That which is visible is mold

[James E. Braun, CMI]

I do not know, but it is a common practice in the mold industry and it is the best way to tell if the dark stain is considered toxic mold.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by jbraun

I do not know, but it is a common practice in the mold industry and it is the best way to tell if the dark stain is considered toxic mold.

No such thing as toxic mold.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

"Surface samples may be collected to identify the presence or absence of mold if a visual inspection is unclear (for example - discoloration or staining)."

Who said that?

The State of NY

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by jbraun

... it is a common practice in the mold industry...

The point is: It may be common practice, but it's actually a recommended/approved practice by the State of New York Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology Department.
Cool huh?

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by bkelly2

No such thing as toxic mold.

As molds grow, some (but not all) of them may produce potentially toxic byproducts called mycotoxins under some conditions. Some of these molds are commonly found in moisture-damaged buildings. More than 200 mycotoxins from common molds have been identified. In cases in which a particularly toxic mold species has been identified or is suspected, a more cautious or conservative approach to remediation is indicated.

[dbucknavich]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

I believe I've had no formal training in mold.

No training? Maybe some is in order

[dbucknavich]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

The state of Minnesota states that "health effects of mold exposure can be severe, depending upon the type of mold present." The only way to know the mold type is through sampling. The EPA statement (previously posted) is just inadequate.

That state of Minnesota? Isn't that a little vague? Who in the state of Minnesota?

[dbucknavich]

We all know the basics, or at least should if we are commenting on this subject. But let's not forget something very important: we are middle men. The only reason we exist is because the people who read the samples and really really know their stuff don't go in the field and sample. So before we go out and attempt to discredit an agency such as the EPA, who are we turning to for more accurate information? I for one am not so hard on the EPA. Mold is complicated.

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by dbucknavich

No training? Maybe some is in order

We'll be releasing an online, comprehensive, mold certification course very soon.
InterNACHI... #1 in education.

[dbucknavich]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

We'll be releasing an online, comprehensive, mold certification course very soon.
InterNACHI... #1 in education.

Good. I found myself a mentor and I call him frequently. I am also humble in what I know and more importantly what I don't know. And I am sure to tell my clients both sides of my knowledge.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

As molds grow, some (but not all) of them may produce potentially toxic byproducts called mycotoxins under some conditions. Some of these molds are commonly found in moisture-damaged buildings. More than 200 mycotoxins from common molds have been identified. In cases in which a particularly toxic mold species has been identified or is suspected, a more cautious or conservative approach to remediation is indicated.

Still no such thing as toxic mold Ben. Nice Gromiko try though.

If you have some verifiable peer reviewed scientific evidence to support your bogus claims please bring it forward.

Until then sell it on the midway.

It did not taste toxic.

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[Michael Bazzo, CMI]

June 16, 2006, 0:17 AM CT
Mold Spores Increase Risk For Multiple Allergies

Image courtesy of healthyairusa.com
University of Cincinnati (UC) scientists say exposure to a certain group of fungal spores-abundant in the air that we breathe every day-can make young children more susceptible to developing multiple allergies during the later part of life.

The team found that infants who were exposed to basidiospores and other airborne fungal spores-specifically penicillium/aspergillus and alternaria-early in life were more likely to develop allergies to mold, pollen, dust mites, pet dander and certain foods as they grew older.

This is the first study to show a relationship between specific airborne fungal spores and an increased risk for multiple allergies in children, the UC team reports in an upcoming edition of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology and an early online edition June 14.

A fungus is a plantlike organism that grows by releasing tiny reproductive cells (spores) into the air. Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on any moist surface-including wood, drywall and cement.

Prior allergy studies focused on visible mold or total mold concentrations, not the identification of specific airborne fungal spores. The UC-led study showed that exposure to specific airborne fungal spores may increase allergic reactions and others could help reduce them.

These findings reinforce the idea that not all fungi are created equal, says Tiina Reponen, PhD, professor of environmental health at UC and corresponding author on the study.........

[Michael Bazzo, CMI]

Originally Posted by bkelly2

No such thing as toxic mold.

Maybe read up on the subject. you can start here:

http://www.inspect-ny.com/mold/moldatlas.htm

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Originally Posted by dbucknavich

We all know the basics, or at least should if we are commenting on this subject. But let's not forget something very important: we are middle men. The only reason we exist is because the people who read the samples and really really know their stuff don't go in the field and sample. So before we go out and attempt to discredit an agency such as the EPA, who are we turning to for more accurate information? I for one am not so hard on the EPA. Mold is complicated.

The people who really know there stuff is in the field all the time, not in the lab only. Some can analyze their own samples like my Industrial Hygienist and most of my teachers. Just sitting in a lab and looking at mold through a microscope does not qualify a person to be a mold expert. That is why I will not use a big lab to analyze mold samples because you just end up talking to a lab technician. Talk to the people who are in the trenches every day, you will get a different response than the EPA. And they will not contradict their selves like the EPA.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Originally Posted by bkelly2

No such thing as toxic mold.

Go to a local mold victim support group and tell them. You will come out with a different answer.