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From Healthy Living Spaces
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Environmental Testing & Consulting
Newsletter
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February 2006
- Vol 2, Issue 2
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In This Issue
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Quick Links
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Greetings!
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I hope you have been able to stay healthy this
winter season. We tend to spend more time indoors
when it is cold, usually with the windows closed. This
is why it's especially important to be aware of
sources of indoor air pollution.
High levels of dust, mold, and chemicals can lower
your immune system making you more susceptible to
illness such as colds and the flue. I hope you can use
the information in these newsletters to create a
healthier home and office and stay well. If you have
any questions please contact me. I personally
answer emails.
Dan Stih
President, Healthy Living Spaces
LLC
Certified Mold Inspector
Certified by the American Indoor Air Quality Council
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Why Petri Dishes Do Not Detect Black Mold
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The typical Do-it-Yourself mold test kit uses petri
dishes. The black mold, Stachybotrys, is
usually not detected using petri dishes.
Stachybotrys is a relatively slow growing mold
taking about a week to 10 days to germinate. Other
molds grow within two to three days and overgrow a
petri dish before Stachybotrys can even get
started.
Only 1-2% of mold spores are viable, meaning
they will grow. Have you ever planted a seed in the
ground that didn't grow? Ninety-nine percent of mold
spores are non-viable.
Professionals use spore traps.
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You can't kill mold with excessive heat and cold.
Mold spores can germinate between 32°F and
120°F.
Mold spores are dormant and not effected by
temperature when they are not growing.
Mold growth is accelerated at temperatures between
70°F and 90°F.
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Mothballs (1,4-Dichlorobenzene)
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Mothballs contribute to poor indoor air quality and
may be responsible for health complaints. As much as
95 to 100 percent of a typical mothball consists
of the chemicals 1,4-
Dichlorobenzene (para dichlorobenzene) and
naphthalene.
Upon breathing vapors for a few hours,
as much as 20% of these chemicals will get into the
bloodstream. Clothing stored with mothballs may
continue to emit para dichlorobenzene vapors long
after being removed from storage exposing those
who wear the clothing or spend time near such
clothing.
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If you have questions or concerns about mold, indoor
air quality or how your indoor environment may be
affecting your heath please contact us by phone or
email. Thank You!
Sincerely,
Dan Stih
Healthy Living Spaces LLC
phone:
(505) 992-9904 * toll free (877) 992-9904
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