Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Environmental Group Services Limited
According to our philosophy, utilizing the most advanced technology combined with our organizational experience is only part of the solution. Providing clear communication and accountability is just as critical. That’s why we maintain an open line of dialogue, feedback and documentation throughout the course of the job in order to provide the most responsive and efficient service the industry has to offer.
Our services consist of, but are not limited to, property remediation, underground storage tank removal, asbestos management, environmental sampling, lead services, environmental and hazardous operation training. With EGSL you will find professional partner who solve problems and make sure they stay solved.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Free Environmental Report Review
If you have a phase I report that is older than 2006 a new ASTM standard has come out that banks require in order to fully assess the environmental concerns at any given subject property.
Pricing for Reports in the Environmental Industry in Chicago
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments range from $1,500-$3,000 depending on the location, size and nature of the subject property. Site assessments normally take a day or so to complete in the field and then 2 to 3 weeks to write up. Some phase I's are carried out much faster if a commercial lender is in the need of the information more quickly for a closing or environmental contingency.
Phase II Subsurface Soil Investigations typically range at the low end for a very simple and small site at around $3,000-$4,500. Phase II subsurface soil investigations can however, cost alot more up to $40,000 for a large site such as a 12-24 acre steel foundry, with many environmental concerns that need to be investigated. The good news is that the data from a phase II can be used in later remediation projects with the IEPA, such as obtaining a No Further Remediation letter from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program (LUST) or the Voluntary Site Remediation Program (SRP).
There are more complex reporting and site investigations that take place, as mentioned in previous posts. Remediation of a site can cost anywhere from $25,000- $200,000 to obtain a no further remediation letter from the IEPA SRP or LUST program. However if active remediation is needed to be done costs can go much higher than that. Active remediation would be injecting bacteria into the soil to digest leaking oil or other organic chemicals, or chemicals can be injected into the ground to stabilize lead to stop it leaching into the subsurface groundwater aquifers that people drink from.
Costs to cleanup sites that require active remediation can take anywhere from 3-months to 3 years and can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $3,000,000 and up depending on the nature of contamination, soil type and size of contaminated area.
Call Jason for a free report review. 312.296.5953
Friday, January 18, 2008
Environmental Group Services Limited
We work alot with banks and other lenders to reassure and protect them of environmental liability.
We also work a lot with sellers of property, especially when a seller has not been able to sell their land due to contamination.
Alot of property owners think that we are the EPA when we show up to their sites. If a client has an accountant, that is more similar to our relationship, the IEPA is our IRS, we are the environmental equivalent of accountants, with a bit more humor.
From Green to Brown and Back
With programs like the voluntary site remediation program and leaking underground storage tank program the IEPA have made it easy to get your site clean.
OK... it will cost a few bucks, however if your site is contaminated its better to cost a few bucks that millions. Where once the typical protocol was a long drawn out cleanup process, often sites these days only need to be capped with concrete or clean soil for a site to be considered safe to human health and the environment.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Phase I Environmental Site Assesment
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a report prepared for a real estate holding which identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. The analysis, often called a Phase I ESA, typically addresses both the underlying land as well as physical improvements to the property; however, techniques applied in a Phase I ESA never include actual collection of physical samples or chemical analyses of any kind. Scrutiny of the land includes examination of potential soil contamination, groundwater quality, surface water quality and sometimes issues related to hazardous substance uptake by biota. The examination of a site may include: definition of any chemical residues within structures; identification of possible asbestos containing building materials; inventory of hazardous substances stored or used on site; assessment of mold and mildew; and evaluation of other indoor air quality parameters[1].
Actual sampling of soil, air, groundwater and/or building materials is typically not conducted during a Phase I ESA. The Phase I ESA is generally considered the first step in the process of environmental Due Diligence. This type of study is alternatively called a Level I Environmental Site Assessment. Standards for performing a Phase I site assessment have been promulgated by the US EPA[2] and are based in part on ASTM in Standard E1527-05.[3] If a site is considered contaminated, a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment may be conducted, ASTM test E1903, a more detailed investigation involving chemical analysis for hazardous substances and/or petroleum hydrocarbons.
Contents[hide] |
[edit] History
As early as the 1970s specific property purchasers in the USA undertook studies resembling current Phase I ESAs, to assess risks of ownership of commercial properties which had a high degree of risk from prior toxic chemical use or disposal. Many times these studies were preparatory to understanding the nature of cleanup costs if the property was being considered for redevelopment or change of land use.
