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MOLD INFORMATION CENTER
ACCEPTABLE MOLD LEVEL
MOLD CLEARANCE: FOLLOWUP STEPS
ALLERGEN TESTS for buildings
ALLERGENS in buildings, RECOGNIZING
  Cat Dander
  Cockroaches
  Dog dander
  Dust Mites
  Fleas & Bedbugs
  Mold
  Mice & Rats
  Pollen
ALLERGY TESTS for PEOPLE
ALLERGY TEST ACCURACY
ATTIC MOLD

BASEMENT MOLD
BASEMENT MOLD WATER IMPACT

BIBLIOGAPHY for ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, MOLD, IAQ
BIOGAS PRODUCTION & USE
BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS
Bisphenol-A, BPA

BLACK MOLD, HARMLESS COSMETIC
BLACK MOLD, TOXIC & ALLERGENIC

BOOK MOLD, Moldy Book Cleaning
BOOKSTORE - ENVIRONMENTAL

CARPET MOLD
CARPET STAIN DIAGNOSIS
CARPET & other STAIN TESTS
CARPET TEST PROCEDURE
CAT DANDER
CRAWLSPACE MOLD

MOLD CLEANUP - SAFETY WARNINGS
DRYWALL MOLD
FIBERGLASS INSULATION MOLD

FIND MOLD, ESSENTIAL STEPS
FIND MOLD in buildings, HOW TO
  WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE
  HIDDEN MOLD, HOW TO FIND
HUMIDITY CONTROL TO PREVENT MOLD

INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HOUSE TIGHTNESS
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
INDOOR AIR QUALITY METHODS COMPARED
INSULATION MOLD
ITCHY FABRICS
MOLD ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO
MOLD APPEARANCE LOOKS LIKE
MOLD CLASSES, HAZARD LEVELS

MOLD CLEANERS - WHAT TO USE
MOLD CLEANUP COMPANIES
MOLD CLEANUP, DO IT YOURSELF
MOLD CLEANUP GUIDE- HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD
MOLD CLEANUP with BLEACH
MOLD CLEANUP - WOOD FLOORING
MOLD CLEANUP - WOOD FRAMING & PLYWOOD
MOLD CLEANUP HEALTH RISKS
MOLD CLEANUP MISTAKES to AVOID
MOLD CLEANUP - SAFETY WARNINGS

MOLD CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS
MOLD CULTURES
MOLD DETECTION & INSPECTION
MOLD DOCTORS - ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE

MOLD or INDOOR AIR EMERGENCY RESPONSE
MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE
MOLD EXPOSURE, FOOD HAZARDS
MOLD EXPOSURE RISK LEVELS
MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS

MOLD FREQUENCY in buildings
MOLD GROWTH ON SURFACES, PHOTOS
MOLD GROWTH on SURFACES, TABLE OF
MOLD GROWTH in/on BUILDING INSULATION
MOLD INSPECTORS & MOLD TESTERS
MOLD TEST METHODS, ACCURACY
MOLD TEST PROCEDURES
MOLD TEST REASONS

MOLD TEST KITS
MOLD CLEANUP GUIDE
MOLD CLEANUP HEALTH RISKS
MOLD CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS

MOLD KILLING GUIDE
MOLD LAB REPORTS
MOLD LEVELS IN buildings
MOLD by MICROSCOPE

MOLD ODORS, MUSTY SMELLS
MOLD PREVENTION GUIDE
MOLD RELATED ILLNESS
MOLD LEVEL REPORTS
MOLD LEVELS IN buildings
MOLD by MICROSCOPE

MOLD ODORS, MUSTY SMELLS
MOLD PREVENTION GUIDE
MOLD RELATED ILLNESS
MOLD SAFETY WARNINGS
MOLD SPRAYS, SEALANTS, PAINTS

MOLD TEST KITS for DIY MOLD TESTS
MOLD TESTING SERVICES
MOLD TEST METHODS, ACCURACY
MOLD TEST PROCEDURES
MOLD TEST REASONS

