Mold Analysis Report REPORT PREPARED FOR E NVIRONMENTAL G ROUP
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Street Address: Project City/State: Project I.D. #: Sample Collection Date:
REPORT PREPARED BY
QLR Laboratories, LLC
- (203)-980-6594 - 176 Amity Rd., #300 - Woodbridge, CT 06525 Report Date: - QLR Job I.D. #: - Analyst Signature:
Introduction Dear Valued Customer, We at QLR Laboratories would like to thank you for selecting our lab to provide analysis of your mold samples. This report is guaranteed to provide an accurate analysis of the samples submitted and is relevant only to the date, time and location of the sample collection. Please refer to the table of contents below to help direct you through the report. Sincerely, Michael J. Belletzkie Michael J. Belletzkie BSc (Bio) Microbiology Laboratory Director QLR Laboratories LLC
Table of Contents FUNGAL ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................................................................... AIR CASSETTE ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................................................................................... TAPE LIFT ANALYSIS .....................................................................................................................................................................................
REPORT INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................ FUNGAL SPORE IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................................................................................................. AIR CASSETTE ANALYSIS INFORMATION ...................................................................................................................................................... BACKGROUND DENSITY READING ............................................................................................................................................................... TAPE LIFT ANALYSIS INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................................ DESCRIPTION OF FUNGI ............................................................................................................................................................................... REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................................................................
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DISCLAIMER .................................................................................................................................................................................................
Project Address: - Project I.D. #: Sample Collection Date: - Report Date: - QLR Job I.D. #: - Analyst Signature:
A IR C ASSETTE A NALYSIS Air Cassette Analysis Sample I.D. Number:
41125-1
41125-2
41125-3
41125-4
Sample Location: Background Density:
EXTERIOR
KITCHEN
FIRST FLOOR HALL
LAUNDRY ROOM
Spore Identification
Alternaria Ascospores Aspergillus/Penicillium Basidiospores Cladosporium Curvularia Mycelial Fragments Polythrincium Rusts Smuts Stachybotrys Ulocladium Total
1
3
2.5
Raw Total
Total Per M3
% of Total
Raw Total
Total Per M3
% of Total
5
67
4
3
40
5
17
226
14
12
160
21
13
2
200
26
22
293
18
35
467
28
4
53
3
2
27
2
6
80
5
10
133
8
12
160
10
2
27
2
123
1639
100
15
Raw Total
Total Per M3
1 % of Total
5
67
33
7
93
47
1
13
7
5
67
9
1
13
7
5
67
9
1
13
7
14
187
25
41
760
100
15
200
100
Raw Total
Total Per M3
% of Total
1
13
13
1
13
13
5
67
63
1
13
13
8
107
100
Air Cassette Analysis Sample I.D. Number: Sample Location: Background Density:
41125-7
41125-8
MASTER BEDROOM
GUEST BEDROOM
SECOND FLOOR HALL
BASEMENT
4
2
1.5
Raw Total
Total Per M3
% of Total
Raw Total
Total Per M3
% of Total
Raw Total
Total Per M3
% of Total
1
13
7
3
Raw Total
Total Per M3
% of Total
3
40
<1
19
253
4
20
267
13
1038
13840
96
427
5693
83
38
507
24
17
226
2
35
467
7
21
280
13
49
653
31
6
80
1
3
40
<1
5
67
<1
1072
14292
15
200
3
2
27
13 4
53
3
4
53
27
7
93
4
53
27
3
40
2
16
213
3
4 1
13
7
10
133
6
512
6826
100
15
200
100
158
2107
100
3
Alternaria Ascospores Aspergillus/Penicillium Basidiospores Cladosporium Curvularia Mycelial Fragments Polythrincium Rusts Smuts Stachybotrys Ulocladium Total
41125-6
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Spore Identification
41125-5
Project Address: - Project I.D. #: Sample Collection Date: - Report Date: - QLR Job I.D. #: - Analyst Signature:
T APE L IFT A NALYSIS Tape Lift Analysis Tape Location: KITCHEN FLOOR
Tape I.D. #: 41125-9
Identification of Fungi
Fungal Quantity
Smuts
Nominal
Stachybotrys
Moderate
Tape Lift Analysis Tape Location: MASTER BEDROOM CLOSET DOOR
Tape I.D. #: 41125-10
Identification of Fungi
Fungal Quantity
Ascospores
Trace
Aspergillus/Penicillium
Substantial
Chaetomium
Moderate
Tape Lift Analysis Tape Location: GUEST BEDROOM
Tape I.D. #: 41125-11
Identification of Fungi
Fungal Quantity
Aspergillus/Penicillium
Moderate
Chaetomium
Nominal
Tape Lift Analysis Tape Location: BASEMENT CEILING BEAM
