While certain molds produce mycotoxins, the molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous. However, both toxin and non-toxin producers are may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Are All Black Molds Toxigenic?

Not all black molds are toxic molds. The color and production of mycotoxins by molds are two different things. Black colored mold has a black pigment by nature which is not in any way associated with being a toxin producer.

The incorrect association of black color of mold with “toxicity” came about because of Stachybotrys chartarum, a dark black or sometimes dark green fungus. It can grow on material with a high cellulose content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, and paper. Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth. In the 1990s, Stachybotrys chartarum was implicated in the death of children in Cleveland, Ohio. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a possible association between acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage (sudden unexpected bleeding of lungs) among infants and Stachybotrys chartarum has not been proven . Although there isn’t clear evidence linking sudden unexplained bleeding in infants to Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), the fact that it’s black has caused the general public to think that all black molds are harmful.

Studies have shown that Stachybotrys produces and releases mycotoxins on cellulose-containing water damaged building materials. These mycotoxins can also be present in the spores that get released into the air and, while not scientifically proven, could cause danger to human health when inhaled.

Other Examples of Black Molds Commonly Found in Water-damaged Buildings.

Aspergillus niger: This mold is black and is commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, and food. It is commonly present in indoor environments but is not typically associated with contaminated building materials. However, Aspergillus niger can also grow on damp building materials such as drywall and wallpaper as well as leather products. While it is an infrequent cause of aspergillosis, it can cause infections in the ears, nose, and lungs, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Cladosporium sp: This mold may appear black. It is very common in indoor environment. Cladosporium sphaerospermum for example is very common on wet building materials especially acrylic painted walls, wallpaper and insulation. Cladosporium species are well known causes of allergy.

Ulocladium sp: This mold is black and is commonly found in water-damaged buildings. It grows on cellulose-rich materials such as wood, paper, and cardboard. Little is know about the health effects of Ulocladium.

Molds are commonly found in buildings and homes. They grow in damp or wet places such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Molds grow well on organic materials such as paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

The most common indoor molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus.

Fungi are present in virtually all environments and affect us in many ways. Spores of many fungal species have been documented as important causes of allergy when inhaled people who are susceptible individuals. Experts estimate that 20% of the human population is susceptible to fungal spore allergy.

How to and why Trap Airborne Fungal Spores

Airborne fungal spores can be trapped for either culturable or non-culturable analysis. They are commonly trapped from the air to evaluate the potential human exposure to fungal allergens. Fungal spore trapping is also commonly used in crop disease outbreak predictions so that suitable control measures can be undertaken in advance to avoid crop losses. For human exposure, non-culturable methods would be preferred. However for crop disease outbreaks or product damage, culturable methods would be preferred.

Fungi are in Buildings and Homes

Fungi are very commonly found in indoor environments. They grow in buildings with a lot of moisture due to leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or flooding. Fungi grow well on organic materials such as paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Fungi can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. The most common indoor Fungi are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus.

Identification and Enumeration of Airborne Fungal Spores

Identification and enumeration of airborne fungal spores are highly specialized skills. The spores come in a wide range of types and sizes, all are microscopic with some as small as two micrometres in size. Many fungi produce only small amounts of spores which rarely get airborne in quantity. However, some species are very prolific and widespread, producing high concentrations of spores which are readily dispersed into the air. Identification of airborne fungal spores is based on spore characteristics such as the size, color, shape, texture and number of cells. 

Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories offers a course on how to accurately identify and enumerate a wide variety of airborne spore types and differentiate them from other biological and non-biological particles. These skills will be useful for those intending to analyze, monitor, or study indoor or outdoor airborne fungal spore concentrations. The course is also useful to environmental consulting firms that would like to set up in-house fungal identification laboratories.

Try our Mold Spore Quiz. It’s Fun!!

Some of these molds such as Stachybotrys, Aspergillus and Penicillium are associated with adverse health effects. Others like Alternaria and Cladosporium are well known allergens that trigger allergic reactions to sensitized individuals.

BUT, not all black molds that occur indoors are hazardous. Also, some dangerous molds are not black.

For $54.99 (Canadian dollar) per sample, you may submit a mold sample to determine whether the mold present is hazardous or only a cosmetic concern. A tape-lift mold sample is the most inexpensive test, and from it, Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories can give you information and guidance on what to do next. It is an easy way to determine if the mold is toxic and if it will require more intensive investigation and remediation. Cleaning hazardous mold requires special protection.

