Things to Consider if Stachybotrys or Other Fungi are Found Indoors

Cinnaminson, NJ, February 6th, 2014
                     
High levels of mold in the air people breathe are known to cause a variety of health concerns.  In most indoor environments, all it takes for mold to begin to grow is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration or a flooding event.  
 
Over the past several decades, a number of high profile cases of mold in people’s homes, schools and businesses have become the focus of the national media.  One type of mold in particular has garnered widespread attention in many of these news reports.  Stachybotrys chartarum has often been called “black mold” or “toxic mold” when referred to by the media.  Although Stachybotrys chartarum can appear black in nature, and is also often green, so can many other types of mold.   Likewise, even though Stachybotrys chartarum can produce mycotoxins, its presence alone does not necessarily mean that toxins are present.
 
Stachybotrys chartarum likes to grow on wet materials with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content.  Due to this fact, many materials found in buildings, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust and even lint, make for an ideal food source for this type of fungus.  However, in many circumstances where water damage has occurred, multiple types of mold are found.  For example, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria and many other types of fungi are often also associated with moldy indoor environments.  Some of these fungi are also known to sometimes produce mycotoxins and they can also cause health concerns.
 
“Having any type of mold growing indoors with high levels present in the air people breathe can result in a variety of health concerns,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “At EMSL, we provide a wide range of testing services for fungi based on our client’s needs.  We also offer sampling equipment and supplies so that people have everything they need to take mold and indoor air quality samples.”
 
EMSL recently sponsored an online video about what people should know if they find Stachybotrys or other fungi in their homes.  It can be seen at:
http://youtu.be/PcTZSTiiq3c
 
To learn more about mold and indoor air quality (IAQ) testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

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