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets
MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS
MYCOPHOBIA, STAINS MISTAKEN for MOLD
MYCOTOXIN EFFECTS of MOLD EXPOSURE

Nanomaterials Hazards
NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE

ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE
ODOR DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS
STAINS on INDOOR SURFACES: PHOTO GUIDE
STAINS & Thermal Tracking

TECHNICAL & LAB PROCEDURES
THERMAL TRACKING Indicates Heat Loss
TRAPPED MOLD BETWEEN WOOD SURFACES

VENTILATION in BUILDINGS
OUR FIELD SERVICES
OUR LABORATORY SERVICES
WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE

More Information

dust mite (C) Daniel FriedmanAllergens: How to Identify Common Indoor Allergens and Mold by Visual Inspection, Photos and Description
InspectAPedia®  -      

  • Photo guide to common allergens in buildings
  • Photographs and comments about cat dander, dog dander, and dust mites in buildings
  • Photo guide to cockroach infestation in buildings
  • Photos and comments about fleas, bedbugs, mold, and pollen in buildings

This article uses photographs to illustrate and help identify various indoor allergens like mold, cat allergens, dog allergens, mouse or rodent allergens, dust mites, cockroach and other insect fragments, mite fecals, and other help in identification of indoor allergens such as cockroaches, dust mites, fleas, house dust, mold, mildew, pet dander, pollen.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers nor with topics or services discussed at this website.

© Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website.

Photographs of Indoor Allergens and Allergenic Particles

Cat Dander and Cat Hair in buildings

Sources of cat and dog hair (C) Daniel Friedman photo of cat hair (C) Daniel Friedman

Cat dander (the black kitten Pippin at above left) is for many people a more serious allergen (and asthma aggravator) than dog dander (the dog katie, above left). Our page top photo shows insect jaws collected during a survey for dust containing cockroach parts and allergens.

At ALLERGEN TESTS for buildings we discuss procedures for screening buildings for high levels of various allergens and irritants. Also see BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS for information about recognizing and removing these indoor contaminants. Where toxic, pathogenic, or allergenic mold is a concern in buildings, see MOLD DETECTION & INSPECTION GUIDE and MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE. At ALLERGY TESTS for PEOPLE we discuss the types of allergy and allergy exposure tests used for humans. At ALLERGY TEST ACCURACY we discuss the accuracy and limitations of these tests.

Cat dander is widespread and we even find it present, usually at lower levels, in offices and homes where no cats reside. Animal dander may be brought in by dust and clothing on visitors. Our second photo (above left) shows cat hair in the microscope.

Details about finding and removing animal dander in buildings are provided at CAT DANDER in buildings.

Dog Dander and Dog Hair in buildings

Dog stains (C) Daniel Friedman

Animal allergen Photos is our article on inspecting and addressing allergens from cats, dogs, and many other animals.

Pets, Pet Hair and Pet Dander as well as dust mites associated with animal dander are very common allergens in buildings.

The wall stains in this photo were caused by pets, probably a large dog, indicating that further indoor screening for animal dander may be in order.

Details about finding and removing animal dander in buildings are provided at CAT DANDER in buildings.

Dog allergens photo (C) Daniel Friedman Dog allergens photo (C) Daniel Friedman

Our photos above show dog dander (along with human skin cells) stained pink with acid fuchsin to aid visibility for the photograph). Our photo at right shows dog hair collected in an indoor dust sample, in this case the hair is further identified as from a golden retriever.

Testing people for exposure to allergens is a different activity from testing buildings for the presence of animal or other allergens. When human tests, such as the ELISA and RAST tests for exposure to allergens, indicate that someone has been exposed to problematic levels of animal allergens, there may still be confusion about just where the exposure is occurring. We discuss testing buildings for presence of allergenic particles such as dog dander, cat dander, insect or roach fragments, etc. at ALLERGEN TESTS for buildings.

