The first step in any mold investigation is a visual inspection of the building and documentation of the area(s) covered by visible 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 […]
Archives for July 2012
Aspergillus/Penicillium and Unidentified Spores: What Should You Know?
Indoor air sampling for mould spores may be conducted to help in evaluating the air quality after occupants’ complaints of ill health, to determine the effectiveness of remediation procedures, to assess health hazards or to proactively monitor indoor air quality. Mould spores enter a building from outdoors through: air intakes for the heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning system (HVAC), doors […]
Indoor Molds that Produce Known Mycotoxins on Building Materials
This article discusses common indoor molds that produce mycotoxins and the materials on which they are commonly found. The general public thinks that black indoor molds are toxigenic because of the publicity that Stachybotrys chartarum (a.k.a Stachybotrys atra in the old literature), a black mold, received in the recent years. However, the colour of the indoor […]
Mycotoxins In Indoor Environment, Their Health Effects and the Moulds Producing Them
Growth of commonly occurring moulds in foods and building materials may result in production of toxic complex secondary metabolic by-products referred to as mycotoxins. Moulds that produce mycotoxins are said to be toxigenic (or incorrectly toxic moulds). According to experts, five kinds of mycotoxins are important in human health: aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, certain trichothecenes […]
Metalworking Fluids Bacteria and Fungi
What are Metalworking Fluids? Metalworking fluids (MWF) is the name given to a range of oils (mineral -petroleum, animal, marine, vegetable or synthetic oils) and other liquids that are used to cool and/or lubricate metal works during machining, grinding, cutting, milling, etc. There are four basic classes of Metalworking Fluids: Straight Oils: Also called "cutting" […]