Mold report

[harmon]

can anyone interpret this report? Ive called some specialists but they cant get out to look at it until monday.

I read that STACHYBOTRYS is the genus parent of the black mold species but dont know if I have black mold (which is why I bought the test)

Should I avoid using the attic fan or AC? Will they just circulate spores?




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Date Collected: Jul 10, 2014 Sample Submitted: VISUAL
Analyst ID: 53
The following fungal descriptions are pertinent to samples collected. General characterization of mold is made with respect to their most common impact to human health. Many genera of molds have species with varying characteristics.

Spore Name Description
FUSARIUM A VERY COMMON MOLD FOUND ON A WIDE VARIETY OF PLANTS AND THE SOIL. THE FUNGUS IS ALSO SOMETIMES FOUND IN HUMIDIFIERS. TYPE I ALLERGEN (HAY FEVER AND ASTHMA). IS KNOWN TO SOMETIMES CAUSE DISEASE IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PERSONS.
STACHYBOTRYS OCCASIONALLY FOUND IN OUTDOOR SAMPLES, BUT OFTEN FOUND INDOORS GROWING FROM WETTED CELLULOSE BASED MATERIALS. TYPE I ALLERGIES (HAY FEVER, ASTHMA) DOCUMENTED. IT IS REPORTED TO CAUSE FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS, SORE THROATS, HEADACHES, FATIGUE, DERMATITIS, ITCHING AND BURNING SENSATIONS OF THE EYES AND NOSE, AND GENERAL MALAISE.
v1.6 Page 1

Currently there are no Federal regulations for evaluating potential health effects of fungal contamination and remediation. This information is subject to change as more information regarding fungal contaminants becomes available. For more information visit: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/index.html or http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/mold.shtml. This document was designed to follow currently known industry guidelines for the interpretation of microbial sampling, analysis, and remediation. Since interpretation of mold analysis reports is a scientific work in progress, it may as such be changed at any time without notice. The client is solely responsible for the use or interpretation. PRO-LAB/SSPTM Inc. makes no express or implied warranties as to health of a property from only the samples sent to their laboratory for analysis. The Client is hereby notified that due to the subjective nature of fungal analysis and the mold growth process, laboratory samples can and do change over time relative to the originally sampled material. PRO-LAB/SSPTM Inc. reserves the right to properly dispose of all samples after the testing of such samples are sufficiently completed or after a 7 day period, whichever is greater. PRO-LAB/SSPTM Inc. participates in the AIHA EMPAT program.
For more information please contact PRO-LAB at (954) 384-4446

[sidepasser]

STACHYBOTRYS is generally not airborne and loves wood type (cellulose or products that contain it).

Do you know what the air count is? Also more information is required to determine what type of mold you have. Location, pictures, etc.

Be careful of mold remediation companies, many mold issues can be resolved on your own by following fairly simple directions.

If you have a humidifier, clean it with bleach and allow to air dry. If you have an ac system, check the drip pan and associated areas. Again, many people let these get nasty and mold will grow in them. Bleach and allow to air dry.

Here is a site that can answer a lot of questions:

http://inspectapedia.com/Environment...t_Building.php

[harmon]

Thanks for the answer.

One concern is the mold is behind the walls. When I had the drywall off I saw it but the workers told me once it was dried out it wouldn't matter

Unless what I saw behind d the drywall was something else.

I'll try to post pics of both outside and in the walls

Your answer took lot off my mind

[sidepasser]

Here is some information on mold and regrowth: http://www.mold-killer.info/get-rid-of-mold/

The main thing is to remove sources of water and control the humidity in the home. Mold thrives in moist, damp, wet, humid environments. It really is as "simple" as that

You might want to get something specifically designed to kill mold that will not harm fabrics as bleach is may discolor fabrics/wall coverings/floor coverings. There are several mold killers out there that will not harm fabrics.

Bleach is by far one of the best for killing mold on hard surfaces such as basement walls, etc.

[da_wanderer]

Borate products applied to the wood with kill mold basically forever, as long as the wood stays dry. Should not be a problem unless you have black mold or severe allergies.

[trebello]

First post. I've lurked for a long time, but thought I'd at least share this (I'm a microbiologist), given the fear associated with Stachybotris - http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm

[HomeAgain]

Originally Posted by trebello

First post. I've lurked for a long time, but thought I'd at least share this (I'm a microbiologist), given the fear associated with Stachybotris - http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm

Thanks for the link, Trebello. Welcome. I had tenants move out last year claiming there must be a mold problem because the wife & child got colds often. I didn't argue it. The CDC guidance sounds sensible if I do see any.

[Rectifier]

Finally some voices of reason in the old mold debate. Mold smells but it won't kill - unless you were already going to die. Now the CDC agrees!

I have some mold in my house. Humidity is low out here, so it grew under the leaky tub. Mold won't spread to a dry location. On the coasts it is so wet that mold will rapidly invade an entire home.

I was recommended bleach +TSP to kill mold. Bleach kills immediately but won't kill spores. TSP has a residual effect that keeps the spores from germinating.

Haven't tried it yet I just put another piece of lino over the mold until there is time to redo the bathroom, haha. Hope I don't die.

[harmon]

Originally Posted by trebello

First post. I've lurked for a long time, but thought I'd at least share this (I'm a microbiologist), given the fear associated with Stachybotris - http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm

Trebellow you can't tell from the report I posted if the stachy they found was black mold can you?

And thanks for the post

[trebello]

Hi harmon!

The term "black mold" isn't a scientific one, but usually when people use that term, they are talking about Stachybotris. There used to be a lot of, 'oh my goodness, it will eat your face off!!!!!' fears associated with Stachybotris, but it was incorrect.

[michael ark]

Be very careful if you use tsp . I can cause severe chemical burns.If you don't remove it i think you will have to disclose it if you sell. Look up sick building syndrome.

[CajunSunshine]

Originally Posted by trebello

First post. I've lurked for a long time, but thought I'd at least share this (I'm a microbiologist), given the fear associated with Stachybotris - http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm

Thank you and a great big welcome, Trebello! Your contribution is a real gem, especially considering all the rampant misinformation associated with this type of mold.




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