ELISA and RAST tests for Allergen Exposure - The Basics

ELISA "enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay" is a rapid immunochemical test procedure that involves an enzyme (a protein that catalyzes a biochemical reaction) that tests for hormones, bacterial antigens, and antibodies. ELISA testing also involves an antibody or antigen (immunologic molecules).

RAST is an older allergen test (exposure detection) in popular use for testing humans, radioallergosorbent test, an IgE test: In this test, a sample of blood is taken, mixed with the suspected allergen, and the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) is measured. IgE is an antibody produced by the immune system that indicates an allergic reaction.

The ELISA and RAST allergen exposure tests, their accuracy and their usefulness are discussed at ALLERGEN TESTS for buildings.

Cockroach Fecals, Fragments, Hairs as Indoor Allergens and Causes of Asthma

Cockroach carapace and hair parts (C) Daniel Friedman

Cockroaches (also see photo at page top) - are the source one of the most common insect allergens found indoors in urban areas.

Cockroach fecal pellets, insect hairs, and insect fragments are often identified in house dust where roaches are present.

Our photo, left, shows cockroach carapace parts and hairs from an indoor dust sample.

Photos and Examples of Dust Mites and Dust Mite Fecals in buildings

Dust mite photograph (C) Daniel Friedman

Dust mites: our photo (left) shows a dust mite collected in an indoor surface dust sample.

We've stained the mite blue using lactophenol cotton blue to make its parts more attractive and easy to discern.


Dust mite fecals (C) Daniel Friedman

 

Dust mite fecal pellets: Our photo (left) shows a mix of dust mite fecal pellets and Penicillium/Aspergillus spores collected in a surface dust sample from a building. The dust mite fecal pellets can assist in a building investigation for allergens by telling us what the dust mite or other insect was eating - in this case mold spores.

Photograph of a dust mite surrounded by debris, seen through the microscope

 

 

Dust mite surrounded by other house dust particulate debris


Here is a mite found among pollen in the flower of a Tulip Poplar.

You won't see dust mites without a microscope, but if your home has any or all of dampness, wet areas, pets, lots of dust and organic debris, old mattresses and pillows, couches, carpets, heavy curtains, or if you go to sleep with wet hair on your pillow, you're likely to have a high dust mite population.

Mites, mite parts, and mite fecals show up in indoor dust samples examined by microscope. Dust mites are present wherever people and animals live. But high levels of mite fecals raises the level of allergens in the Building and may be a problem.

Fiberglass Insulation Mold comments about a field study in process, & more about health hazards from fiberglass insulation - DJF

Fleas and Bedbugs as serious building pests also may produce allergens.

Pollen Allergens in Building Air and Dust Samples

Poppy pollen

Pollen Photo Library a photo library of pollen & the flowers, shrubs, trees from which pollen was collected.

Mice and Rats in buildings as Allergen Sources

Mouse hair (C) Daniel Friedman

Mice hair, dander, and fecals are often observed during an indoor air quality or environmental inspection.

Our photo (left) shows mouse hair found in indoor dust during an environmental inspection and test.

We often find mouse droppings, hair, dander, and mouse remains in attics, basements, walls, ducts, and food-storage cabinets.

If mice and rats are a problem in a building, in addition to needing professional extermination services, you'll need to look at the housekeeping practices in the home and in neighboring apartments or homes, especially food storage.

Mold Allergens and Toxins in buildings

Bathroom mold (C) Daniel Friedman

 

Mold on laundry room wallWhat mold looks like inside a building

AspergillisMold, a photo library of mold spores for allergy and asthma sufferers - Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys, Cladosporium, etc.

Meruliporia incrassata - Serpula lacrymans the "house eating fungus," field and lab photos

How to Find and Test For Mold in buildings - Looking for Mold - A 'how to' photo and text primer on finding and testing for mold in buildings

Recognizing Mold: What mold looks like mold identification photos to help identify mold - choosing what to sample in buildings

Check With Your Doctor About Allergens and About Whether or Not Building Tests for Allergens or Mold are Recommended

Of course since individual sensitivity to allergens varies, we suggest that anyone suffering from allergies and considering steps to further clean their home should also consult with their allergist and their general physician.