Tape I.D. #: 41125-12 Fungal Quantity
Cladosporium
Nominal Pag
4
Identification of Fungi
Project Address: - Project I.D. #: Sample Collection Date: - Report Date: - QLR Job I.D. #: - Analyst Signature:
F UNGAL S PORE I DENTIFICATION There are hundreds of thousands of species of fungi in the environment and they typically grow as either yeast or mold. Molds can often be identified by their spores and reproductive structures. While many spores are easily identified by distinguishing characteristics other spores lack such defining features. Additionally, environmental factors such as rain, wind, dust, pollen, time of day and time of year can play a role in the type and number of spores in the air both outside and indoors. Some molds are sticky or slimy and others are dry and brittle. All of these factors significantly influence the types and concentrations of spores in the results of an air cassette analysis. The results of this analysis represent only the spores that were able to be detected on the specific date and time at which the sampling was performed. Additional testing may reveal auxiliary and/or alternate results. Additional notes: -
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Aspergillus and Penicillium species contain small, round spores that cannot be distinguished from each other via air cassette analysis. Therefore, they are grouped together as Aspergillus/Penicillium in this report. There are other, less common molds, with similar spores that are also grouped into this category.11
Some fungi, such as Fusarium and Stachybotrys, have sticky or slimy structures and may not be aerosolized as readily as the spores of other molds.11 This may cause the counts for some mold types to be a low representation of the actual number present. The number and concentration of spores present in an air cassette sample is specific to the exact date and time the sample was collected. As several factors affect the number of spores in the air, a sample taken at a different date and time could potentially reveal different results. Many fungi have yet to be identified and many others have spores that do not have identifying characteristics. The spores in an air cassette analysis that cannot be identified to the genus level will be categorized as Unknown.
A IR C ASSETTE A NALYSIS I NFORMATION
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Fungal spores can be collected by air cassette sampling for identification of the types of mold present and for the relative concentration of the molds in the sample area. The raw total indicates the number of spores on the slide. The total per meter cubed denotes the number of spores in a cubic meter of air in the sampling area. The results from samples can be compared with an exterior reading to determine the normalcy of the number of spores present indoors. While the analysis is executed on dead spores, fungi can still be potentially hazardous after cell death and should therefore only be analyzed under proper conditions by a trained professional.
Project Address: - Project I.D. #: Sample Collection Date: - Report Date: - QLR Job I.D. #: - Analyst Signature:
B ACKGROUND D ENSITY R EADING Background density determines the overall amount of debris on an air cassette slide. High amounts of debris can skew the spore count by covering or hiding spores. The amount of debris is determined by the scale below. Debris can include dirt, drywall particles, dust, fibers, insect parts, pollen, etc. 1 2 3 4 5
Minimal amount of debris will not obscure results Low amount of debris may obstruct visibility of small spores Moderate amount of debris may obstruct visibility of small to medium spores and/or mycelial fragments Heavy amount of debris will limit visibility of some spores and fungal structures Amount of debris too high for accurate analysis
T APE L IFT A NALYSIS I NFORMATION
Tape lift analysis allows for direct identification down to genus level of fungal spores, structures and possible active growth present. Quantity Trace Nominal Moderate Substantial Not Applicable
Visibility of Fungi Less than 25% of the tape surface Less than 50% of the tape surface Less than 75% of the tape surface Majority or all of the tape surface Debris is too high for accurate analysis
D ESCRIPTION OF C OMMON F UNGI
Alternaria spp. – Alternaria is a genus of fungi containing many species common in outdoor air during summer and fall months.9 These fungi are widespread and commonly found on decaying organic matter or as a plant pathogen. Airborne spores may provoke bronchial asthma.1 Some species produce potentially harmful toxins.10
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Ascospores – Spores of varying shapes and sizes. Ascospores are produced by multiple genera within the phylum Ascomycota. Ascospores are typically contained in sacs in groups of eight but are released and scattered when aerosolized.2 Ascospores that cannot be identified to genus will be listed in this category.
