A Healthy Home, LLC West Center Dr. Lakewood, CO

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1 Mold Inspection and Testing Summary A Healthy Home, LLC West Center Dr. Lakewood, CO Robert Boyd, is certified by the American Council of Accredited Certification (ACAC), as a Council- Certified Microbial Consultant (CMC). Mr. Boyd performed a visual inspection with testing; obtaining 5 air samples from the property on The samples were sent to EMLab P&K labs for analysis. The EMLab P&K report is included. Test Summary: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) suggests that to positively identify an indoor mold source the sample must have 10 times higher count than the control sample. For this test the control sample is the outside sample. It is also important according to the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) and others to look for potentially toxigenic mold types that are indicators of persistent wetness problems. Additionally, EMLab P&K calculates a mold score. The indoor air-o-cell sample was taken on each level of the house. An outdoor air-o-cell sample was taken for a control sample. Table 1. Number of potentially toxigenic mold spores vs. non-toxigenic spores (per EMLab report). Sample Location Test Type Total spores/m 3 Toxigenic spores/m 3 Non-toxigenic spores/m 3 Outdoor control sample Air Indoor 2 nd Level Air Indoor Kitchen Air Indoor Lower Level Bathroom Air Indoor - Basement Air Table 2. Spore count showing potentially toxigenic mold spores (from EMLab report). Sample Location Penicillium/ Stachybotrys Chaetomium Others Aspergillus - like black mold Outdoor control sample Indoor 2 nd Level Indoor Kitchen Indoor Lower Level Bathroom Indoor - Basement Conclusions: The total spore count from the indoor air samples from the 2 nd Level, Lower Level and Basement have more than 10 times the amount of the outdoor sample. This amount fails the ACGIH s standard, and indicates that mold is being produced by the house. The lower level bathroom sample has 30 times more mold spores than the outdoor sample. The kitchen sample has small amounts of Stachybotrys, Chaetomium and Penicillium/Aspergillus spores that were not present in the outdoor sample. Stachybotrys, Chaetomium and Penicillium/Aspergillus are potentially toxigenic molds and indicators of a persistent wetness problem. Cladosporium and Smut spores have more than 10 times the outdoor sample in the 2 nd Level, Lower Level Bathroom, and Basement. Cladosporium and Smuts are potentially allergenic molds. Basidiospores in the 2 nd Level and Lower Level Bathroom samples are more than 10 times the outdoor sample s count. Basidiospores are not considered to be toxigenic or allergenic, but are agents of dry rot. The mold score for the lower level bathroom is 177, which indicates that some occupants would be expected to have health issues. The EPA states that any mold coming from your house should be cleaned up. Because of the presence of potentially toxigenic mold spores a certified mold remediation company is recommended to do the work. 3

2 A Healthy Home, LLC West Center Dr. Lakewood, CO Stachybotrys is considered to be the worst of the molds because of its strong toxins, and the wide array of health problems this mold can cause. Stachybotrys spores are potentially toxigenic and indicators of a persistent wetness problem. The spores and fragments are usually coated with the toxins, allowing Stachybotrys to spread toxins even when it is not actively growing. It is important to take precautions not to spread these mold spores around the house during clean-up efforts. Often Stachybotrys spores will not take to the air until they are disturbed, so the low counts in the air sample can be deceiving. The indoor spore sample has 7 spores per cubic meter of Chaetomium and the outside sample has 0. Chaetomium is potentially toxigenic and an indicator of a wetness problem. It is considered by many mold experts to be the second worst of all the molds. Penicillium/Aspergillus types are potentially toxigenic and an indicator of a wetness problem. Penicillium/Aspergillus type spores are common in the outdoor air, with peak readings reaching over 300 spores per cubic meter in the spring. In the winter they are usually between 0 and 50 spores per cubic meter. In my experience most people over the short term (less then 2 weeks) don t start having health problems until the Penicillium/Aspergillus spore counts are in the thousands. But, it is possible for people who are exposed to it daily for over 2 weeks to become hypersensitive to a particular mold and have problems at lower levels. Also, the elderly, infants, and people that have immune system deficiencies can have problems at lower levels. Alternaria is one of the most common fungi worldwide. Alternaria is found in soil, dead organic debris, on food stuffs and textiles. It is a plant pathogen, most commonly on weakened plants. Alternaria is potentially toxigenic producing the antifungal alternariol. It is an allergen potentially causing Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma), and Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It can be a potential pathogen in immunosuppressed individuals. Spore counts less than are not expected to cause a health issue for most people. Smuts are not considered to be toxigenic. Smuts can be allergenic. Smuts are not a primary colonizer indoors. The amount of this mold in the air is enough to indicate that it is being produce by the house, and is enough to cause a health problem. This is indicated by the relatively high/bad mold score of 177 in the lower level bathroom (see below). Cladosporium is an indicator of a persistent wetness problem. It is a common outdoor mold that causes fall allergies. It is sometimes considered to be a potentially toxigenic mold because it can be immunosuppressive. The amount of this mold in the air is enough to indicate that it is being produce by the house, but not enough to cause a health problem. Basidiospores are not shown in the tables above because Basidiospores are not considered to be toxigenic. They are agents of dry, white and brown rot. The amount of these molds in the air is enough to indicate that they are being produce by the house, but not enough to cause a health problem. Pithomyces is a potentially toxigenic mold. It can produce a toxin known as Sporidesmin. Common on dead leaves of more than 50 different plants, especially leaf fodders. Spores may be confused with Ulocladium, a dark brown to rusty brown colored mold that is allergenic. Ulocladium is frequently found on shower caulk. 4

