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 […]
What You Need to Know About Mold Allergies
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, […]
Mold in Home? Here’s What You Need to Know
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 is especially common in basements of old homes where […]
How to Distinguish Mold Growth from Stains & Other Common Discolorations
July 21, 2012 by
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 […]
Aspergillus/Penicillium and Unidentified Spores: What Should You Know?
July 21, 2012 by
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
July 17, 2012 by
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 […]
