Mold - Aspergillus

Bulldog Cleaning & Restoration offers indoor air quality samples, most commonly to test and for mold. One of the most prevalent mold spore types shown in IAQ test results happens to be a strain called Aspergillus. 

When identifying mold types, its always important to know whether or not that particular spore type produces mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals that the mold spores will release into the air making anyone who breathes it in experience negative symptoms and health issues.

Aspergillus has a number of subspecies each with there own health associated risks if inhaled in large numbers. The most common is listed below. 

Aspergillus Niger - most common as it is found in nature. It can grow on almost anything. In indoor environments this mold type is usually white or yellow and grows on damp sheetrock or walls. 

Aspergillus Flavus - This produces mycotoxins that are carcinogenic which can contaminate food. Commonly green-yellow in color with a hint of brown.

Aspergillus Fumigatus - Most toxic strain of the Aspergillus family. If exposed, this can cause people to become allergic and hypersensitive to mold. Commonly grows on decomposing organic materials. Unlike other molds, Aspergillus Fumigatus can grow in temperatures as low as 68°F.

Aspergillus molds can affect your immune system and symptoms often include coughing up mucus or blood, wheezing, sepsis, fevers and a loss of appetite. Due to the severity of this common mold spore found in  air quality sampling, Bulldog takes special care during remediation to set up proper containment, hepa filtrate the affected rooms and place the entire work area under negative pressure. We use special hepa-filtrated equipment for clean-up and remediation and always work with our Clients health in mind. 

Aspergillus lives in oxygen-rich environments and feed off of carbon. This mold type is commonly seen growing on old bread in your kitchen. It can also be found in humidifiers and air conditioning units. If suffering from a water damage, you will likely see this mold type growing on the back of baseboards and walls. 

HVAC Duct Cleaning post remediation is particularly important. Mold spores are transferred through disruption of the colony, sending spores airborne to drift and spread throughout the property. These spores can end up inside your HVAC Ducts which act as a highway throughout your home and otherwise "unaffected" areas. 

For more information, HVAC Duct Cleaning, Mold Remediation or Water / Flood Clean-up & Restoration, give us a call! 844-MY-BULLDOG

Thank You,
Zachary Konell
Owner
Bulldog Cleaning & Restoration, LLC
"A Difference You Can See"
​844-MY-BULLDOG
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