Mold

To Marci & Mindy.I was exposed to mold from faulty pipes from my furnace,blowing airborn mold into a room, for over the month, so who knows how much mold is now growing, for all that condensation. I tried to spray the surface mold with bleach water, so can't see what else is growing on unseen surfaces! Any advice? What are you both going to do. Have been very sick, but didn't connect to mold. Susan

[PrincessBrrat]

Hi, My family and me ahave been real sick for months back and forth, we had no heaters and major mold (read my journals please)

Basically found out Housig Authority owns, he said he couls get any paper worl, and they were throwing me out for retalliation (long long story to put in one title)

I had swab and air quality test done (because of my story he did it for free)

Now due to results I got back everything has changed and everyone trying to help (have an attorney who will take my case now too)

Here is some of what was in test can anyone explain further what this all is (btw some health issues has been, kidneys, son needed breathing treatments yesterday, this has been bad and scary for me)
(experts from reprot)

James Price with Thomas J. Consulting, LLC was contacted by Ms. Bell to ask questions about
mold that Ms. Bell suspects are present within her apartment. Several Pictures were sent to Thomas
J. Consulting, LLC via e-mail. Although Ms. Bell stated that she had cleaned the suspect mold
growth from her apartment earlier, however the suspect mold growth returns rapidly.
Mold inspection and testing was conducted on February 15
th
, 2008 commencing at 10:15am.

Ms. Bell has stated that her children have had several health related mold type illnesses.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Exterior:
No Noted Deficiencies
Interior:
Indoor Relative Humidity: 82.5 %
Indoor Temperature: 66.2 Degrees
Note: Indoor humidity should not exceed 50.%
Sons Bedroom:
At the time of inspection and testing, suspect mold staining was present in the closet area of Ms.
Bell’s son’s room
Note: A swap sample was collect at this location.

AIR TESTING PROTOCOL
Sampling and testing protocols are based on guidelines from the Field Guide for the Determination
of Biological Contaminants in Environmental Samples, published by the American Industrial
Hygiene Association, and from Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control, published by the American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

Sample #1, A1, Swab Sample, Sons Bedroom Closet Exterior Wall, Presence of Cladosporium,
Penicillium / Aspergillus (aspergillosis) and Ulocladium
Sample #2, 1565426, Outside Control
Sample #3, 1565429, Indoor Air Sample, Living Room, Elevated Presence of Penicillium /
Aspergillus (aspergillosis)

Mold Types Present in both Swab Sample and Indoor Air Quality.

Aspergillus (aspergillosis) sp - A genus of fungi containing approximately 150 recognized species. Members of
this genus have been recovered from a variety of habitats, but are especially common as
saprophytes on decaying vegetation, soils, stored food, feed products in tropical and subtropical
regions. Some species are parasitic on insects, plants and animals, including man. Species within
this genus have reported Aw's (water activities) between 0.75 - 0.82. All of the species contained in
this genus should be considered allergenic. Various Aspergillus (aspergillosis) species are a common cause of
extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I). Acute symptoms include edema and
bronchiospasms. Chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema. Members of this genus are
reported to cause a variety of opportunistic infections of the ears and eyes. Sever pulmonary
infections may also occur. Many species produce mycotoxins which may be associated with disease
in humans and other animals. Toxin production is dependent on the species or a strain within a
species and on the food source for the fungus. Some of these toxins have been found to be
carcinogenic in animal species. Several toxins are considered potential human carcinogens.

Cladosporium sp. (Hormodendrum sp.) - Aw (water activity) in the range of 0.84 to 0.88. Most
commonly identified outdoor fungus. The outdoor numbers are reduced in the winter. The numbers
are often high in the summer. Often found indoors in numbers less than outdoor numbers. It is a
common allergen. Indoor Cladosporium sp. may be different than the species identified outdoors. It
is commonly found on the surface of fiberglass duct liner in the interior of supply ducts. A wide
variety of plants are food sources for this fungus. It is found on dead plants, woody plants, food,
straw, soil, paint and textiles. It can cause mycosis. Produces greater than 10 antigens. Antigens in
commercial extracts are of variable quality and may degrade within weeks of preparation. Common
cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I). Acute symptoms include edema
and bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema.

Penicillium sp - Aw (water activity) 0.78 - 0.88. A wide number of organisms have placed in this
genera. Identification to species is difficult. Often found in aerosol samples. Commonly found in
soil, food, cellulose, and grains (17, 5). It is also found in paint and compost piles. It may cause
hypersensitivity pneumonitis and allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals. It is reported to be
allergenic (skin) (7, 17). It is commonly found in carpet, wallpaper, and in interior fiberglass duct
insulation (NC). Some species can produce mycotoxins. Common cause of extrinsic asthma
(immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms,
chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema.

Ulocladium sp - Has an Aw (water activity) of 0.89. Isolated from dead plants and cellulose
materials. Found on textiles.

CONCLUSION:
Based on return results from both the swab sample collected and indoor air quality sample
collected, Mold is present on both the surface area tested and in the indoor air quality sample
collected.
At indoor air quality levels of mold being present, it is not advised for anyone to occupy the
apartment.
People with Compromised Immune Systems, Young Children and the Elderly are at a significant
risk.
Strongly encourage, relocation of occupants