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 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.

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.

Got a Question?

Click Contact Link Below to Send us a Message or Ask a Question. We shall respond to you by Email.
Contact Us

The conditions during transit can cycle between hot and cold during the day and night respectively. During the day the high temperatures allow the air inside the container to absolve a lot of moisture from the sea and from the products and wooden pallets. As the temperature cools at night, this moisture condenses on the surface of the products.

Since the products often take several weeks (typically six to eight) to reach their destination the long duration in transit and the cycling between hot humid conditions and cooler conditions provide an ideal environment for mold growth. Products may also develop mold at their destination if stored in damp warehouses.

Products Prone to Mold Growth

Although mold will grow on a wide range of products including wooden pallets; leather products, textile, food products and paper goods are especially prone to mold growth. This is because these materials not only readily absolve the moisture but they are also a ready source of nutrients for mold growth.

Common Types of Mold on Imported Products

The damp conditions in shipping containers generally favor the growth of those types of mold that do not require a lot of moisture to grow. These molds, referred to as xerophilic fungi, grow and thrive under conditions of low water activity (Aw). Depending on the material, a wide range of molds may grow. In our lab the most common types of molds we isolate from imported products, especially leather and textile products include Aspergillus restrictus, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus sydowii, Eurotium herbariorum (Aspergillus glaucus), species of Penicillium and many others. On wooden products you may find species of Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Penicillium.

Control of Mold Growth on Products

Mold growth on products can be prevented by controlling moisture and eliminating practices that contribute directly or indirectly to mold growth. Such practices are:

1. Use of contaminated raw materials;
2. Improper storage of raw materials and finished products in warehouses
3. Improper packaging and shipping of the raw materials and/or finished products
4. Faulty manufacturing processes that facilitate mold growth.

Determining if the Moldy Products can be Salvaged

While some mold may be visible on a product, it does not necessarily mean that the product has been damaged. Most products can be cleaned and restored to original condition. Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (MBL) can help you in the risk assessment and mitigation process by definitively determining the type of mold responsible for the damage, supporting the formulation of a clean-up plan, and developing testing criteria to determine safe-for-sale. MBL has a team of microbiologists with expertise on testing biological contaminants on imported products, evaluating clean-up strategies and assessing the suitability of the cleaned product for sale.

Water activity (a_w) refers to “free” water available for microbial growth. For microbial growth to occur, moisture must be freely available. The water activity of a material determines which types of mold would grow on that material.

Technically, the water activity is defined as the ratio of the vapour pressure exerted by the water in the material to the vapour pressure of pure water at the same temperature and pressure. Check out our Mold Inspection, Identification and Control course to learn more about Water Activity. 

Types of Mold based on Water Activity

Indoor molds vary in their water activity requirements and this ranges from 0.7 to >0.9. Higher a_w materials tend to support the growth of more microorganisms. Unlike molds, bacteria usually require a water activity of at least 0.91 a_w. Molds can be grouped according to their moisture requirements as follows:

• Extremely to moderately xerophilic. These molds are the primary colonisers and they are capable of growth below 0.8 a_w. Examples include Aspergillus and Penicillium
• Slightly xerophilic. These molds are the secondary or intermediate colonisers. They are capable of growth between 0.8 and 0.9 a_w. Examples of molds in this category include Altemaria and Cladosporium
• Hydrophilic. Molds in this category are tertiary colonisers and require at least 0.9 a_w for growth. Such high water activity can only be achieved through water intrusion and to a lesser extent high humidity and condensation. Examples of hydrophilic molds include Stachybotrys and Chaetomium

Check out our Mold Inspection, Identification and Control course to learn more about Types of Mold.

Note:

1. Xerophilic means “dry loving.” Thus, xerophilic molds are those that can or prefer to grow in “dry” environments. “Dry” is used here in relative sense since no mold can grow in a completely dry environment.
2. Hydrophilic means “water loving.” Thus, hydrophilic molds are those molds that require very high levels of moisture to grow.

Indicators of Water Damage

Water damage may occur over many months, mainly through roof leakage, but also via rising damp and defective plumbing, which result in mold growth. Indoor molds as well as bacteria are usually saprophytic, meaning that they obtain nutrients from dead organic matter. The nutrients are from the breakdown of simple to complex sugars such as starches, cellulose and pectin. The materials most susceptible to mold growth are organic materials containing cellulose (i.e. jute, wallpaper, cardboard and wooden materials). The tertiary colonisers are used as the indicators of moisture damage. The table below shows some of the most common indicators of water damage in buildings.