  • Safety Warning: if indoor air quality complaints include respiratory distress, headaches, nausea, and similar symptoms, it is important to immediately rule out unsafe heating equipment, chimneys, flues, or carbon monoxide hazards. See CARBON MONOXIDE - CO
  • The types, accuracy, and variability of human tests for allergy sensitivity and allergy or mold exposure are discussed further at ALLERGY TESTS.
  • The combination of allergy testing limitations and occupant complaints that may in some cases justify a building survey for physical particles or other evidence of significant levels of problem allergens, molds, or other conditions is discussed at ALLERGY TEST LIMITATIONS.
  • See MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE for advice on determining when it is appropriate and justified to order inspections and tests of a building for mold or allergens.
  • See BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS for information about recognizing and removing these indoor contaminants.
  • See ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS - INSPECT, TEST, REMEDY for our full list of environmental hazard identification and remedy related to buildings.

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  • Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.


MOLD INFORMATION CENTER
ACCEPTABLE MOLD LEVEL
MOLD CLEARANCE: FOLLOWUP STEPS
  Cat Dander
  Cockroaches
  Dog dander
  Dust Mites
  Fleas & Bedbugs
  Mold
  Mice & Rats
  Pollen
ATTIC MOLD

BASEMENT MOLD
BASEMENT MOLD WATER IMPACT

BIBLIOGAPHY for ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, MOLD, IAQ
BIOGAS PRODUCTION & USE
BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS
Bisphenol-A, BPA
BLEACHING MOLD, Advice about
BOOK MOLD, Moldy Book Cleaning
BOOKSTORE - ENVIRONMENTAL

CARPET MOLD
DUST ANALYSIS for FIBERGLASS
DUST SAMPLING PROCEDURE

ENERGY SAVINGS in buildings

FUNGICIDAL SPRAY & SEALANT USE GUIDE

GAS EXPOSURE EFFECTS, TOXIC
GAS DETECTION & MEASUREMENT

HOUSE DUST ANALYSIS
HOUSEWRAP AIR & VAPOR BARRIERS
HIDDEN MOLD, HOW TO FIND
HUMIDITY CONTROL & TARGETS INDOORS

INDOOR AIR HAZARDS TABLE
INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HOUSE TIGHTNESS
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
INDOOR AIR QUALITY METHODS COMPARED
INSULATION MOLD
ITCHY FABRICS
MOLD ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO
MOLD APPEARANCE LOOKS LIKE
MOLD CLASSES, HAZARD LEVELS

MOLD CLEANERS - WHAT TO USE
MOLD CLEANUP COMPANIES
MOLD CLEANUP, DO IT YOURSELF
MOLD CLEANUP GUIDE- HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD
MOLD CLEANUP with BLEACH
MOLD CLEANUP - WOOD FLOORING
MOLD CLEANUP - WOOD FRAMING & PLYWOOD
MOLD CLEANUP HEALTH RISKS
MOLD CLEANUP MISTAKES to AVOID
MOLD CLEANUP - SAFETY WARNINGS

MOLD CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS
MOLD or INDOOR AIR EMERGENCY RESPONSE
MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE
MOLD EXPOSURE, FOOD HAZARDS
MOLD EXPOSURE RISK LEVELS
MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS
MOLD INSPECTORS & MOLD TESTERS

