Mold
Coloration
Coloration and toxicity are two separate phenomena. The
coloration of mold is governed by pigmentation, physiological
activity and genetics of the organism. The production of
toxins is highly influenced by the nature of metabolites
produced by the mold and others factors including
environmental conditions. Hence, the toxicity of the mold
should not compare directly with the color of the
microorganism.
Mold Toxicity
It
is a fact that a number of naturally occurring molds are toxic
as they have the capacity to secrete a number of toxic
chemicals that are harmful to living entities. Mycotoxins,
glucans and volatile organic compounds (VOC) are amongst the
most prominent toxic substances produced by mold and other
fungi. The strength of these toxins, however, is greatly
variable depending upon the species/ strain of the
microorganism. There is no proven record that the toxicity
of these chemical compounds is related to the color of the
organism. In general, “black mold” refers to all molds
that are black in color, but not all toxic molds are black.
Nigrospora, for example, is a black mold but
there is no sufficient evidence that it is toxic to humans.
It is also important to note that a number of molds not black
in color are capable of releasing mycotoxins that initiating
diseases or allergenic responses in susceptible individuals.
Blastomyces, Candida,
Emmonsia, Ganoderma, Microsporum,
Mucor, Rhizopous and
Trichophyton etc. are some common molds that cause a
number of health problems but are not black in color. The
entire Penicillium group is associated with a
number of indoor air problems but is blue in color.
Aspergillus is a major group of toxic molds but many
species of Aspergillus are not black (i.e.
A. candidus).
Conclusion
It
is not appropriate to refer to all “black mold” as a “toxic
mold”. As we have discussed, not all black molds are toxic
and not all toxic molds are black. Misinformation on toxic
mold is rampant. It is impossible to grossly observe a mold
and determine its toxicity by its pigmentation. Nor is it
possible to correlate the presence of mold to an ailment, as
many environmental variables besides mold must be considered.
The best way to identify the type of mold present in an
environment is to take a direct surface or air sample and send
it to a qualified
laboratory.
The Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) at Pure
Air Control Services perform a wide array of mold assays
(fungal identification). EDLab can identify molds by using
various techniques. Some common analysis performed by EDLab
to identify fungi and mold associated test includes, but not
limited to, the Bio-Scan costing under $35, Spore Trap
Analysis costing as low as $59, Mycotoxin tricothene analysis
for under $75, and mycological culturable analysis costing
$90. The type of sampling and analysis performed will be
determined by project specifications project requirements or
individual needs.
For
more information on investigating, identifying or remediating
mold, call Ed Zielger at (800) 422-7873, ext. 804.
CONTACT:
Ed Ziegler, Business Development Manager
(800) 422-7873, ext 804
eziegler@pureaircontrols.com
back