How Do You Take Mold Samples?

If you hire a professional mold inspector to come to your home, they’ll take samples and send these samples to a third-party laboratory to find out the kinds of mold present in your home. What if you can collect the samples yourself and send them directly to the same lab? It would not only save you money but also give you an opportunity to discuss your mold test results with microbiologists who understand these molds more than anyone else.

Taking Mold Samples is easy! All you need is CLEAR SCOTCH tape and to follow the simple steps below.

1. Wear gloves if necessary.
2. Cut a few inches of clear scotch tape (2-3 inches). Avoid touching the sticky side.
3. Holding the edges of the piece of tape, press it gently to the suspect area. Apply light pressure to the non-adhesive side.
4. Peel tape off surface with slow, steady pressure, holding the tape edges only.
5. Without folding the tape, apply sticky side of tape (i.e., side with mold) to the inside of the plastic bag.
6. Close bag and label the outside of the bag with a brief description of the sample. For example:
   • Tape #1: Basement, east wall
   • Tape #2: Windowsill, master bedroom
   • Tape #3: Ceiling tile, bathroom
   • Tape #4: Under counter, kitchen sink.

   (NOTE: More than one mold type may be present. If several sites show visible mold growth, it is advisable to take more than one sample.)

7. Put only one sample in each bag.
8. Download, print and complete the sample submittal form. If you cannot print the form, get a blank sheet of paper and provide the following information:
   • Name
   • Address
   • Phone
   • Fax (if available)
   • Email address
   • The date the samples were collected
   • Credit card information for payment (Visa or MasterCard). You can also call us at 905-290-9101 to provide credit card information on the phone
9. Put the samples into a mailing envelope together with your completed sample submittal form (or the sheet you completed) and mail your samples to:
   
   Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) Inc.
   1020 Brevik Place, Unit 1A
   Mississauga, ON L4W 4N7
   Canada.

What to expect after the lab receives your samples

We’ll analyze your mold sample in our ISO 17025 Accredited laboratory and send you a lab report to tell you:

• exactly what type of mold your sample is
• whether your sample is a toxic mold or just a cosmetic problem
• if there are any known health problems associated with that mold and what they are
• how to safely remove it
• how to make sure it never comes back.

About Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories

Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 International Standard. ISO/IEC 17025 is one of the most important accreditations for all types of laboratories performing tests and calibration.

Microbiology testing laboratories need to get accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 to demonstrate their technical competency and to ensure the accuracy of the test results. Having accreditation by regulatory bodies certifies that the results are consistent and accurate and are generated using industry-standard protocols.

Is black mold affecting your family’s health? Mold growth in homes poses a significant health hazard, depending on the level of exposure and sensitivity of individuals. Possible negative health effects include increased asthma-related symptoms, such as chronic wheezing and irritation, and other respiratory conditions.

There’s been a lot of news about black mold and its effects on our health in the past few years. It is important to know that black mold isn’t the only toxic mold that can affect your family’s health. Here, we use the term “black mold” to mean any hazardous mold regardless of color.

Are you or a member of your family suffering from black mold allergy symptoms or other mold-related illnesses? Molds such as Stachybotrys, Aspergillus and Penicillium are associated with adverse health effects. Others like Alternaria and Cladosporium are well-known to trigger allergic reactions such as hay fever and even asthma.

Who is most at risk of black mold exposure?

Everyone is at risk. However, the elderly, young children, the sick, and those with a history of asthma are at higher risk of suffering from mold related illnesses. So if you find mold in your home, it’s important for everyone’s health that it is tested and then removed right away.

 

If You Have Mold in Your Home, Don’t panic!

While all molds are potentially a health hazard, not all molds that occur indoors can affect your health, but even a small amount of mold growing in your home should be identified and removed. For $54.99 (Canadian dollar), you can have a mold test performed by an accredited laboratory in Canada.

How do you know if the mold is hazardous? Simply send samples to our lab for testing.

How to Collect and Send Samples to the Laboratory for Mold Testing

Do not spend money on expensive mold testing kits! Use clear scotch tape. It’s inexpensive, easy to use and works just like taking a fingerprint. The lab fee for this test is $54.99 (Canadian dollar) per sample.

Follow These Simple Instructions

1. Wear some gloves (which you can purchase from a pharmacy store).
2. Cut approximately 2-3 inches of clear scotch tape.
3. Hold tape at one end and place sticky side down onto the surface with visible mold growth and press gently.
4. Remove tape and stick it without folding onto a plastic bag (e.g.,ziplock bag).
5. Number each tape and identify the locations sampled. For example:
   • Tape 1: Basement, east wall.
   • Tape 2: Windowsill, master bedroom.
   • Tape 3: Ceiling tile, kitchen.
6. Enclose samples in an envelope or bag.
7. Download the mold sample testing order form and print it out. If you can’t print the form, you can provide the following information on a blank sheet of paper:
   • Your contact information including email address
   • Sample descriptions, i.e., where collected from
   • Credit card information, including billing address for payment purposes (we accept Visa or MasterCard)

(NOTE: More than one mold type may be present. If several sites show visible mold growth (with different discolorations), it is advisable to take more than one sample. Each sample is $54.99 (Canadian dollar))

Where to Send Your Samples

Tape mold samples do not require any special handling and therefore you can send them by post as ordinary mail. Enclose your samples in an envelope together with completed order form and mail them to:
Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) Inc.
1020 Brevik Place, Unit 1A
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4N7
CANADA.
(Attn: Laboratory Manager)
Don’t delay. Left unattended, mold continues to grow. Send us your samples today!

What to Expect from the Laboratory

You’ll know whether the people living in your home are exposed to hazardous mold or not. The mold in your home will be properly and correctly analyzed because our mold testing laboratory is headed by someone with a PhD degree in microbiology who has worked in this field for over 30 years.
Within 3-5 business days (after we receive the samples), we’ll send you an easy-to-understand laboratory report:

• identifying the type of mold from your sample or samples,
• explaining any known health problems associated with the identified molds,
• and providing you with information on how to remove it safely.

Click Order form now to download our easy-to-use instructions. The form includes information you need to send together with the samples. Should you have any questions regarding tape sample mold test, please feel free to contact the lab directly at 905-290-9101.

The common Aspergillus infections include invasive Aspergillosis, non-invasive Allergic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA), and Chronic Pulmonary and Aspergilloma (CPA). Depending on the type and severity of aspergillosis, affected individuals suffer from a range of symptoms including wheezing, difficulty in breathing, runny nose, coughing and weight loss. Severe bleeding in lungs and systemic infections are also often seen.

Causes of Aspergillosis

As mentioned earlier, aspergillosis is caused by the fungus Aspergillus. There are about 180 species of Aspergillus but only a few of them are known to cause infections in humans. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common cause of aspergillosis. Other possible causes of aspergillosis include Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, and Aspergillus niger.

The mold Cladosporium was first described in 1816. Members of Cladosporium are widely distributed worldwide and commonly found on all kinds of plant material, soil, food, paint, textiles and other organic matters. They are also found colonizing as secondary invaders leaves infested by other plant pathogenic fungi.

Cladosporium spores represent the most common fungal component isolated from air. Being small, dry and usually formed in branched, easy to break chains, Cladosporium spores are well adapted to be easily released into the air and spread in large numbers over long distances.

Medical Relevance of Cladosporium Spores

Most members of Cladosporium group do not cause disease in humans. Cladosporium spores are of medical relevance given that long-term exposure to these spores can cause adverse health effects, including allergies and asthma symptoms.

The mechanism of sensitization of human beings by molds in general is not well understood. However, there are several possibilities, among them inhalation of dried mycelia in house dust or inhalation of spores from outdoor or indoor sources. It is well known that spores of Cladosporium are common in indoor and outdoor air. Cladosporium herbarum, for example, is an important cause of allergies.

While there no established safe or unsafe levels of airborne mold spores, a concentration of 3000 Cladosporium spores m³ in the air has been suggested as a threshold value for clinical significance.

Prevalence of Cladosporium Spores in Indoor Environment

Cladosporium is one of the most commonly recovered molds from indoor air followed by others such as Penicillium and Aspergillus. In summer the levels of Cladosporium spores in outdoor air are very high. In fact, most of the Cladosporium spores found in indoor environment in summer originate from outdoors.

Antimicrobial preservatives are added to non-sterile products to protect them from microbiological growth or from microorganisms that are introduced inadvertently during or subsequent to the manufacturing process. In the case of sterile products packaged in multiple-use containers, antimicrobial preservatives are added to inhibit the growth of microorganisms that may be introduced from repeatedly opening the container and withdrawing small amounts of the product.

Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) can perform antimicrobial effectiveness testing using various standard methods including, USP 51 – Antimicrobial Effectiveness Testing, ISO 11930 – Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Protection of a Cosmetic Product, and client specific methods.

We can help comply to any international standard including:

• ASTM C1338: Determining Fungi Resistance of Insulation Materials and Facings
• ASTM D3273: Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber
• ASTM D3456: Determining by Exterior Exposure Tests the Susceptibility of Paint Films to Microbiological Attack
• ASTM D4300: Ability of Adhesive Films to Support or Resist the Growth of Fungi
• ASTM D4445: Fungicides for Controlling Sapstain and Mold on Unseasoned Lumber (Laboratory Method)
• ASTM D4783: Resistance of Adhesive Preparations in Container to Attack by Bacteria, Yeast, and Fungi
• ASTM D5583: Detection and Estimation of Retention of Wood Preservatives by Aspergillus Bioassaying
• ASTM D5588: Determination of the Microbial Condition of Paint, Paint Raw Materials, and Plant Areas
• ASTM D5590: Determining the Resistance of Paint Films and Related Coatings to Fungal Defacement by Accelerated Four-Week Agar Plate Assay
• ASTM D6469: Microbial Contamination in Fuel and Fuel Systems (microbial section only)
• ASTM E645: Efficacy of Microbicides Used in Cooling Systems
• ASTM E723: Efficacy of Antimicrobials as Preservatives for Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry (Bacterial Spoilage)
• ASTM E875: Efficacy of Fungal Control Agents as Preservatives for Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry
• ASTM E1839: Efficacy of Slimicides for the Paper Industry – Bacterial and Fungal Slime
• ASTM E2180: Determining the Activity of Incorporated Antimicrobial Agent(s) In Polymeric or Hydrophobic Materials
• ASTM G160: Evaluating Microbial Susceptibility of Nonmetallic Materials By Laboratory Soil Burial

If you’ve seen mold in your home, don’t panic! Send samples for mold testing today.

A number of molds can sometimes be found growing in houses on drywall, wood, behind wallpaper, and on ceiling tiles in areas that are constantly moist or have suffered water damage or leaks. Some of these molds such as Stachybotrys, Aspergillus and Penicillium are associated with adverse health effects. Others like Alternaria and Cladosporium are well known allergens that trigger allergic reactions to sensitized individuals.

Not all molds that occur indoors 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.

For $50 per sample you can submit mold samples to Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories to determine whether the mold present is hazardous or is only of cosmetic concern. Cleaning hazardous mold requires special protection. To collect a sample of visible mold, no special mold testing kit is required! Use clear scotch tape.

How to take Tape Samples for Mold Testing

• Cut off approximately 2-3 inches long of clear scotch tape.
• Hold tape at one end and place sticky side down onto the surface with visible mold growth and press gently.
• Remove tape and stick it onto a ziplock bag (Do not fold the tape).
• Number each tape and identify the sites sampled. For example:
  • Tape 1: Basement, east wall.
  • Tape 2: Window sill, master bedroom.
  • Tape 3: Ceiling tile, kitchen.
• Enclose samples in an envelope or bag

(NOTE: More than one mold type may be present. If several sites show visible mold growth, it is advisable to take more than one sample.)

Other Suitable Samples for Mold Testing

Pieces of wallpaper, drywall, wood, carpet and insulation material can also be sent for mold testing.

Sending the Samples

Submit the samples together with the following information:

• Name
• Address
• Phone
• Fax (if available)
• Email address
• The date the sample was collected

How to pay for the test

You may pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or by calling 905-290-9101 ext. 211 or by PayPal by completing the form below.
 
After paying for the samples you can deliver them or send them by Canada Post to:
Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) Inc.
1020 Brevik Place, Unit 1A
Mississauga, ON L4W 4N7
(phone: 905-290-9101)
 

What You Get:

• Lab analysis of Mold samples collected by you using Clear Scotch Tape (see “tip” below)
• Lab report showing the types of mold present in your samples
• Results interpretation
• 15-minute free consultation (if requested) with one of our microbiologists
• Turnaround Time: 2-3 working days

Tip: If you see mold growth in more than one place (say kitchen, washroom, bedroom and basement), we recommend taking a minimum of 3 samples. This is because the mold in the washroom is highly likely to be different from that in the basement or kitchen or ceiling.

Additional Tape Lift or Bulk Samples…..$50/sample. THREE samples would therefore cost $150 tax included.

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