In the United States of America demand increased dramatically for this type of study in the 1980s following judicial decisions related to liability of property owners to effect site cleanup. Interpreting the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), the U.S. courts have held that a buyer, lessor, or lender may be held responsible for remediation of hazardous substance residues, even if a prior owner caused the contamination; performance of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, according to the courts’ reasoning, creates a safe harbor, known as the 'Innocent Landowner Defense' for such a new purchaser or his lenders.
In 1998 the necessity of performing a Phase I ESA was underscored by congressional action in passing the Superfund Cleanup Acceleration Act of 1998[4]. This act requires purchasors of commercial property to perform a Phase I study meeting the specific standard of ASTM E1527: Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process.
The most recent standard is "Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries" 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 312[5] which drew heavily from ASTM E1527-05 which has become known as 'All Appropriate Inquiry' (AAI). Previous guidances regarding the ASTM E1527 standard were ASTM E1527-97 and ASTM E1527-00.
Residential property purchasers need only conduct a site inspection and chain of title survey.
[edit] Actions triggering the Phase I ESA
A variety of actions[6] can cause a Phase I study to be performed for a commercial property, the most common being:
- Purchase of real property by a person or entity not previously on title.
- Contemplation by a new lender to provide a loan on the subject real estate.
- Partnership buyout or principal redistribution of ownership.
- Application to a public agency for change of use or other discretionary land use permit.
- Existing property owner’s desire to understand toxic history of the property.
- Compulsion by a regulatory agency who suspects toxic conditions on the site.
- Divestiture of properties
[edit] Scope of the Phase I ESA
Depending upon precise protocols utilized, there are a number of variations in the scope of a Phase I study. The tasks listed here are extremely common to almost all Phase I ESAs:
- Performance of an on-site visit to view present conditions (chemical spill residue, die-back of vegetation, etc) ; hazardous substances or petroleum products usage (presence of above ground or underground storage tanks, storage of acids, etc.); and evaluate any likely environmentally hazardous site history.
- Evaluation of risks of neighbouring properties upon the subject property
- Interview of persons knowledgeable regarding the property history (past owners, present owner, key site manager, present tenants, neighbours).
- Examine municipal or county planning files to check prior land usage and permits granted
- Conduct file searches with public agencies (State water board, fire department, county health department, etc) having oversight relative to water quality and soil contamination issues.
- Examine historic aerial photography of the vicinity.
- Examine current USGS maps to scrutinize drainage patterns and topography.
- Examine chain-of-title for Environmental Liens and/or Acivity and Land Use Limitations (AULs).
In most cases, the public file searches, historical research and chain-of-title examinations are outsourced to information services that specialize in such activities. Commercial enterprises that conduct such activities include Environmental Data Resources (EDR), FirstSeach Technologies, and several major title insurance businesses.
Non-Scope Items in a Phase I Environmental Site Assessments can include visual inspections or records review searches for:
- Asbestos Containing Building Materials (ACBM)
- Lead-Based Paint
- Lead in Drinking Water
- Mold
- Radon
- Wetlands
- Threatened and Endangered Species
- Earthquake Hazard
- Vapor Intrusion
[edit] Preparers
Often a multi-disciplinary approach is taken in compiling all the components of a Phase I study, since skills in chemistry, atmospheric physics, geology, microbiology and even botany are frequently required. Many of the preparers are environmental scientists who have been trained to integrate these diverse disciplines. Many states have professional registrations which are applicable to the preparers of Phase I ESAs; for example, the state of California has a registration entitled Registered Environmental Assessor.
Under ASTM E 1527-05 parameters were set forth as to who is qualified to perform Phase I ESAs. The new parameter defined an Environmental Professional as someone with 1) a current Professional Engineer's or Professional Geologist's license or registration from a state or U.S. territory with 3 years equivalent full-time experience; 2) have a Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a discipline of engineering or science and 5 years equivalent full-time experience; or 3) have the equivalent of 10 years full-time experience.
A person not meeting one or more of those qualifications may assist in the conduct of a Phase I ESA if the individual is under the supervision or responsible charge of a person meeting the definition of an Environmental Professional when concluding such activities.
Most site assessments are conducted by private companies independent of the owner or potential purchaser of the land.