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Arthrospores – Arthrospores are specialized cells produced by many different fungi. Some of the fungi that produce arthrospores are dermatophytes, indicating they can cause skin rashes and irritations.2
Project Address: - Project I.D. #: Sample Collection Date: - Report Date: - QLR Job I.D. #: - Analyst Signature:
Aspergillus spp. – Found in soil, food, homes, and offices worldwide.3 Common cause of food spoilage.2 The aflatoxins produced by some species are not common7 but can cause allergies and varying degrees of respiratory disease. 1
Aureobasidium spp. – Aureobasidium is commonly found in soil and water. These fungi have been associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis.8 Dust borne spores may be linked to allergic rhinitis and asthma in children.4 Basidiospores - Spores of varying size and shape that are found worldwide. Many of the fungi that produce basidiospores grow as mushrooms.1 Many species produce harmful toxins.3 Basidiospores that cannot be identified to genus will be listed in this category.
Bipolaris spp. - Commonly isolated from air, soil, and many species of plant.12 Some species can cause respiratory infection.11
Botrytis spp. - Ascomycete that is commonly a plant pathogen, Botrytis spores are most prevalent in the summer.9 Certain species are known to cause fruit rot.2
Chaetomium spp. – Commonly associated with chronic water leaks in buildings. Found on Gypsum board, cellulose board, wood, mattress dust, and cotton.11
Cladosporium spp. – Worldwide distribution, commonly found in soil, on plants, and in air samples.11 Found more frequently during warmer months.9 Certain species have been implicated in allergic rhinitis as well as certain dermatitis.
Curvularia spp. – This widespread fungus is commonly found on crops and plants, especially tropical varieties.1 Certain species have been associated with allergic fungal sinusitis.11
Drechslera spp. - Commonly isolated from air, soil, and many species of plant.12 Some species can cause respiratory infection.11
Epicoccum spp. - Very common fungi found in air, soil, on paper and on pant material.12
Fusarium spp. – Airborne spores are widespread and especially common in agricultural areas.9 However, Fusarium spores can be slimy and may not be easily aerosolized. Some species produce harmful toxins while others are used commonly in fermented foods.2
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Mycelial Fragments – Mycelia are long, strand-like pieces of fungal reproductive structures. Fragments of dead structures often break off and are captured in air cassettes.
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Memnoniella spp. – Commonly found on wet gypsum board, most commonly in warmer conditions.11
Project Address: - Project I.D. #: Sample Collection Date: - Report Date: - QLR Job I.D. #: - Analyst Signature:
Without being intact, these fragments often cannot identify a mold but can still be used to indicate the presence of fungi.