Indicators of excessive moisture or chronic condensation

If you liked this article you may want to check out our online courses.

Airborne Fungal Spores Course

The only course you’ll ever need to master fungal spore sampling, identification, enumeration and data interpretation

The objective of the fungal spores identification course is to equip participants with skills necessary to identify and differentiate airborne fungal spores from other airborne non-fungal particles. The first topic covers basic fungal classification to enable course participate link various categories of spores such basidiospores, ascospores and mitospores with the fungal groups that produce them.

Airborne fungal spore sampling methods are discussed including the equipment and references materials used in the sampling and analyses of airborne fungal spores. At the conclusion of the course, the participants should be able to collect air samples, prepare them and analyse them for fungal spore types and counts and be able to interpret the laboratory report for their clients.

Background Information

Spores of many fungal species have been documented as important causes of allergy when inhaled. Airborne fungal spores 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.

Identification and enumeration of airborne fungal spores are highly specialized skills. The purpose of this course is to help participants develop the competence to accurately identify and enumerate the wide variety of airborne spore types and differentiate them from other biological and non-biological particles.

This course is designed to help fungal spore analysts learn necessary skills including: air sampling methods, sampling protocols, sample preparation, spore identification, counting procedures, conversions to concentration per cubic meter of air and proper reporting methods. Though the course is designed for beginners, it will greatly help those who have analyzed spores for a few months to a year to expand their knowledge and improve their skills. Air sampling will focus on Air-O-Cells and other impaction-type spore traps.

Upon completion of the Fungal Spore Sampling, Identification, Enumeration and Data Interpretation course, participants will have the necessary skills to prepare samples for analysis, accurately count and identify a variety of spore types, and calculate airborne spore concentrations. 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.

Click to Register Today and Start Learning!

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Differentiate Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes
2. Describe the lifecycle, modes of transport, reproduction, and methods of dispersal of fungal spores.
3. Differentiate indoor-relevant and outdoor-relevant genera
4. Describe the health effects that may result from exposure to airborne fungal spores.
5. Sample air for airborne fungal spores
6. Calibrate microscopes for fungal spore measurements and enumeration
7. Identify, categorize and enumerate various types of airborne fungal spores.
8. Differentiate fungal spores from non-fungal spores
9. Interpret fungal spore data
10. Practice hands-on application of acquired knowledge within the course, with the availability of expert assistance.

Topics covered in the course

The course mold inspection, identification and control course has 8 topics and each topic has its own quiz. The 8 topics are:

1. Important Groups Of Indoor Fungi
2. Equipment and Other Materials
3. Air Sampling For Fungal Spores
4. Sample Handling
5. How to identify fungal spores
6. How to Analyze Non-viable Samples
7. How to Report Analytical Results
8. How To Interpret Laboratory Reports

Who might benefit from Airborne Fungal Spore Sampling, Identification, Enumeration and Data Interpretation course?

You may benefit from this course if you are:

• A company considering starting their own in-house laboratory
• A laboratory analyst
• A person considering aerobiology as a career
• A microbiologist who would like to start their own lab
• An industrial hygiene consultant who would like to be analyzing their own samples

Click to Register Today and Start Learning!

How long does it take to complete the online mold training course?

The course can be finished within 3 days. However, to make it flexible and convenient to fit into your busy schedule, we don’t limit the time you take to complete the course. You can complete the course in 3 days or week if you wish.

How is the online mold training course taught?

The course consists of interactive slide presentations. We have included some audio. You can mute the audio and read through the slides if you want. Towards the end of each topic is a quiz to evaluate your understanding of each topic. The final score is the average of all the 8 topics.

Are certificates awarded?

Upon successful completion, a certificate is prepared and mailed to the course participant. Be sure to send us your mailing address after you complete the course.

How to register for the course

Enroll in 4 Easy Steps

Step 1: Create New Account (see the link below). After completing the registration, an email will be immediately sent to your email address.

Step 2: Confirm registration. Read your email, and click on the web link it contains. Your account will be confirmed and you will be logged in.

Step 3: Select a course.

Step 4: Pay for the course by credit card. Your information is secure. After successfully paying for the course, you are now enrolled and have access to the full course. The courses are available 24/7 from anywhere with access to internet connection. Enjoy!

Click to Register Today and Start Learning!