[edit] Examples
While there are a myriad of sites that have been analyzed to date within the United States, the following list will serve as examples of the subject matter:
- Auke Bay U.S. Postal Facility, Juneau, Alaska
- Esso Canada Ltd. Former Bulk Fuels Facility, Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
- Dakin Building, Brisbane, California
- East Elk Grove Specific Plan, Elk Grove, California
- Mariners Marsh Park, Staten Island, New York
- Richmond State Hospital Farm Industrial Park, Wayne County, Indiana
- Sydney Steel Plant Lands, Sydney, Nova Scotia
- Weyerhauser Technology Center, Federal Way, Washington
[edit] International context
In Japan, with the passage of the 2002 Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law, there is a strong movement to conduct Phase I studies more routinely. At least one jurisdiction in Canada (Ontario) now requires the completion of a Phase I prior to the transfer of some types of industrial properties. Some parts of Europe began to conduct Phase I studies on selected properties in the 1990s, but still lack the comprehensive attention given to virtually all major real estate transactions in the USA.
[edit] Other types of ESA
There are several other report types that have some resemblance in name or degree of detail to the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment:
Phase II Environmental Site Assessment is an investigation which collects original samples of soil, groundwater or building materials to analyze for quantitative values of various contaminants[7]. This investigation is normally undertaken when a Phase I ESA determines a likelihood of site contamination. The most frequent substances tested are petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, asbestos and mold.
Phase III Environmental Site Assessment is an investigation involving remediation of a site. This study normally involves assessment of alternative cleanup methods, costs and logistics. The associated reportage details the steps taken to perform site cleanup and the follow-up monitoring for residual contaminants.
Limited Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a truncated Phase I ESA, normally omitting one or more work segments such as the site visit or certain of the file searches. When the field visit component is deleted the study is sometimes called a Transaction Screen.
Environmental Assessment has little to do with the subject of hazardous substance liability, but rather is a study preliminary to an Environmental Impact Statement, which identifies environmental impacts of a land development action and analyzes a broad set of parameters including biodiversity, environmental noise, water pollution, air pollution, traffic, geotechnical risks, visual impacts, public safety issues and also hazardous substance issues.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Indoor Air Quality - Mold Sampling
BIOAROSOL: GENERAL INFORMATION
Bioaerosols are airborne particles of biological origin, such as bacteria, pollen, fungi, and viruses as well as their by-products or toxins, such as Mycotoxins and Endotoxins. Airborne contaminants of biological origin can produce infectious and inflammatory diseases in exposed individuals, such as Tuberculosis, Legionella, Anthrax, Q Fever, and Inflammatory Diseases like Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, and Conjunctivitis.
Most building related complaints among workers arise from diverse symptoms as a result of exposure to physical and biological agents in buildings. A majority of health complaints in buildings with problems are related to mucous membrane discomfort (i.e., eye, nose, and throat irritation) headache, and fatigue. Mold Spores are known causative agents of these problems.
Mold spores can be found anywhere, inside and outside and they can grow effectively on almost any organic substance, such as wood, paper, carpet, food and insulation, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Mold gradually destroys these things that it grows on. In some cases indoor mold growth may not be visible or obvious. Mold spores have been found behind dry wall, wall paper, wood paneling, above ceiling tiles, and under carpets and carpet pads. Mold growth has also been known to occur in pipe chases, utility tunnels, near air handling units, on walls behind furniture, as well as underneath roofing material. It is impossible to completely eliminate mold from an indoor environment, but it is possible to control its growth by controlling the level of moisture. The most important reason to control mold growth is the potential health concerns that are associated with airborne mold spores.
Airborne molds and fungi (bioaerosols) are often associated with respiratory ailments. Some species are irritants of the respiratory system and are commonly found in indoor and outdoor environments.
The growth of fungi is influenced by several environmental factors, including light, temperature, nutrients, and most importantly, water. Almost any carbon-containing material, (abundant in both indoor and outdoor environments) can provide adequate nutrients for fungal growth. The introduction of water is the single most important cause of fungi contamination. Keeping an indoor environment dry can essentially prevent fungal growth.
FUNGUS MOST LIKELY TO CAUSE HEALTH PROBLEMS
The most common Mold spore causing health problems is Penicillium/Aspergillus. These contaminants can come in the form of invasive infections, colonizations, toxicoses, or allergies. They are opportunistic invaders, infecting various sites in individuals with lowered resistance to diseases. These Mold Spores have also been known to cause inflammation of the cornea, external ear, respiratory, and urinary tract infections. Some strains have even been known to produce mycotoxins.
