Hi all
, this is the best I could do. I may have included too much of the report. Here are the images, please follow link;
s1128.photobucket.com/albums/m499/itchin4answers/Fungal%20Stemonitis/Fungal Spore/Allergen Lab Determination ReportReport Date: 02/15/11
Client:
Project ID: 110215GPM1DJF
Submitted by:
Sampling method: Tape
Sampling location: above address, bathroom floor
Description: sewerage leak, history of wet deteriorated flooring, visible fragile brown mold growing in a circle pattern, explodes to dust leaving “hairs” if touched. See client photos.
Complaints cited: n/s
Date Sampled: 09/02/2011 10:30 AM, bath floor covering
Date received by lab: 02/12/2011
Date completed: 02/15/2011
Sample Examination:1 at 720x-dry by Daniel Friedman, sample prepared in Acid Fuchsin/Lacto phenol cotton blue/KOH/Lactic Acid/or Triacetin with phenol
Sample #
Determination (numbers, if present, indicate microphotographs of actual sample)
(Fungal spore names are italicized – Genera species)
-001 brown mold protrusions
Significant/dominant spores/particles:
Stemonitis sp. fugal spores and growth structures in dense colonization of the sampled surface.
Lab photos (#001-046 [selected]) and client photos provided.
“Significant/dominant, Present, and Incidental” particle levels are defined at the end of the report.
Other spores/particles: - not reported unless specific details (such as unexpected spore chains or sample recurrence) appear to warrant.
-002 brown mold protrusions
Significant/dominant spores/particles:
Stemonitis sp. fugal spores and growth structures in dense colonization of the sampled surface.
As in sample #001.
-003 white mold ? beneath
Significant/dominant spores/particles:
Non-fungal granular debris
Stemonitis sp. fugal spores and fragments of growth structures in dense colonization of the sampled surface.
-004 white mold ? beneath
Significant/dominant spores/particles:
Non-fungal granular debris
Stemonitis sp. fugal spores and fragments of growth structures in dense colonization of the sampled surface.
Copyright 2010 -1986 Daniel Friedman all rights reserved.
Daniel Friedman, Lab Director, AIHA#149982
Determination of genus/species and description completed by: Daniel Friedman, aerobiologist, PAAA/IAAA/AIHA member2. These samples were examined in my laboratory using appropriate chemical/stain preparations and a light microscope at magnifications up to 1920X. Genera/species identifications were made based on experience, education, reference texts, and comparison with known samples.3
Information about the sample contents
General comments: even when your samples detect fungal material you should not assume that what you found is the only nor even the most-problematic or harmful mold in the building. If there are indicators of either large areas of visible mold or a history of significant leaks, water entry, or high moisture, additional expert investigation is probably appropriate. See
InspectAPedia.com/sickhouse/investigate.htm - When to hire a professional for help in making the decision about how much investigating is needed.
Sample specifics:
Stemonitis sp., a myxomycete, also popularly referred to as “Chocolate tube slime). You can of Stemonitis sp. growing on wood subflooring and on OSB wall boards at
www.inspectapedia.com/sickhouse/Brown_Mold_Pictures.htm Stemonitis sp. is a Myxomycete ( a class of fungus) that is not listed in our Atlas of Clinical Fungi as a known toxic mold. We have found dense colonies of this fungus on indoor surfaces, particularly on plywood and OSB subflooring and on bathroom floors exposed to very wet conditions and on occasion to sewage backup. Wherever there is dense indoor fungal growth, other, potentially harmful mold genera/species are likely to be present
Note: for future mail-in samples you are welcome to use and copy the
chain of custody form at InspectAPedia.com/sickhouse/MoldSampleChainofCustody.pdf
and to use the mold sampling procedure described at InspectAPedia.com\sickhouse\bulksamp.htm
Sample location selection: different mold genera/species are usually found growing in areas which are conducive to mold growth. Different genera/species may appear in different (or even the same) area on a given substrate, and different species of mold are likely to appear in the same growing area but on different materials (painted block vs. bare wood). So when sampling, if you are only going to collect one sample, take that one from what appears, at least to the naked eye, to be representative of the largest area of mold growth – as that may be expected to be most representative. There is risk that the mold you identify by your sample is not the most-prevalent mold in the area. Also consider that there can be a large reservoir of hidden mold in buildings.