MOLD TEST KITS

  • Toxic Gas Indoor Exposure Hazards - list of common indoor gases, tests, allowable exposure levels
  • Carbon Dioxide Gas - C02 as a guess at air freshness.
  • Insulation & venting: general air quality, makeup air, carbon dioxide as indicator of air exchanges
  • Is Indoor Air Quality a Problem in our Home? industrial hygienists view
  • MedicineNet.com provides a detailed definition of ELISA at www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9099
  • ELISA testing accuracy: Here's a critique of ELISA http://www.betterhealthusa.com/public/282.cfm - Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
    The critique included in that article raises compelling questions about IgG testing assays, which prompted my interest in actually screening for the particles that could carry allergens - dog dander or cat dander in the case at hand.
    http://www.tldp.com/issue/174/IgG%20Food%20Allergy.html contains similar criticism in another venue but interestingly by the same author, Sheryl Miller. Sheryl Miller, MT (ASCP), PhD, is an Immunologist and Associate Professor of Basic and Medical Sciences at Bastyr University in Bothell, Washington. She is also the Laboratory Director of the Bastyr Natural Health Clinic Laboratory.
  • Testing for the level of exposure to animal allergens is discussed at http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/animalallergy/diagnosis.shtml (lab animal exposure study is interesting because it involves a higher exposure level in some cases)

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Environmental Health & Investigation Bibliography - our technical library on indoor air quality inspection, testing, laboratory procedures, forensic microscopy, etc.
  • Adkins and Adkins Dictionary of Roman Religion discusses Robigus, the Roman god of crop protection and the legendary progenitor of wheat rust fungus.
  • Kansas State University, department of plant pathology, extension plant pathology web page on wheat rust fungus: see http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/path-ext/factSheets/Wheat/Wheat%20Leaf%20Rust.asp
  • "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home", U.S. Environmental Protection Agency US EPA - includes basic advice for building owners, occupants, and mold cleanup operations. See http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.htm
  • US EPA - Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Building [Copy on file at /sickhouse/EPA_Mold_Remediation_in_Schools.pdf ] - US EPA
  • US EPA - Una Breva Guia a Moho - Hongo [Copy on file as /sickhouse/EPA_Moho_Guia_sp.pdf - en Espanol

Allergies, Allergens, Allergy Testing in buildings - References & Products

  • Air Conditioning System Blower Fans & Filters Cascading for Optimum Indoor Air Quality
  • Allergen Tests in buildings advice about how to test, what to look for, in evaluating the level of dog, cat, or other animal allergens in a building
  • "IgG Food Allergy Testing by ELISA/EIA, What do they really tell us?" Sheryl B. Miller, MT (ASCP), PhD, Clinical Laboratory Director, Bastyr University Natural Health Clinic - ELISA testing accuracy: Here is an example of Miller's critique of ELISA http://www.betterhealthusa.com/public/282.cfm - Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
    The critique included in that article raises compelling questions about IgG testing assays, which prompts our interest in actually screening for the presence of high levels of particles that could carry allergens - dog dander or cat dander in the case at hand.
    http://www.tldp.com/issue/174/IgG%20Food%20Allergy.html contains similar criticism in another venue but interestingly by the same author, Sheryl Miller. Sheryl Miller, MT (ASCP), PhD, is an Immunologist and Associate Professor of Basic and Medical Sciences at Bastyr University in Bothell, Washington. She is also the Laboratory Director of the Bastyr Natural Health Clinic Laboratory.
  • Allergens: Testing for the level of exposure to animal allergens is discussed at http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/animalallergy/diagnosis.shtml (lab animal exposure study is interesting because it involves a higher exposure level in some cases
  • Allergens: WebMD discusses allergy tests for humans at webmd.com/allergies/allergy-tests
  • Animal Allergens: Dog, Cat, and Other Animal Dander - Cleanup & Prevention Information for Asthmatics and regarding Indoor Air Quality.
  • Atlas of Mold Related Illness Symptoms & Complaints - long list of both documented, studied mold related illness, and complaints ascribed to mold contamination or allergens in buildings
  • Cat Dander: how to inspect and test a building for past or current presence of cats, cat hair, cat dander, and cat allergens
  • Clinical Atlas of Mold Toxicity - An Online Description of Toxic, Pathogenic, Allergenic Fungi, Fungal Diseases
  • Fiberglass Insulation Contains Mold© 2005 comments about a field study in process, & more about health hazards from fiberglass insulation
  • Humidity: What indoor humidity should we maintain in order to avoid a mold problem?
  • Mold Action Guide detailed guide on finding, removing, and preventing indoor mold contamination
  • Odors, Odor Detection, Smells, & Gases how to find and identify sources of noxious or toxic odors and gases
  • Other environmental risks, Our much longer list: Asbestos, carbon monoxide, electromagnetic fields, etc.
  • Ozone: The Use of Ozone Indoors for Control of Odors and Mold Removal in buildings: A Summary of Hazards and False Claims.
  • Pollen Allergens: identification, plant pollen and indoor air quality
  • Products to Reduce Mold & Allergy Problems to reduce indoor mold or allergen levels: air cleaners, air purifiers, dust mite covers, vacuum cleaners, crawl space vents
  • Recognizing Allergens: What various indoor allergens look like - identification photos to help identify pollen, dust mites, animal dander, toxic or allergenic mold - Common Mold and other Allergens, Irritants, Remedies & Advice
  • Rodent control issues, including dander, fecal, and urine contamination of buildings and Building insulation are discussed at our
  • Sewage and Septic backup contamination in buildings: inspection, testing, remediation, & references to expert sources
  • Action Guide: What to do about mold, mildew, and other indoor allergens
  • ...