A dangerous fungal by-product of Penicillium/Aspergillus is Cladosporium. Cladosporium is a slow-growing fungus that is very sensitive to any kind of disruption. This can allow it to become airborne very easy. It is very common in dead and decaying plants, and therefore it is the fungus that is most commonly found in the outdoor environment. It is a common cause of extrinsic asthma and hay fever. Cladosporium is often found to be a causative agent of skin lesions, sinusitis, and pulmonary infections.
Chaetomium is frequently isolated from plant debris, soil, wood and straw-like materials, as well as air. Indoors, it is found on damp sheetrock and paper products in water damaged buildings.
Chaetomium is reported to be allergenic, and rarely causes toxic diseases in immunosuppressed people. However, it is considered an agent of peritonitis (abdominal disorder), and cutaneous lesions.
Stachybotrys, or the “black mold”, is the most debated fungus today. It grows on moist or water damaged building materials with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fireboard, gypsum board, paper, ceiling tiles, wood, insulation, and dust. It requires water or excessive moisture for days or weeks to grow. Excessive indoor humidity can be a catalyst in the development of Stachybotrys.
Due to its wet, slimy growth characteristics, it is unusual for spores to become aerosolized, therefore it is readily identifiable on tape lift samples. However, when colonies of this fungus become dehydrated, there is an increased risk for air dispersion, and spores can then be detected through air sampling techniques.
Extreme caution should be exercised when levels of this organism are amplified, as it has been known to produce mycotoxins that can irritate skin and mucous membranes. Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion or skin exposure when the fungus becomes embedded in the carpets or walls. Because Stachybotrys spores are very small, some may be drawn into the lungs when airborne spores are inhaled.
The health effects of Stachybotrys chartarum (greenish black fungus) were first noted as diseases in Russian and Eastern European farm animals that ate moldy hay. The first reported human effects were seen in agricultural workers who handled the moldy straw or hay that was affecting the farm animals. Also, after consuming contaminated cereal grains, people experienced symptoms such as burning sensations in mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Individuals with chronic exposure to Stachybotrys have reported cold and flu-like symptoms, such as sore throats, headaches, fatigue, runny nose and diarrhea. Individuals with chronic respiratory disease may experience trouble breathing, and those with deficient immune systems may be at risk for infection. The actual affect of Stachybotrys along with human health has yet to be defined, and is currently the subject of toxin research.
Due to the fact that it is abundant in the natural environment and is one of the most common fungi worldwide, Alternaria is considered another important fungal allergen. It is commonly found in soil, seeds and plants, but specimen of Alternaria are often found growing on carpets, textiles, in house dust, on damp areas around showers and windows frames, and anywhere condensation occurs. It is commonly found in water-damaged buildings, especially on building materials that contain cellulose, such as drywall sheets. Alternaria is a dry spore and is readily found in air samples as well as on tape lift samples. It may be resistant to fungicide.
Alternaria produces large spores having sizes between 20-200 microns in length and 7-18 microns in width, suggesting that the spores from these fungi are deposited in the nose, mouth, and upper respiratory tract. It may be related to what is commonly known as bakers’ asthma. Also, it has been associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sinusitis, deratomycosis, onychomycosis (nail infection), subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, and invasive infection.
Developing an investigation strategy is crucial to air sampling of Bioaerosols. A majority of potentially hazardous Bioaerosol situations arise from an increase of moisture in a building. Should a situation like this occur it becomes important to locate, isolate, and halt whatever the source of moisture may be. These areas then need to be cleaned. Clean up may consist of, but not be limited to: drying, wiping down, and vacuuming with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered vacuum.
While walking through a building all areas that may have been affected from an increase in moisture will be the optimal target areas to perform air testing. It is important to note that a visual evaluation may not always reveal serious mold contamination. Therefore, it is often time important for air sampling to be performed.
Acremonium
(Acremonium Conidiophores)
The Acremonium genus, formerly known as Cephalosporium, has about 100 different species, most of which are isolated from soil, hay and organic matter. The spores are slow growing, beginning as compact and moist, and then becoming powdery. There is widespread growth indoors when conditions are extremely wet, and it is often found to be growing with Stachybotrys.
Acremonium is reported to be allergenic, and an opportunistic pathogen that has the ability to cause infection of the nail and cornea.
Arthrinium
(Drawing of several species of Arthrinium)
Arthrinium spores are dark brown and usually occur in grape-like masses on white woolly colonies. The spores are flattened and have a colorless line at the edge. When germinating they break along the line in the manner of a clamshell. In some species the filaments have dark cross-walls. It is commonly found on dead plants, especially grasses and hedges, and is often isolated from air near grassy places in the autumn.
