Importance of Species Identification

Air pollutants: What they are and why species identification needs to be concerned.

In recent years, the air quality of the indoor environment is of increasing concern to everyone. Mold and bacteria are recognized health hazards, having been associated with health problems such as allergies, infection and mycotoxin poisoning. We are exposed to many kinds of mold both inside and outside the house. The exposure is greater in damp or a wet condition, especially when timely drying out does not have a chance to occur. Of the thousands of molds that exist, some are known allergens (causing skin, eye and respiratory problems) and a few molds produce harmful mycotoxins that can cause serious problems. But all molds, in the right conditions and high enough concentrations, are capable of adversely affecting human health. The potential for health problems occurs when people inhale large quantities of the airborne mold spores. For some people, however, a relatively small number of mold spores can cause health problems. Infants, children, immune-compromised patients, pregnant women, individuals with existing respiratory conditions and the elderly are at higher risks for adverse health effects from mold. While not all molds and bacteria are harmful, growth of any microorganisms in occupied space should not be acceptable. The types of molds in the indoor environment that cause health and comfort problems are usually very different than outdoor. This is one of the reasons why species identification and counts may be useful in a mold investigation.

Stachybotrys chartarum (Black mold)

Species identification allows

  • to determine the potential health risks.
    Example: certain species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium are potential producers of toxins in indoors.
  • the type of mold present in the environment to verify an allergy or reaction. Individuals can be allergic to one or more types of mold and to determine which type(s) cause the reaction.
  • to trace the probable underlying cause/source for moldiness. Example: Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus versicolor are most common in water-damaged buildings.
  • to confirm whether certain discolaration or staining on a surface is mold or not, and if mold which one?
  • to avoid confusion with similar molds that may not present a problem. Also, building occupants may need assurance that they were not exposed to molds that may cause health problems.
  • to determine the presence/absence of pathogenic airborne spores and their composition and concentrations in situations where occupants complain of ill health but with no obvious visible mold growth. This information could be used in assessing the possibility of hidden mold growth and human exposure.
  • to determine if outbreaks of invasive mycoses were due to the construction or demolition activities
  • the comparisons of the agents/mold present in different location or at different times.
  • to monitor environmental spore contamination from outside sources
  • to identify cleaning procedures that may release high concentrations of airborne spores
  • to evaluate the efficacy of filters in Air Handling Units.
  • to ensure that the correct remediation strategies are used.



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