Paecilomyces – Common in household dust, found on damp walls, wet plaster, wood, in humidifier water and on certain foods including: bread and salami. Some species produce potentially harmful toxins and can be invasive in immunocompromised individuals.11 Some species are found as contaminants of dried and canned fruit, and preserves. Penicillium spp. – These are very commonly occurring fungi and are one of the leading causes of food spoilage.10 Some species are often contaminates of apples and cheese. Some species may be carcinogenic.2 Often found on damp building material, some species produce harmful toxins.11 Pithomyces spp. – Many species are common plant pathogens1Certain species have been found to cause severe disease in sheep.2
Rusts – These are fungi that need to grow on plants and some species are therefore common farm and garden contaminants. Some species are known to cause plant disease.2
Scopulariopsis spp. – Can be found on damp walls and wood, and is commonly found on floor dust.11 Often grows on cheese.3 Some species are pathogenic to plants and animals.1 Some species cause skin and nail disease.11 Immunocompromised individuals are particularly at risk for infections from this fungi.11
Smuts – These fungi are common contaminants of farms and gardens.3 Smuts cause disease in many crops.2 Stachybotrys spp. – Stachybotrys is a widespread, toxin-producing mold.1 Some species grow commonly on wallpaper.2 Commonly associated with water damage in buildings.11 Several adverse health effects have been associated with certain species of Stachybotrys.3
Torula spp. – Found commonly in air, soil, and on plant material.11
Trichoderma – Common in soil, on rotting wood and on plant debris.12
Project Address: - Project I.D. #: Sample Collection Date: - Report Date: - QLR Job I.D. #: - Analyst Signature:
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Unknown – There are vast numbers of fungi and not all have been discovered, named and cataloged which sometimes leads to unknown specimens in samples. Spores sometimes cannot be identified due to indistinguishable characteristics and lack of structure. When a mold spore cannot be identified to genus level via air cassette sampling, it will be placed in this category.
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Ulocladium spp. – Ulocladium species are not likely to become predominant unless wet conditions persist for extended periods of time, therefore Ulocladium contamination is commonly associated with persistent water damage.5
R EFERENCES 1- Kirk, P. M. et al. (2008). Dictionary of the fungi (10th ed.). Collingwood, Vic.: CSIRO Print. 2- Kendrick, Bryce. (2000). The Fifth Kingdom. 3rd ed. N.p.: Mycologue Publications, Print. 3- Bauman, Robert W. et al. (2007). Microbiology: With Diseases by Taxonomy. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson, Print. 4- Gold, D. R. et al. Fungal Levels in the Home and Allergic Rhinitis by 5 Years of Age. Environmental Health Perspectives, 1405-1409. 5- Burge, H. A. et al. The Work Environment and Workers' Health in Four Large Office Buildings. Environmental Health Perspectives, 1242-1248. 6- Doyle, D. Baudoinia, et al. a new genus to accommodate Torula compniacensis. Mycologia, 592-601. 7- Schmidt, C. W. et al. Breaking the Mold: New Strategies for Fighting Aflatoxins. Environmental Health Perspectives, A270-A275. 8- Beckett, W. S. et al. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis from Ordinary Residential Exposures. Environmental Health Perspectives, 979-981. 9- Helbling, A. et al. Fungal Allergens. CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, 8, 161â&#x20AC;&#x201C;179. 10- Sorenson, W. G. Fungal spores: hazardous to health. Environmental Health Perspectives, 469472. 11- Flannigan, B. et al. (2001). Microorganisms in home and indoor work environments: diversity, health impacts, investigation and control. London: Taylor & Francis. 12- Wang, C. (1990). Identification manual for fungi from utility poles in the eastern United States. Rockville, Md.: American Type Culture Collection. 13- McGinnis, M. R. et al. (1980). Laboratory handbook of medical mycology. New York: Academic Press.Print. 14- Watanabe, T. (2002). Pictorial atlas of soil and seed fungi: morphologies of cultured fungi and key to species (2nd ed.). Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press.
D ISCLAIMER
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The mold analysis report is the sole property of the client named on this report by QLR Laboratories LLC. Any and all information released to third parties is at the discretion of the client and may not be released, reviewed, or discussed with any additional third party without written permission from said client. This report is applicable only for the exact date, time and location of sampling. This report is guaranteed to be an accurate analysis of the samples provided and only indicates the visible mold in the provided samples. QLR Laboratories LLC is strictly analytical and does not offer any mold testing services other than air cassette and tape lift analysis. QLR will not make any recommendations for mold remediation nor provide any opinion on condition of any sampling area. QLR does not provide any opinions on the safety, air quality, normal mold levels, or any other information relevant to mold testing that is not transmitted in this report.
Project Address: - Project I.D. #: Sample Collection Date: - Report Date: - QLR Job I.D. #: - Analyst Signature: