All of us have been exposed to mold or mold
spores through the environment in which we live. Simply put, molds
are parasitic, microscopic fungi that produce spores that float in
the air like pollen and are common triggers for allergies. They
can be found in damp areas, such as the basement or bathroom of
your house, as well as in the outdoor environment in grass, leaf
piles, hay, mulch or under mushrooms. If you can smell a musty
odor or see mold (although not all molds are visible to the naked
eye), you have a mold problem. In fact, there are estimated to be
over 50,000 different species of mold but only about 200 species
may present serious health risks to human beings and animals (like
the beloved family pet). These harmful species of mold are
referred to as toxic producing molds and are potentially poisonous
because they can produce toxins or poisons (known as
mycotoxins). The impact
on your health or that of a loved one can be life-threatening.
Therefore anyone exposed to mold should consider being tested even
if the
symptoms have yet to
be experienced. Preventive medicine can be a life-saver.
What are the sources
of black mold (a generic term because most molds growing on
building surfaces are black)? Documented sources of such mold
(see testimonials for some examples) may be one’s home (for
example, through dampness in basement areas, air conditioning
vents or bathrooms), schools and hospitals (but not to the
exclusion of other buildings).
Eye and/or irritation, wheezing, nasal
stuffiness and coughing may be experienced by individuals sensitive to
mold. However, more severe documented responses to black mold exposure
include respiratory problems (including asthma, shortness of breath,
chronic rhinosinusitis and pneumonitis) as well as problems in the central
nervous system (headaches, confusion, depression, fatigue, sleep
disorders and cancer). In some cases, it may prove fatal (symptoms).
In light of the above, if you believe
or suspect the existence of black mold in your everyday environment
(such as in your home), what should you do about it? There are two
different categories of mold testing,
environmental testing
(coming soon) and
human testing. For example, if you wanted to determine if black mold
is found in your home (that is, environmental testing), you have a number
of options. These include taking a culture from the open air in the home
by opening the plate and letting it remain open for one hour. Then,
closing the plate, taping it shut and sending it to the lab. This may
include, as well, taking a swab of the mold if contaminated wall board exists, cut a piece and send it to RTL. For your convenience, kits for your use in the evaluation of the presence
of mold in your environment are available from labs. In all cases, kindly
telephone us first so we may provide appropriate instructions and
assistance where required.
Human testing for mold in
usually a non-invasive procedure. This may involve the need for a
urine sample, nasal secretion, sputum or tissue biopsy which was
taken previously by your doctor. Your specimen can only be
evaluated if a doctor has ordered the tests. The doctor must
sign
RTL request form. Following analysis by RTL, the referring doctor will be informed of
the results and if toxic mold or mycotoxins are found to be present, the
doctor will be advised.