(AP) The apartment was dirty with mold. Insurance wouldn't settle. An OMG File.

Robert, That would make my hair stand on end too! Egads!

Wow - I wonder how long everyone was sick?

AP. Is that a killer, Robert, or just a thing to cause ongoing sickness?

Who did the initial report?

Robert I am afraid that both of those molds are very common in almost all indoor environments and a causal relationship between exposure to them and health has not been adequately documented in the scientific literature and has mostly been given a lot of bad press by those making money in mold testing and assessment.  Most cases of heath issues associated with molds in the indoor environment can more easily be attributed to cats, dust mites and other indoor pollutants---even in relation to the food we eat.  I can provide a ton of very good scientific evidence to support what I am saying if you would like me to link it here. It is only a VERY VERY small minority of people that truly react negatively to mold in the indoor environment---not all molds should be condemned and houses condemned because of a lack of good information.

Good morning Robert, an excellent post.  This is an issue that many agents are not informed of but need to be very aware of.  Thank you!

Robert,

This is one of those topics that gets people going. I tend to side on Charles side of things. If I remember correctly these are actually two different strains. Family Penicillium and family Aspergillus.

There are people who will be sensitive to these type of allergens. And repeated exposure can cause a more acute response.

Not to play down anyone who has effects from this exposure. But if you are sensitive to peanuts you need to stay away from them also.

There is also some evidence that suggest that just the damp environment, which mold grows, in itself can cause reactions in people.

As always the mold/mould is an indicator species of other issues that need to be addressed.

Aspergillus and Penicillium are two different species of mold. I don’t believe there is an Aspergillus penicillium, although there is an Aspergillus penicilloides.

Many molds are quite valuable to us, either in food production or in medical research. Penicillium molds are used in the production of many cheeses, such as Roquefort.

Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus clavatus are the most problematic for humans.

Being allergic or sensitive to mold is no different from being allergic or sensitive to pollen, cat dander, or anything else. Take care of yourself and your home!

The basic theory here, based on the Northwest Clean Air Agency, the state agency which deals with mold in the region, is to clean up mold when you find it. Very rarely do they suggest testing for a species of mold. What might cause a reaction in one person has no impact on another. Therefore, unless suggested by an M.D. who is testing for allergies in a given person, if you see you got mold, they say to get rid of it and the conditions that caused it -- high moisture or lack of ventilation. Unfortunately, the whole matter of mold has been elevated to a sideshow atmosphere by a few companies, many of whom are not even licensed, who offer cheap mold inspections and know they can make big bucks off remediation, often not required or done poorly, with their business fueled by encouraging public hysteria in the media.

Wasted money for an air quality report with no comprehensive explanation.  Wonderful.