3 A Healthy Home, LLC West Center Dr. Lakewood, CO The mold score calculated by EMLab P&K is another measure of the overall airborne mold spores. Scores range from (best) to 300 (worst). It calculates the expected health threat from the molds present indoors. Scores over 150 are considered significant mold problems. The mold scores calculated for these tests are: 2 nd Level 137 Kitchen 131 Lower Level Bathroom 177 Basement 128 Visual Inspection: The inspection is intended to be a visual, non-invasive inspection of the residential structure, with subsequent sample collection and data interpretation, to discover if there is significant mold contamination inside the structure or moisture problems that have the potential for causing a significant mold problem. The plumbers clean-out in the garage by the lower level bathroom has water marks and minor mold growth visible (see Photo 1). Also, there appears to be a minor mold growth on the molding on the right side of the door to the garage (see Photo 2). The basement appears to have mold growths in several areas that are generally minor in size, and not presently active. One area is on the joists on the west side of the basement where there appears to be a dark colored mold (see Photo 3). Also, on the east side of the basement there appears to be an old growth (see Photo 4). There also appears to be a white mold on a joist located under the kitchen (see Photo 5), and on a 2x4 and the main floor decking on the south side of the basement (see Photo 6). Problems that could potentially cause a mold issue are listed below: 1. The slope on the west side of the house is negative, sloping towards the window wells on the west side. 2. The master bathroom shower needs caulk between the tub and the tiles and between the tub and the floor. 3. The master bathroom toilet is loose. Recommendation: The house is not recommended for occupancy by individuals that are sensitive to mold, and the house may cause health issues for some individuals who have not previously experienced health problems from mold. The kitchen and lower level bathroom/garage area need to be remediated for mold. The basement also should be cleaned up where mold is visible. The house needs to be remediated by a certified mold expert. Precaution should be taken to control the spores during the remediation efforts. Drywall that has visible mold must be replaced. Wood that has mold visible on it needs to be sanded down HEPA vacuumed and treated with an antimicrobial coating. Wood that is rotted needs to be replaced. The kitchen may require probing behind drywall and cabinets to locate the Stachybotrys, and Chaetomium growths so they can be removed. Once the mold is removed, the remediation areas need to be HEPA vacuumed with walls and smooth surfaces damp wiped. The air ducts need to be cleaned and any filters in the ventilation system must be replaced. A follow-up inspection with air testing should be performed by a certified mold inspector after the mold has been removed, but before the new drywall or cabinets are put back into place. 5

4 A Healthy Home, LLC West Center Dr. Lakewood, CO Photo 1. Garage Photo 4. Basement east side Photo 2. Door to the garage Photo 5. Basement under kitchen area. Photo 3. Basement west side Photo 6. Basement by front door 6

5 EMLab P&K SPORE TRAP REPORT: NON-VIABLE METHODOLOGY Location: 1: Outdoor 2: nd Level 3: Kitchen Comments (see below) A A A Lab ID-Version : Analysis Date: 03/29/ /29/ /29/2012 Sample volume (liters) Background debris (1-4+) Count Count/m3 DL/m3* % Count Count/m3 DL/m3* % Count Count/m3 DL/m3* % Hyphal fragments n/a Pollen n/a n/a TOTAL FUNGAL SPORES 4 27 n/a n/a n/a Alternaria Ascospores Basidiospores Chaetomium Cladosporium Epicoccum Penicillium/Aspergillus types Pithomyces Rusts Smuts, Periconia, Myxomycetes Stachybotrys Stemphylium Torula Ulocladium Zygomycetes Comments:A) Analysis of replicate sample is delayed. Spore types listed without a count or data entry were not detected during the course of the analysis for the respective sample. The analytical sensitivity is the spores/m3 divided by the raw count. The limit of detection is the analytical sensitivity multiplied by the sample volume divided by 0. *The DL/m3 has been rounded to a whole number. A "Version" indicated by -"x" after the Lab ID# with a value greater than 1 indicates a sample with amended data. The revision number is reflected by the value of "x". Total Fungal Spores has been rounded to two significant figures to reflect analytical precision. EMLab ID: , Page 2 of 3