Arthrinium should be considered an allergen. This fungus has also been documented in various subcutaneous infections. However, no toxic related diseases have been discovered.
Agrocybe
Agrocybe is a wood rotting fungus that is usually found outdoors, in the form of a mushroom, along wood chip paths and bark mulch. It can be eaten, however, it is not recommended. Agrocybe is not a big concern when measuring indoor air quality.
Alternaria
(Alternaria Conidiophores)
Alternaria is composed of dark brown spores that are borne in simple or branched chains. Colonies are fast growing, and appear to the naked eye in black, olive green or gray hues. There are 44 species of Alternaria, which are mostly plant parasites, and are therefore commonly found in decaying plant materials. However, Alternaria is a common saprophyte found in decaying wood, food, and some outdoor air. It is also found in house dust, carpets, textiles, damp areas around showers and window frames, and anywhere condensation occurs.
Due to the fact that Alternaria is abundant in the natural environment and is one of the most common fungi worldwide, it is considered an important fungal allergen. It is a known, but uncommon, cause of asthma and other respiratory ailments, as well as mycotic keratitis (inflammation of the eye) and phaeohyphomycosis (infection of the sinuses). They have also emerged as opportunistic pathogens in individuals with immunosuppressive conditions.
Arthospores
(Arthrospore Conidiophores)
Arthrospores are a type of fungus spore composed of fragments of hyphae (what make up fungi).
Their presence would indicate the presence of various other fungi.
Aspergillus
(Aspergillus Culture)
There are about 200 species in the Aspergillus genus; about 20 of them are known causative agents of human disease. Aspergillus is commonly found in soil, compost piles, plant debris, water damaged buildings, a wide range of substrates, and house dust. It is one of the most common contaminants found in indoor air (some species prefer drier conditions), as well as in water-damaged buildings.
Aspergillus is usually non-pathogenic, as most people are naturally immune to diseases associated with it, but can become opportunistic in the respiratory tract. It is associated with many respiratory ailments, and it often agitates sinuses. Aspergillosis, a result of prolonged exposure to Aspergillus, causes infections in most human organs including the lung, nasal sinuses, as well as the skin.
BIPOLARIS
(Bipolaris Conidiophores)
Bipolaris is a common saprophyte, and a subtropical and tropical plant pathogen. It is commonly found on dead or dying plant material, and its colonies are moderately fast growing.
Several of its 45 species are documented in human infection. The Bipolaris spores are large and are often times deposited in the upper respiratory tract. Clinical manifestations include mycotic keratitis (inflammation of the eye), subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis (skin lesions), sinusitis, peritonitis (abdominal disorder), and some cerebral and scattered infections.
Chaetomium
(Ascospores of Chaetomium species and Chaetomium Culture)
Chaetomium is frequently isolated from plant debris, soil, wood and straw-like materials, as well as air. Indoors, it is found on damp sheetrock and paper products in water damaged buildings.
Chaetomium is reported to be allergenic, and rarely causes toxic diseases in immunosuppressed people. However, it is considered an agent of peritonitis (abdominal disorder), and cutaneous lesions.
Cladosporium
(Cladosporium Culture)
The Cladosporium genus has about 30 different species, and is often times a bi-product of Aspergillus/Penicillium. The spores are slow-growing and very sensitive to any kind of disruption. It is the most frequently found fungus in the outside air and in decaying plants. Cladosporium spores have been found indoors, but usually with less of a concentration, as they may need cycles of light to produce spores. It grows indoors where there is moisture or condensation. Houses with poor ventilation or located in damp environments may have heavy concentrations.
Cladosporium has the ability to sporulate very heavily, and is therefore an important fungal allergen. It is a common cause of extrinsic asthma, and is frequently isolated as a contaminant in the air. Cladosporium is often times found to be a causative agent of skin lesions, sinusitis, and pulmonary infections.
(Cladosporium Conidiophores)
Coprinus
There are many different species of Coprinus found in the outside environment, and they are all found in mushroom form. They are blackish spores that grow in wet conditions. Coprinus should be treated as an important inhalant allergen.
Curvularia
(Curvularia Conidiophores)
(Curvularia Culture)
Curvularia is a common saprophyte, with fast growing colonies. It has about 35 species, which are usually subtropical and tropical plant parasites. However, it will grow indoors on a number of substrates.