General Information about Mold, Exposure, Standards, Definitions
What should be done about mold or other particles identified in the samples? This report provides a summary of information at hand for mold or other particle types identified in the samples. If the samples contain problematic mold4, the mold should be removed. If large areas of problematic mold are present (more than 30 sq.ft.) then professional mold remediation is appropriate if the mold is allergenic, pathogenic, or toxic. Occupants who have health concerns or specific complaints should check with their physician for more advice. Additional mold and allergen health and cleanup guidance:
See
InspectAPedia.com/sickhouse.htm#moldinfo – Mold Information Center - what to do about mold and
See
InspectAPedia.com/sickhouse/action.htm - Mold Action Guide: What to do about mold, mildew, and other indoor allergens
and
InspectAPedia.com/sickhouse/investigate.htm - When to hire a professional to inspect or clean-up mold
and
InspectAPedia.com/sickhouse/fiberglass.htm#fgmold . mold contamination in fiberglass insulation
In-depth building inspection, diagnosis, and repair information is also available at
InspectAPedia.com.
Unless the sample collection was combined with an expert inspection of the building, one cannot be certain of the extent of mold or other particle contamination in a building. Similarly, without an expert inspection one cannot determine if a sample accurately represents all of the molds present in the building.
Mold Spores-General: It is absolutely expected to find mold in air and surface samples. Mold spores are allergens found outdoors and inside; there is no seasonal pattern to indoor molds; mold growth is related to moisture levels, temperature, and other conditions. Mold growing anywhere in the building is likely to be distributed by the air circulation, more so if the building uses hot-air heat. The presence of incidental occurrences (one or two deselected in a sample trace) of problematic spores is not by itself significant as such spores could have entered with outdoor air. However if we find recurrent presentations of problematic spores in multiple samples, particularly if the problematic spore appears to be the same species as that which was to have been cleaned and removed during remediation, and if it regularly appears in chains or clusters, additional cleanup may be in order. The presence of mold spores in chains would suggest that there is some active mold growth in this building. These chains are so fragile that if mold were only entering from outdoors it is more likely that I would only see single spores or very small fragments.
Extensive mold in buildings as well as some individual mold species have been associated with health risk to children and adults, particularly those with forms of respiratory illness such as asthma or those who may have compromised immune systems or may be otherwise at risk. A very wide range of complaints are often expressed by occupants in buildings. These complaints might be caused-by or aggravated-by mold or other building contaminants. Any environment where extensive allergenic, toxic, or pathogenic mold/fungus is found is a potential health hazard and should be remediated. Qualified experts who will have their own advice should handle remediation of large areas. New York State and other authorities have described remediation procedures and have identified situations where cleanup may be done by the building owner/occupant. More information is at InspectAPedia.com/sickhouse.htm. Where chronic health concerns are present, it is essential that building occupants consult their physician for diagnosis and advice. Where complaints persist, additional building investigation is appropriate.
“Significant/dominant” means that these particles were present at significant levels in the sample and/or these particles were so frequent that they were the predominant particle found, typically at least 50% of the total particle (or fungal) concentration observed. Particles listed in this category are likely to be of significance to occupants in the building. Where the particle is a mold genera or species capable of growing indoors a finding at this level makes it likely that there is one (or more) mold reservoir or mold colony in the building. When the significant/dominant particle(s) present is/are allergenic or toxic mold or an allergen, building investigation to find and clean/remove the problem source is needed.
“Present” means that these are other spores (other than the category just named above) were frequently present in the sample, typically comprising 20% to 50% of the total particle (or fungal) concentration observed. They are less likely to be of significance to occupants of the building except when particles named are 1. particularly allergenic or toxic 2. are not commonly found in outdoor air or 3. of other technical significance, such as the presence of Pen/Asp spore chains. The presence of individual or a few spores which may be toxic or allergenic is not normally itself a cause for alarm; however if the building has a history of leaks, water entry, or other hidden moisture problems, the presence of even a few toxic or allergenic spores which are not often found in outdoor air samples may indicate a hidden problem. In these cases further investigation is in order to determine if there is a significant presence elsewhere in the building than from where this sample was taken.
