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Alternaria alternata

Alternaria alternata spores, picture

Alternaria alternata is one of the fungal species referred to as “leaf fungi” (phylloplane). It has a worldwide distribution and is frequently isolated from a wide range of plants, soil, food, and indoor air. In indoor environments, Alternaria alternata has been isolated from dust on floors, carpet and mattresses. It is occasionally found on damp walls, gypsum board and wallpaper. Alternaria alternata is closely related to Ulocladium chartarum.

Ulocladium spores, picture

It is possible that Ulocladium chartatum is commonly misidentified as Alternaria alternata in commercial microbiology laboratories.

Alternaria alternata has been associated with a number of respiratory problems such as rhinitis, asthma, allergic dermatitis and allergic sinusitis. The spores and the hyphal fragments are the cause of the allergic reactions.

If you have any question related to mould or bacteria, feel free ro contact us at 905-290-9101.

Testing For Mold Growth In Residential Houses

Do you have or suspect mold growth in your house? A number of molds may be found growing in houses with damp, humid conditions. The mold can grow on anything from paper, wood, carpet, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, drywall, insulation material, cloth, leather, books to concrete. Some of these molds such as some species of Stachybotrys, Aspergillus and Penicillium are toxigenic (toxic molds). Others like Alternaria and Cladosporium are well known causes of allergic reactions in sensitized individuals.

The good news is that not all molds that occur in indoor environment are hazardous. However, any mold growth in a home should be treated as potential hazard. Current Canadian mold guidelines advise building occupants to clean-up and/or remove visible mold growth. Mold growth can be controlled by eliminating or reducing moisture on surfaces of materials susceptible to mold attack.

What are the indicators of possible mold growth?

  • Excess moisture or water damage. Excess moisture may result from leaks (from pipes or roof), flooding, standing water, condensation, moisture from cooking or washing, and rising damp. Signs of moisture problem may include warping, peeling out of paint, efflorescence, rusting of metal and dampness to the touch.
  • Discoloration of surfaces of building materials that are susceptible to mold attack. These discolorations could be due to mold growth or just water stains.
  • Earthy or musty odours. Earthy odours are an indication of microbial growth. Lack of moldy odours does not mean there is no mold growth. Not all molds produce detectable odours and inactive or dead mold may not produce significant odours.

If you see mold growth or discolorations, you may send tape samples to a mold laboratory to determine whether the mold present is hazardous or is only of cosmetic concern. Cleaning large areas of hazardous mold requires special protection. To take a sample of visible mold growth, no special mold testing kit is required! For details on how to take a sample of visible mold growth click Tape Samples.

If there is earthy or musty odours but no visible mold growth, you can test the air for mold. Air testing may reveal hidden mold growth. Generally, a professional would be required to perform air testing. However, for peace of mind, homeowners can perform preliminary air testing using a cost-effective and easy-to-use mold sampling kit, which will enable them to take samples in their own homes and send them to a laboratory for analysis. For details on air quality testing click Residential Air Quality Testing: How To Test Home Air Quality.

If you have questions regarding mold growth in your home, give us a call at 905-290-9101. We may be able to help you or direct you to the right professionals or resources.

Bacteria in the Water: Coliforms, Iron and Sulfur Bacteria

In the past we’ve discussed Legionnaires’ disease, which is a disease caused by a waterborne bacterium. In our September newsletter entitled, Bacteria in the Water: Coliforms, Iron and Sulfur Bacteria, we have discussed three types of waterborne bacteria: coliforms, which, although not usually harmful, can be a sign of other bacteria that are harmful; and iron and sulfur bacteria, which are seen as annoyances rather than a health threat. For more details read our Bacteria in Water: Coliforms, Iron and Sulfur Bacteria.

If interested in bacteria testing, visit the web page Testing For Bacteria or call 905-290-9101.

Cladosporium sphaerospermum

Cladosporium sphaerospermum pictureCladosporium sphaerospermum is common on wet building material such as gypsum board, ceiling board, windowsills, insulation material, acrylic and oil painted walls, painted wood and wallpaper. Cladosporium sphaerospermum may cause allergy to sensitive individuals.

Types Of Mold

Many people often ask what are the types of mold commonly found indoors. Generally the prevailing conditions determine the types of mold prevalent in a given environment. A highly humid environment is likely to be dominated by those molds that require a lot of water such Aspergillus fumigatus, Chaetomium globosum, Stachybotrys chartarum, Ulocladium chartarum, Fusarium solani, Trichoderma sp, while a relatively dry environment may be dominated by those molds that require less moisture to grow such as Aspergillus versicolor, Eurotium spp, and Wallemia sebi. For a more detailed discussion on the types of mold commonly found indoors and their hazard classes, visit the website http://www.mouldfacts.ca/mouldtypes.html.

If you have a question concerning indoor mold or bacteria, give us a call at (905)290-9101.

Salmonella food poisoning and symptoms

Salmonella food poisoning has been a growing concern in recent news. It has frequently lead to recalls of beef, salads and organic products and, even peanut butter products. Salmonella food poisoning occurs when one eats raw or undercooked foods such meat, poultry, eggs or egg products. Properly cooked food can get contaminated with Salmonella if […]

Legionella pneumophila – Guidelines for Laboratory Interpretation

Legionella pneumophila is a Gram negative, aerobic bacteria that is characterized as an opportunistic pathogen. It is the cause of Legionnaires’ Disease, a severe form of pneumonia and, it is the cause of Pontiac fever, a non-pneumonic form of L. pneumophila infection. Legionella spp.’s mode of transmission is through aerosols or aspiration of contaminated water. The Public Health […]

The Indoor Mold Is An Early Warning Device

The mold (or mould, in the Queen’s English) has been the victim of a bad press. Mention the word and it conjures up an image of something rotting or in the process of decomposition. And yet, were it not for the mold that inspired the discovery of penicillin millions of lives would have been lost. […]