6 SPORE TRAP REPORT: NON-VIABLE METHODOLOGY Location: 4: EMLab P&K 5: Basement Lower Level Bathroom Comments (see below) A A Lab ID-Version : Analysis Date: 03/29/ /29/2012 Sample volume (liters) Background debris (1-4+) Count Count/m3 DL/m3* % Count Count/m3 DL/m3* % Hyphal fragments n/a Pollen TOTAL FUNGAL SPORES n/a n/a Alternaria Ascospores Basidiospores Chaetomium Cladosporium Epicoccum Penicillium/Aspergillus types Pithomyces Rusts Smuts, Periconia, Myxomycetes Stachybotrys Stemphylium Torula Ulocladium Zygomycetes Comments:A) Analysis of replicate sample is delayed. Spore types listed without a count or data entry were not detected during the course of the analysis for the respective sample. The analytical sensitivity is the spores/m3 divided by the raw count. The limit of detection is the analytical sensitivity multiplied by the sample volume divided by 0. *The DL/m3 has been rounded to a whole number. A "Version" indicated by -"x" after the Lab ID# with a value greater than 1 indicates a sample with amended data. The revision number is reflected by the value of "x". Total Fungal Spores has been rounded to two significant figures to reflect analytical precision. EMLab ID: , Page 3 of 3

7 MoldRANGE : Extended Outdoor Comparison Outdoor Location: 1, Outdoor EMLab P&K Fungi Identified Outdoor Typical Outdoor Data for: Typical Outdoor Data for: data March in Colorado (n =1388) The entire year in Colorado (n =15870) spores/m3 very low low med high very high freq % very low low med high very high freq % Alternaria Bipolaris/Drechslera group Chaetomium Cladosporium , 2, Curvularia Nigrospora Penicillium/Aspergillus types Stachybotrys Torula Ascospores Basidiospores , Rusts Smuts, Periconia, Myxomycetes TOTAL SPORES/m3 27 The 'Typical Outdoor Data' represents the typical outdoor spore levels for the location and time frame indicated. The last column represents the frequency of occurrence. The very low, low, med, high, and very high values represent the 10, 20, 50, 80, and 90 percentile values of the spore type when it is detected. For example, if the frequency of occurrence is 63% and the low value is 53, it would mean that the given spore type is detected 63% of the time and, when detected, 20% of the time it is present in levels above the detection limit and below 53 spores/m3. These values are updated periodically, and if enough data is not available to make a statistically meaningful assessment, it is indicated with a dash. Total Spores/m3 has been rounded to two significant figures to reflect analytical precision. *The spores in this category are generally capable of growing on wet building materials in addition to growing outdoors. Building related growth is dependent upon the fungal type, moisture level, type of material, and other factors. Cladosporium is one of the predominant spore types worldwide and is frequently present in high numbers. Penicillium/Aspergillus species colonize both outdoor and indoor wet surfaces rapidly and are very easily dispersed. Other genera are usually present in lesser numbers. **These fungi are generally not found growing on wet building materials. For example, the rusts and smuts are obligate plant pathogens. However, in each group there are notable exceptions. For example, agents of wood decay are members of the basidiomycetes and high counts of a single morphological type of basidiospore on an inside sample should be considered significant. n = number of samples used to calculate data. Interpretation of the data contained in this report is left to the client or the persons who conducted the field work. This report is provided for informational and comparative purposes only and should not be relied upon for any other purpose. "Typical outdoor data" are based on the results of the analysis of samples delivered to and analyzed by EMLab P&K and assumptions regarding the origins of those samples. Sampling techniques, contaminants infecting samples, unrepresentative samples and other similar or dissimilar factors may affect these results. In addition, EMLab P&K may not have received and tested a representative number of samples for every region or time period. EMLab P&K hereby disclaims any liability for any and all direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of the use or interpretation of the data contained in, or any actions taken or omitted in reliance upon, this report. EMLab ID: , Page 1 of 1

