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Why Test for Mold?
There area number of compelling reasons to test the air in a building where moisture damage may have occurred. There is also a scientific basis for testing visible mold - many times dark-colored toxigenic fungi hide underneath fungal growth that may appear grey, yellow or 
white in color. A swab sample of visible mold and air samples collected near visible moisture damaged materials will help determine if toxin-producing species are in the building, a finding that may require immediate action to protect the health of building occupants.
Mycotoxins are "natural products produced by fungi that evoke a toxic response when introduced in low concentrations to higher vertebrates by a natural route" (J.W. Bennett, Editorial, Mycopathologia 100:3-5, 1987)
"Systemic symptoms (of trichothecene mycotoxins) can develop with all routes of exposure and might include weakness, ataxia, hypotension, coagulopathy, and death" (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emergency Preparedness and Response)
Years ago, ESG investigators rarely isolated toxigenic fungi in samples that were analyzed by a lab for positive identification. Today, our investigators routinely isolate toxigenic fungi such as Stachybotrys, Chaetomium and Trichoderma in buildings throughout the southeastern United States. Perhaps this is due to increased temperatures, overuse of chemicals, growth into the suburbs - whatever the reason, toxigenic fungi are making their presence known. At the same time, we are witnessing significant increases in the number of individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia and other 'mystery' diseases.
Why should you consider ESG: 1) experience - over 1500 properties assessed for fungal material; 2) proven methodology - our methods are trusted by property owners, builders, school & government officials, doctors and attorneys; 3) cost-effective
- extensive readings for airborne particles and moisture reduces
guesswork, allowing us to collect samples when & where they will
provide conclusive results. This keeps sampling fees as low as
possible; 4) thoughtful investigators who are trained experts in identifying the issues leading to microbial growth; 5) expert communicators
- whether issuing a written report or speaking to a group of concerned
parents, ESG understands the importance of communicating the facts in
an understandable manner.
The following statement was published in the Journal of Asthma in April 2007:
"Stachybotrys is a relatively uncommon fungus but has been isolated from a variety of sources, including contaminated grains, tobacco, indoor air, insulator foams, and water-damaged buildings with high humidity. This fungus is particularly important because it is one of a series of fungi that produces trichothecenes mycotoxins; these mycotoxins are biologically active and can produce a variety of physiological and pathologic changes in humans and animals, including modulation of inflammation and altered alveolar surfactant phospholipid concentrations. The presence of Stachybotrys in a building does not necessarily imply a cause-and-effect relationship with illness, but should alert physicians and healthcare professionals to do more vigorous environmental testing."