Despite being primarily a plant parasite, three species have been found to cause human infections, such as corneal infections and various infections in immune compromised people.
Epicoccum
(Epicoccum Culture)
The Epicoccum genus is made of fast growing colonies, usually with a yellow/orange pigmentation. The spores are found in plants, soils, grains, textiles, and paper products.
Epicoccum is a known allergen, and is occasionally isolated as a contaminant from clinical specimens, such 
as skin.
(Epicoccum Conidiophores)
Ganoderma
Ganoderma typically grows on dead or dying hardwoods. Ganoderma spores are known to stimulate and enhance immunity, and prevent and suppress cancer. It is considered a powerful natural healing herb in Chinese medicine. For many years it was used to ward off hepatitis, bronchitis, asthma, insomnia and nephritis (kidney condition).
Hyphae
All growing fungi have branched filaments called Hyphae. Hyphae are linear chains of tubular structures, and eventually produce fruiting bodies that contain reproductive spores.
Some mycotoxins are associated with Hyphae, and because it is what gives mold its structure, and therefore its presence is a strong indication that there are mold spores present in the air.
Paecilomyces
(Paecilomyces Conidiophores)
Paecilomyces is a saprophyte commonly found among dead plants and compost. It is a fast growing colony usually found in warm climates and arid regions. However, it has been isolated from jute fibers, paper, PVC and timber.
Paecilomyces is related to the genus Penicillium (an allergenic fungi), but is rarely a human pathogen. However, some species have been known to cause mycotic keratitis (inflammation of the eye) and of hyalohyphomycosis (skin lesions) in immune compromised individuals.
Penicillium
(Penicillium Culture)
Penicillium spores are usually fast growing, and dense. They are brush-like spear-bearing structures found in shades of green and sometimes white. It is one of the most common household molds, and a frequent food contaminant. It can be found in house dust, carpets, wallpaper, wallpaper glue, decaying fabrics, behind paint and in interior fiberglass duct insulation. It is commonly found in water-damaged buildings. Penicillium is allergenic, and a common cause of extrinsic asthma. Some species are known as potential mycotoxin producers.
(Penicillium Conidiophores)
(Penicillium Conidiophores)
(Penicillium on orange)
Pithomyces
(Pithomyces Conidiophores)
Pithomyces colonies are fast growing, and usually become visible because of their dark pigment. The genus contains 15 species, and is found on litter, dead leaves and soil. It rarely grows indoors but it can grow on paper. Pithomyces is not a known human pathogen, but is often involved with facial eczema of sheep.
Stachybotrys
(Penicillium culture and Penicillium Conidiophores)
Stachybotrys lives and grows extremely well on water damaged building materials cellulose rich materials such as sheet rock, paper, ceiling tiles, wood, insulation backing and wallpaper. It requires water or moisture for days or weeks to grow.
Excessive indoor humidity can be a catalyst in the development of Stachybotrys. Due to its wet, slimy growth characteristics, it is unusual for spores to become aerosolized; therefore it is readily identifiable on tape lift samples. However, when colonies of this fungus become dehydrated, there is increased risk for air dispersion, and can then be detected through air sampling techniques.
Extreme caution should be exercised when levels of this organism are amplified, as it has been known to produce mycotoxins that can irritate skin and mucous membranes.
Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion or skin exposure when the fungus becomes embedded in the carpets or walls. Several strains of this fungus produce a toxin that is poisonous by inhalation. Individuals with chronic exposure to Stachybotrys have reported cold and flu-like symptoms, such as sore throats, headaches, fatigue and diarrhea. Individuals with chronic respiratory disease may experience trouble breathing, and those with deficient immune systems may be at risk for infection. The actual affect of Stachybotrys along with human health has yet to be defined, and is currently the subject of toxin research.
Stemphylium
(Stemphylium Conidiophores)
Stemphylium colonies are rapid growing, and are brown, green or black in color. Growth indoors is rare.
Stemphylium are plant pathogens and are rarely seen as causative agents of human infection. They are, however, considered to be allergenic.
Ulocladium
(Ulocladium culture)
Ulocladium colonies are fast growing and brown-black or grayish in color. The spores are commonly found on dead plants, rotten wood, paper, textiles, and cellulose materials. This mold frequently occurs in air and dust samples, and is also found in water-damaged buildings.
Although Ulocladium can be very allergenic, the spores are rarely seen as pathogenic in humans.
(Ulocladium Conidiophores)