Mold Questions and Answers

Why test for molds?
All molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).(1) Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate/clean up any existing indoor mold growth.(2)

Why test for Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus niger?
The more serious health problems have been associated with the toxic black mold, Stachybotrys atra (chartarum)(3) Aspergillus niger is one of the species Aspergillus commonly found in the environment that can cause allergic reactions and pulmonary infection.(4)

What are Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus niger?
Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold found on moist material containing cellulose, such as wood, paper, dust, lint, paper covered drywall, and ceiling tiles. Typically, Stachybotrys will not grow on concrete, linoleum, tile, fiberglass insulation, or fiberglass ceiling tiles. It is found where there is moisture from leaks, water damage, or high humidity.

Aspergillus niger is usually a white or yellow mold covered with a dense layer of black spores. It is a common mold and grows on a variety of materials provided there is adequate moisture.

Can molds cause health problems?
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.(1)

These effects depend on:
- an individual's sensitivity;
- the type, duration, and amount of mold exposure;
- the general health and age of the affected individual.

In addition to reactions to molds themselves, certain molds, including Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus niger, may produce potent toxins (mycotoxins) under certain circumstances. Many symptoms and human health effects attributed to inhalation of mycotoxins have been reported including: mucous membrane irritation, skin rash, nausea, immune system suppression, acute or chronic liver damage, acute or chronic central nervous system damage, endocrine effects, and cancer.(2)

I don't see any mold growing anywhere, could it be hidden?
Yes. If you smell or suspect hidden mold contamination but cannot locate the source, mold could still be present. Look for areas where moisture collects such as the underside of cold water pipes, inside ductwork, or in the attic or basement. Check for water stains on the ceiling or underneath windowsills. Mold may be hidden along the backside of drywall, wallpaper, paneling, underneath carpets, behind furniture, or anywhere that moisture collects. Try not to set mold free in the air as you explore.

What does it mean if the test is positive? What should I do?
A positive test line means you have Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus niger at the sample location, at levels detectable with this test. Although there are as yet no federal or state limits on mold or mold spores, your risk of exposure to these molds and their potential for producing harmful toxins will be greatly reduced by removing them.

You should confirm the results, and gain advice on what should be done to correct the problem, by contacting an experienced indoor air quality, environmental or remediation professional.

If you have health concerns, consult a health professional.

What does a negative test result mean? Should I do anything else?
Lack of a test line - a "negative result" - means that, in the sample taken, Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus niger molds are not detectable within the limits of this test. You may have them in lower concentrations, in other locations, or may have other molds present in varying amounts.

In any case, you should clean up the suspected area (or have it cleaned up) and be sure to fix any moisture problems. All molds can gradually destroy the things they grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.(1)

How do I get rid of mold?
Be sure to dry spills within 48 hours, fix leaking faucets, eliminate excessive humidity, and properly vent bathrooms and kitchens, repair leaky basements or roofs, clean gutters, and reduce condensation so that mold does not reappear.

The EPA recommends cleaning surface molds with water and a mild detergent, followed by 10% bleach solution. If using a disinfectant, bleach or strong cleaning solution, you should use gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane or PVC.(1)

Removal and cleanup may best be performed by a professional. For advice on cleanup tips and when to call in a professional, refer to:

- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency publication "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" or
- Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) eight-page booklet "Dealing with Mold & Mildew in Your Flood Damaged Home"

Molds are found everywhere, but it is important to control them in your home, workplace, and other indoor environments. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.(1)

What if the mold comes back, or we keep having health problems?
If mold comes back, or appears in other areas, you have not fixed the moisture problems. Molds can not grow without water. You should promptly seek professional help in identifying the problem and fixing it.

If people living or working in the building continue to have health complaints or physical symptoms, you should contact a health professional with experience in mold issues.

Are the results of this test reliable and accurate?
If you follow the instructions carefully, the results are very reliable and accurate. As with any screening test however, it is always advisable to confirm the results through another testing method or by contacting an indoor air quality or environmental professional with experience in treating mold issues.


References
(1) "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" USEPA (EPA 402-K-02-003)
(2) "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings" USEPA (EPA 402-K-01-001)
(3) "Dealing with Mold & Mildew in Your Flood Damaged Home" US FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
(4) "Aspergillosis Technical Information" US CDC Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases


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