Mold are microscopic organisms that produce spores and are found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Mold can be found on plants, foods, leaves, and other organic material. Also susceptible to mold growth are cellulose materials, such as, cardboard, paper, ceiling tiles, and sheetrock.

1. What you need to
know about mold.

2. What is mold and where is it found?
Mold are microscopic organisms that
produce spores and are found virtually
everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Mold
can be found on plants, foods, leaves, and
other organic materials. Also susceptible
to mold growth are cellulose materials,
such as, cardboard, paper, ceiling tiles,
and sheetrock.
Image source: SGS Forensic Laboratories http://www.falaboratories.com/lab-
services/microbiology/library/stachybotrys-chartarum.asp
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3. How can mold affect your health?
When inhaled, even in small amounts,
mold can cause a wide range of health
problems including respiratory problems
(wheezing), nasal and sinus congestion,
watery and red eyes, nose and throat
irritation, skin irritation, aches and pains,
fevers, asthma, emphysema and in some
cases even death.
Image source: SGS Forensic Laboratories http://www.falaboratories.com/lab-
services/microbiology/library/stachybotrys-chartarum.asp
3

4. How can you be exposed to mold?
When moldy materials become damaged
or disturbed, spores can be released into
the air.
Image source: SGS Forensic Laboratories http://www.falaboratories.com/lab-
services/microbiology/library/stachybotrys-chartarum.asp
4

5. The black mold Stacybotrys Chartarum (atra).
Stachybotrys Chartarum (atra) is a
greenish-black toxic mold with 15 different
species and typically grows in areas
where the relative humidity is above 55%.
Image source: SGS Forensic Laboratories http://www.falaboratories.com/lab-
services/microbiology/library/stachybotrys-chartarum.asp
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6. Black mold symptoms.
• Respiratory problems
• Nasal/sinus congestion
• Dry hacking cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic fatigue
• Skin irritation
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• Central nervous system problems
• Aches and pains
• Possible fever
• Diarrhea
• Hemosiderosis
• Immune suppression

7. How is mold testing
done?

8. 8
How is mold testing done?
There are two kinds of tests we perform during our mold inspections.
Cartridge sampling and swab tests.
• Cartridge tests test the air by pulling air into the cartridge where a sticky
substance that traps the spores. Interior and exterior cartridge samples
are taken, then sent to the laboratory where they compare indoor to
outdoor levels and determine what spores are present.
• The swab test is used when there is suspicious staining on a surface.
With this method, the inspector uses a special type of swab and
container, or sampling tape, to take a sample from the surface of
concern. The swab(s) are then sent to the laboratory for analysis.

9. 9
Mold test results.
After our mold inspection, the mold
laboratory typically returns a report within
3 business days. The report shows the
type of mold discovered, if any, and the
level of concern based on the levels
present and spore types found. The report
also contains information regarding the
health risks and typical dangers.

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What do I do if mold is found?
If mold issues are found, we recommend
that you hire a professional remediation
company to determine what actions
should be taken to properly address the
issues.

11. Do you suspect you
have mold?
Schedule a mold
inspection with AHI.
Schedule Mold Inspection