing and identification of the bacteria to genus or species.

How To Collect Swab Samples For Microbiological Testing

2007-10-27T14:20:00.000-04:00

Sterile swabs can be used to test the level of microbial contamination on various surfaces such as air conditioning units, kitchen equipment, hospital wards, spas or any other place. The samples can be analysed for total viable counts (usually referred to as colony forming units) or specific indicator organisms for food spoilage or sewage contamination.

How To Collect Swab Samples

Wear gloves

Select a sampling area of about 10 cm X 10 cm (or 20 cm x 20 cm)

Break the seal round the tube containing the swab

Remove the swab from the tube and rub and roll it firmly several times across the sampling area.

Return the swab into the tube and label the sample

Send the sample to the laboratory for analysis.

If one is sampling a dry surface, it is recommended that a wet or moistened swab is used. The swab test method has proved a popular testing method with flood damage insurance claims, where there may be sewage contamination.

Airborne Bacteria In Indoor Environments

2007-10-24T08:41:00.000-04:00

Significance Of Airborne Bacteria In Indoor Environments

Indoor Bacteria have not received as much publicity as the mould. Are indoor bacteria of health significance?

Cladosporium cladosporioides in Homes

2007-10-14T11:31:00.000-04:00

Cladosporium cladosporioides is a common household mould found growing on damp walls in the bedroom, living room, bathrooms, around tubs, shower stalls, or window frames and ceilings. It may appear as dark brown or black scattered colonies or patches. Cladosporium cladosporioides is a common cause of mould allergy. But, not everybody is allergic to this mould! So, if you see this mould growing in your house and you or your family members are not feeling sick, do not panic. Just have the mould cleaned up.

Sick Building Syndrome

2007-10-11T10:35:00.000-04:00

The causes of sick building syndrome (SBS) are still not well understood. SBS has always been associated with poor ventilation in airtight energy efficiency buildings and biological and chemical pollutants. In the April issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dr. Stafford and colleagues suggest that job related factors could be a major contributor to sick building syndrome.