Mold Contamination Testing, Cleanup, Prevention: references & products

  • GO TO the MOLD and INDOOR ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION CENTER for in-depth advice on avoiding testing for or cleaning up mold and other indoor environmental hazards, odors, gases, contaminantsThe Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems
  • Aerobiology, Building Science, Microscopy, & Laboratory References, an extensive technical bibliography
  • Allergens: what they look like in buildings
  • Associations: Sick House, Sick Building, SBS - Air Quality, Government, Private Associations and Information Resources
  • Atlas of Clinical Fungi, 2nd Ed., GS deHoog, J Guarro, J Gene, & MJ Figueras, Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, 2000, ISBN 90-70351-43-9 (you can buy this book at Amazon) - The Atlas of Clinical Fungi is also available on CD ROM
  • Atlas of Mold Related Illness: Index of Symptoms and health, physical, neurological, psychological, and other complaint which people suspect may be mold or building-related.
  • Atlas of Indoor Mold, Online Clinical Mold Atlas, Toxins, Pathogens, Allergens and Other Indoor Particles - Medical Health Effects of Mold (separate online document)
  • Black Mold that is Harmless Photos of recognizable, usually harmless black mold on wood, bluestain, ceratocystis, ophistoma
  • Building Floods: quick steps after a building flood or plumbing leak can prevent costly mold contamination
  • Classes of Mold: what types of cosmetic, allergenic, or toxic mold are a problem? Can mold be cleaned-up successfully?
  • Clinical Mold References - Detailed bibliography of mold reference texts
  • "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home", U.S. Environmental Protection Agency US EPA - includes basic advice for building owners, occupants, and mold cleanup operations. See http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.htm
  • "Disease Prevention Program for Certain Vegetable Crops," David B. Langston, Jr., Extension Plant Pathologist - Vegetables, University of Georgia (PDF document) original source: www.reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/209797.html
  • "Disease Prevention in Home Vegetable Gardens," Patricia Donald, Department of Plant Microbiology and Pathology, Lewis Jett
    Department of Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension - extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6202
  • "Management of Powdery Mildew, Leveillula taurica, in Greenhouse Peppers," Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, British Columbia - Original source: www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/peppermildew.htm
  • Environmental Health & Investigation Bibliography - our own technical library on indoor air quality inspection, testing, laboratory procedures, forensic microscopy, etc.
  • Fiberglass: Mold in Fiberglass Insulation© 2005 comments about a field study in process, & more about health hazards from fiberglass insulation - DJF
  • Fifth Kingdom, Bryce Kendrick, ISBN13: 9781585100224, is available from the InspectAPedia online bookstore - we recommend the CD-ROM version of this book. This 3rd/edition is a compact but comprehensive encyclopedia of all things mycological. Every aspect of the fungi, from aflatoxin to zppspores, with an accessible blend of verve and wit. The 24 chapters are filled with up-to-date information of classification, yeast, lichens, spore dispersal, allergies, ecology, genetics, plant pathology, predatory fungi, biological control, mutualistic symbioses with animals and plants, fungi as food, food spoilage and mycotoxins.
  • Fungi, Identifying Filamentous, A Clinical Laboratory Handbook, Guy St-Germain, Richard Summerbell, Star Publishing, 1996, ISBN 0-89863-177-7 (English) (buy at Amazon)
  • Looking for Mold Procedure: what mold is often found where in buildings - simple technical presentation
  • Meruliporia: the house eating fungus or "poria"
  • Mold Action Guide: Step-by-Step Instructions, What to do about mold, mildew, and other indoor allergens
  • MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE Photos of what mold looks like in buildings
  • MOLD APPEARANCE - STUFF THAT IS NOT MOLD Photos of NOT-mold material that is sometimes mistaken for mold
  • MOLD ATLAS & PARTICLES INDEX, Pathogens, Allergens and Other Indoor Particles - Medical Health Effects of Mold (separate online document)
  • MOLD BY MICROSCOPE Mold under the microscope - photo identification of the most common indoor molds found in buildings
  • Mold FAQs Answers to Most Questions about Indoor Mold, Mold Related Illness, Mold Cleanup, Mold Prevention
  • US EPA: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Building [Copy on file at /sickhouse/EPA_Mold_Remediation_in_Schools.pdf ] - US EPA
  • Mold spores in the Home - a Photo ID Library for detection and identification of mold allergens
  • Mold Test Kits - How to Collect and Send Your Own Mold Sample to our mold testing lab or to any mold lab you wish
  • Most Common Indoor Molds Found in buildings, A Table of
  • Mycology, Fundamentals of Diagnostic, Fran Fisher, Norma B. Cook, W.B. Saunders Co. 1998, ISBN 0-7216-5006-6 (buy this book at Amazon)
  • Ozone Warnings - Use of Ozone as a "mold" remedy is ineffective and may be dangerous.
  • Rot concerns in buildings-some building mold such as Meruliporia incrassata "Poria" risks serious rot and hidden structural damage
  • US EPA: Una Breva Guia a Moho - Hongo [Copy on file as /sickhouse/EPA_Moho_Guia_sp.pdf - en Espanol

OTHER IAQ ISSUES: How To Find and Address Other Indoor Air or Indoor Environment Contaminants Besides Mold

Mold or allergens may not be the only or even the main indoor environmental contaminant. Don't let media attention to mold cause so much enviro-scare fear that other, possibly more urgent hazards go un-addressed.

  • Fiberglass building insulation and HVAC duct work insulation hazards
  • Sewage and Septic backup contamination in buildings: inspection, testing, remediation, & references to expert sources
  • Other environmental risks: Asbestos, carbon monoxide, electromagnetic fields, environmental illness, fiberglass, MCS - multiple chemical sensitivity, toxic gases, etc
  • Indoor Gas Sampling Plan for Residential buildings lists a number of toxic indoor gases which we test for, depending on the building complaint and building conditions
  • Ozone Warnings - Use of Ozone as a "mold" remedy is ineffective and may be dangerous.
  • Pet control - if you can't say goodbye to your bird, cat, dog, guinea pig, hamster, tropical fish, then limit the areas they occupy and limit the airflow from that area to sleeping or other areas of the building, use allergenic bedding, eliminate wall-to-wall carpeting, improve housecleaning including use of a HEPA-rated vacuum cleaner. For more details see our article Dog, Cat, and Other Animal Dander - Information for Asthmatics and Indoor Air Quality
  • Rodents, Mice, Squirrel Control - I find high levels of mouse and rodent dander, fecal dust, and urine-contaminated dust in some buildings, and high levels of these materials in building insulation in those locations. If you have a mouse problem, particularly if mice and their waste (fecals or urine) are contaminating the building HVAC or building insulation, may need both steps to clean up or remove infected materials and steps to stop an ongoing rodent problem. If squirrels are a problem, the cleanup needs to include closing off entry openings into the building. Get some help from a licensed pest control expert.

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