8 MoldSCORE : Spore Trap Report Outdoor Sample: Outdoor Fungi Identified Outdoor sample spores/m3 Raw Spores/ < 1K 10K >K count m3 Alternaria ND < 7 Bipolaris/Drechslera group ND < 7 Chaetomium ND < 7 Cladosporium 2 13 Curvularia ND < 7 Nigrospora ND < 7 Penicillium/Aspergillus types ND < 7 Stachybotrys ND < 7 Torula ND < 7 Ascospores ND < 7 Basidiospores 1 7 Rusts ND < 7 Smuts, Periconia, Myxomycetes 1 7 Total 27 EMLab P&K Location: nd Level Fungi Identified Indoor sample spores/m3 Raw Spores/ < 1K 10K >K count m3 Alternaria 3 20 Bipolaris/Drechslera group ND < 7 Chaetomium ND < 7 Cladosporium Curvularia ND < 7 Nigrospora ND < 7 Penicillium/Aspergillus types 3 20 Pithomyces 2 13 Stachybotrys ND < 7 Torula ND < 7 Ascospores ND < 7 Basidiospores Rusts ND < 7 Smuts, Periconia, Myxomycetes Total 447 MoldSCORE Score Final MoldSCORE 137 EMLab ID: , Page 1 of 3

9 MoldSCORE : Spore Trap Report Location: Kitchen Fungi Identified Indoor sample spores/m3 Raw Spores/ < 1K 10K >K count m3 Alternaria ND < 7 Bipolaris/Drechslera group ND < 7 Chaetomium 1 7 Cladosporium 8 53 Curvularia ND < 7 Epicoccum 1 7 Nigrospora ND < 7 Penicillium/Aspergillus types 4 27 Stachybotrys 2 13 Torula ND < 7 Ascospores ND < 7 Basidiospores 1 7 Rusts ND < 7 Smuts, Periconia, Myxomycetes 9 60 Total 173 EMLab P&K MoldSCORE Score Final MoldSCORE 131 Location: Lower Level Bathroom Fungi Identified Indoor sample spores/m3 Raw Spores/ < 1K 10K >K count m3 Alternaria 6 40 Bipolaris/Drechslera group ND < 7 Chaetomium ND < 7 Cladosporium Curvularia ND < 7 Nigrospora ND < 7 Penicillium/Aspergillus types ND < 7 Stachybotrys ND < 7 Torula ND < 7 Ascospores ND < 7 Basidiospores Rusts ND < 7 Smuts, Periconia, Myxomycetes Total 900 MoldSCORE Score Final MoldSCORE 177 EMLab ID: , Page 2 of 3

10 MoldSCORE : Spore Trap Report Location: Basement Fungi Identified Indoor sample spores/m3 Raw Spores/ < 1K 10K >K count m3 Alternaria 1 7 Bipolaris/Drechslera group ND < 7 Chaetomium ND < 7 Cladosporium Curvularia ND < 7 Nigrospora ND < 7 Penicillium/Aspergillus types ND < 7 Stachybotrys ND < 7 Torula ND < 7 Ascospores ND < 7 Basidiospores 1 7 Rusts ND < 7 Smuts, Periconia, Myxomycetes Total 287 EMLab P&K MoldSCORE Score Final MoldSCORE 128 *The spores in this category are generally capable of growing on wet building materials in addition to growing outdoors. Building related growth is dependent upon the fungal type, moisture level, type of material, and other factors. Cladosporium is one of the predominant spore types worldwide and is frequently present in high numbers. Penicillium/Aspergillus species colonize both outdoor and indoor wet surfaces rapidly and are very easily dispersed. Other genera are usually present in lesser numbers. **These fungi are generally not found growing on wet building materials. For example, the rusts and smuts are obligate plant pathogens. However, in each group there are notable exceptions. For example, agents of wood decay are members of the basidiomycetes and high counts of a single morphological type of basidiospore on an inside sample should be considered significant. The spores of Aspergillus and Penicillium (and others such as Acremonium, Paecilomyces) are small and round with very few distinguishing characteristics. They cannot be differentiated by non-viable sampling methods. Most of these spore types are not seen with culturable methods (Anderson sampling), although some may appear as non-sporulating fungi. Most of the basidiospores are "mushroom" spores. Rated on a scale from to 300. A rating less than 150 is low and indicates a low probability of spores originating inside. A rating greater than 250 is high and indicates a high probability that the spores originated from inside, presumably from indoor mold growth. A rating between 150 and 250 indicates a moderate likelihood of indoor fungal growth. MoldSCORE is NOT intended for wall cavity samples. It is intended for ambient air samples in residences. Using the analysis on other samples (like wall cavity samples) will lead to misleading results. EMLab ID: , Page 3 of 3