“Incidental” means that I found only occasional, or low-levels of fungal spores in the sample provided, typically less than 20% of the total particle (or fungal) concentration observed, or below the level I usually find in indoor air samples in buildings where there has been a history of leaks, flooding, or known mold contamination. I do not normally report particles in this category except as a point of technical/professional interest. This is a positive description of the quality of indoor air insofar as fungal spores are concerned, but one cannot unequivocally conclude that there is no possible health hazard present because: 1. individual exposure, sensitivity, and health status vary widely; 2. even a zero count does not mean a particle is not present in the building. It means only that that particle was not in the sample provided. A more careful , expert look at the building may disclose particles that an occupant was unable to recognize and thus did not send to the laboratory for determination. Occasional occurrences of certain mold in samples could indicate a hidden or un-noticed mold problem in the building other than at the spot from which the sample was collected, particularly if the sample was collected by someone who is not expert at building science, indoor air quality, mycology, and related disciplines. Occupant indoor air or environment-related complaints or a building history of leaks would suggest that additional investigation is in order.
Sampling versus human exposure: "Human allergen exposure differs in that an allergic individual functions not unlike a mobile air sampler in that he moves from site to site throughout the sequence of daily behavior, sampling the various environments s/he passes through. In this respect the human aeroallergen exposure is the sum total of all the various environments passed through in a given period of time, whereas the air sampler exposure is limited to what occurs in a single environment during the same time interval."5 6Therefore, the samples collected at a site attempt to describe that single environment whereas a human, operating during the same time interval, will be sampling a variety of environments unless s/he is sedentary.
Mold exposure standards: Given these complex variables, and adding the significant variation in individual fungal spore size and probable health effects, absolute spore counts, whether viable in culture or non-viable in air or surface dust, may be useful but by themselves they are not reliable as indicators of actual human exposure in buildings where so many variables pertain. To avoid costly inappropriate mold remediation, a quantitative “exposure standard” would have to take into account not only the wide range of individual vulnerability and exposure, but also the wide range of risk among every genera, species, and strains of mold which might be found in buildings. In many cases necessary research has not been performed.
The ACGIH Bioaerosols: Assessment and Remediation states [section 1.2.3]: Some organisms and sources release aerosols as “concentration bursts”, which may only rarely be detected by limited grab sampling and may be masked in measurements of long-term average concentrations. Nevertheless, such episodic bioaerosol releases may produce significant health effects.
And [section 2.4.2.2]:
Investigators should bear in mind that samples provide information about a site as it existed at the time tested. However, the findings may not represent conditions at a time in the past or future, even the relatively recent past or near future. Changes in the kinds, concentrations, and proportions of biological agents in the air can be rapid and substantial.
Definitions:
Allergens or allergenic substances are substances, such as pollen, that can cause an allergy or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. A prudent assumption would be that allergens are also likely to be a problem for people suffering from asthma, as may other particles or air conditions (such as cold air).
Amerospores – one-celled fungal spores generally round to oval with a length/width ratio < 15:1 and without significant curvature or ornamentation. Spores are placed in this class when the sample in which they are found lacks additional identifying characteristics and when the spores do not by size and ornamentation appear to be commonly-recognizable instances of Penicillium, Aspergillus, or Basidiomycetes. If large amounts of any un-speciated fungi are present indoors it would be prudent to clean or remove the mold using methods that protect the worker as well as protecting the environment from spread of moldy dust and debris. If only incidental occurrences of amerospores are found in a sample they are not considered significant.
Conidiophore: the component of a fungus which produces fungal spores. A conidiogenous cell, or a fertile fungal cell which is specialized for the production of conidia (fungal spores). [paraphrased] – Illustrated Dictionary of Mycology, Ulloa and Hanlin. Finding conidiophores in an indoor sample is very strong evidence of an actual growing (or previously growing) fungal colony in the building.
Chlamydospores: are thick-walled resistant spores which develop to permit a fungal species to survive in a dormant state, typically waiting for more favorable conditions for growth. They are an indication of conditions previously favorable to fungal growth, and can produce future fungal activity. -- Illustrated Dictionary of Mycology, Ulloa & Hanlin, American Phytopathological Society, 2002.
