Mold Information, Health Solutions, Dr. Naddaf, Self Tests, Health

How toxic mold (black mold, or Stachybotrys),
and resulting VOCs / mycotoxins, can cause
mycotoxicosis, or sick building syndrome, AND
how to easily and inexpensively test for mold
as a first step in mold remediation and
treatment, and VOC control.

What Is Mold?
Molds are microscopic organisms found
virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are very tiny, lightweight, and
easily-detached by airflow, vacuuming, walking
on carpet, or sitting on a couch. In indoor
environments they grow in air conditioning
ducts, carpets, pots of house plants, etc. They
produce and release millions of spores, which
are small enough to stay airborne, threatening
to invade the human respiratory system.

Where Can Mold Turn Up?
Just about anywhere. In addition to areas
indicated around your home, it may also grow in
or on your boat, RV, hotel room, or second
home, especially if it is closed up for extended
periods of time.
Mold spores or seeds and the mycotoxins from
mold become airborne with almost any activity.
Vacuuming, walking, sitting on your couch, or
just having the heating unit or air conditioner
on can cause the airborn mold or mycotoxins to
spread throughout your breathing space.

Got Mold?
Mold is everywhere, but some molds in your
home or office may be toxic. The PIONAIR™
mold test kit identifies dangerous molds in your
living environment and in the air you breathe.

What Is Toxic Mold?
While mold exists everywhere, it sometimes
takes on a dangerous form.

The scientific name for the greenish-black mold
that turns up on carpet, wallpaper, ceiling tiles -
even wet leaves - is Stachybotrys Chartarum
(see inset).
It produces a mycotoxin that
causes mycotoxicosis, and is
thought to be the cause of
"sick building syndrome."
You won't find toxic mold on
plastic, vinyl, concrete, or
ceramic tiles - it grows where the
relative humidity averages more than 55% and
there is a food source such as cellulose.

Why Should You Test for Mold
in Your Living or Working Environment?
You may not know if you have been exposed to
mold spores or the mycotoxins they release into
the air you breathe. You won't know if you
have a toxic mold unless you test for it.
Exposure to even small amounts of mold can be
dangerous and cause health problems for you
and your family or employees.

In large quantities, molds can cause allergic
symptoms similar to those caused by plant
pollen. Mold growths can often be seen in the
form of discoloration, ranging from white to
orange and from green to brown or black.

In order for mold to grow, it needs food
sources (such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt),
a source of moisture, and a place to grow.