Debris at excessive levels: this comment means that the sample contained excessive levels of particle debris. When a sample collects to much debris important particles may be obscured in the debris. If it was an air or vacuum sample, high levels of debris can also cause important particles, particularly small spores such as Penicillium sp. or Aspergillus sp. to fail to adhere to the collection media. Both of these factors tend to make any estimate of the levels of spores or problem particles lower than actual in samples containing excessive levels of debris.
Genera (genus-singular): one of the principal ranks in the naming structure of organisms, this is the first part of the standard two-part species name genera species, for example Aspergillus niger. A given genera e.g. Aspergillus, may be made up of many species members, and individual species may vary considerably in their importance to human health. Species – (abbreviated sp.) – the lowest principal rank in the nomenclatural hierarchy [for living organisms], consisting of two elements (a binominal): a generic name [“family”] and a species epithet [specific individual member in the family. A genera such as Aspergillus may have more than 100 species, each with different potential medical and other effects. Finally, the potential medical effects of an individual species may themselves vary depending on growth conditions such as choice of nutrient substrate, stage in sexual development of the organism, and other factors.] – taken in part from Dictionary of the Fungi, 9th ed., Kirk, et als. [annotations by DJF].
In some instances the contents of an indoor sample (air, dust, surface, etc) may contain particles which permit determination of the mold genera, but not the species. In this case we report the finding name as “genera sp.” such as Aspergillus sp. rather than the more-detailed example “Aspergillus niger.” Where appropriate additional work can often be ordered for such samples in order to determine the individual species as well.
Hyphal fragments or mycelia are components of fungal growth (similar to the roots and branches of a tree); it is common to find small hyphal fragments in outdoor air and possibly in indoor dust. But their presence in indoor air samples, if in quantity or in large segments, suggests an active fungal colony in the building. Their presence in a surface sample in quantity or in large segments indicates that active fungal growth is present or nearby, or that fungal material has been disturbed in the building. May be allergenic. —DF
Mitospores – this is an artificial collection of a large group of fungi which is used by aerobiologists to refer to members of the deuteromycete class of asexual fungi which could not be identified to genera/species in the particular sample. Many of these have been related to the ascomycetes or basidiomycetes groups. If a spore is recognizable as a specific genera or genera/species, particularly one which is already known to be problematic in indoor air it will be so-named and will not be reported in this group.
"Pathogens" are agents that cause disease, especially a living microorganism such as a bacterium or fungus. A fungal species that is generally considered pathogenic may nor may not actually be pathogenic in a specific instance, depending on the genera, species, strain, and growing conditions. However a prudent view would treat a fungus which is labeled as “pathogenic” as if it that were the case.
Spore, conidia, or “fungal spore,” “a small unit of propagation, … capable of giving rise to a new individual. A spore functions like a seed. … Spores can be spread by air, water, insects, or other animals. Illustrated Dictionary of Mycology, Ulloa and Hanlin [paraphrased by DF]. In buildings airborne spores are the ones likely to be of greatest risk to humans, although certain other spores which are not intended to be spread in air can be infectious if placed directly in an eye, an open cut, or on other sensitive tissues. –DF
“Toxic” is a word appearing often in media articles about mold. “Toxic” means of, relating to, or caused by a toxin or other poison, or capable of causing injury or death, especially by chemical means; “poisonous” is a synonym. As with any poison, the dose makes the poison. In other words, a given “toxic” material may or may not be toxic to a given individual person depending on many variables such as the individual’s susceptibility to the toxin, and the dose or exposure level received. It is important to keep in mind that “non-toxic” mold found indoors might still be important to building occupants, either because it is allergenic (potentially causing an allergic reaction, asthma attack, or other respiratory distress) or because mold or other air, surface, or particle sample contents may contain indicators of high interior moisture or even building flooding. Those conditions can in turn produce problematic molds (or pathogens) in the building even though they were not detected by the particular samples that were collected. In that case, further building investigation might be in order.
Thank you to Mr Friedman for his most efficient & professional work.