PowerBees  was contacted to perform a microbial analysis in Belmont, MA.  The tenant had rented this third level apartment within this multi-unit building (built in the early 1900’s) for approximately one year. The roof of the building was in the process of being replaced. The tenant reported active water leaking through her ceiling starting approximately one month prior to testing. The contracters reportedly removed a small section of plaster from bedroom ceiling adjacent to the kitchen in the tenant’s unit.  A large section of plaster from the kitchen ceiling was also removed in the hopes that the removal would assist with the dry-out.  There was no reported use of dehumidification.  On the day prior to testing, contractors removed sections of the wall, a larger area of plaster from the kitchen and the plaster around doorway separating the kitchen from the living room exposing wet framing and masonry. The water damaged framing was left exposed and the ceiling was covered loosely with plastic. Visible microbial growth was identified on large portions of the water damaged framing.  The tenant had reported a noticeable increase in respiratory related symptoms over the last month.  Concern was expressed about the possibility of microbial growth from the prior water intrusion, its affect on the air quality and the potential impact on the tenant’s health.

Upon receiving the results from our laboratory, Stachybotrys was identified in the tenant’s samples. Stachybotrys is considered particularly dangerous in any amount. It is believed that the presence of this extremely toxic mold may be responsible for the tenant’s health issues.

Recently,  PowerBees was contacted to perform a Mold testing analysis of a property in Stow.  The customer and his family have been living in this single family house (built in 1947) for the last fifteen years. The customer reported a musty odor on the first level of his home in an entry off the kitchen and in the office area within the kitchen.  The odor appeared to be coming from two adjacent crawlspaces below.  The customer indicated that he the odor was noticeable in the basement as well. The customer stated that although the partially finished basement does not have a history of significant flooding, approximately one month ago after returning from being away for several days, the humidity was noticeably higher in the basement and the pungency of the musty odor had increased. The dehumidifier was reportedly shut off during the family’s absence.  In an effort to reduce the odor, the customer sprayed a commercially available “mister” in the crawlspaces.  However, the misting was not a functional solution. Concern was expressed over the air quality and the possible impact on his family’s health, although there had been no reported health issues at the time.

Three non-viable air samples were taken at the property.  One air sample was taken in main crawlspace, a second air sample was taken from the kitchen/office and a third air sample was taken outside.  The results from the samples showed high levels of airborne Penicillium / Aspergillus spores in the main crawlspace and slightly elevated Penicillium / Aspergillus levels in the kitchen/office. Stachybotrys was also found in the basement, although only 1 raw count or 53 counts/m³ was identified on the slide.

A minor mold problem was detected and PowerBees contacted in early July in the town of Foxboro, MA.  The homeowners and their small children are currently living in the colonial style home build approximately 85 years ago.  The clients have occupied the property since 1997.  One of the residents became concerned after noticing an odor on the first level kitchen.  The odor was intermittent during the summer but reportedly worsened in the last few weeks.  There was no reported history of significant flooding.  They recently converted from oil to gas heat and had both the chimney and old furnace removed.  The partially finished basement consists of old plywood paneling and new sheetrock in a recently partitioned office.   They expressed concern about possible microbial growth in the basement and requested that mold testing be conducted.  The results from the samples showed high levels of airborne Penicillium/Aspergillus spores in the basement.

After a mold problem was discovered, the residents of a property in Medfield, MA, a PowerBees inspector was deployed to perform mold testing.  The owner reported a musty odor in a rear hallway and reported allergy symptoms commonly associated with exposure to mold spores, e.g., congestion and sinus issues.  Concern was expressed about the possibly colonization of mold in the back hallway and a bedroom closet located in the basement.  This five story town house experienced water intrusion into the first and second levels during the March rains.  The water came in mostly through the window casings and framing, mostly in the 2^nd level living room a second level bathroom. Water also came in through the window casings in the kitchen, where defective flashing is likely responsible. Additionally, there was a report of water intrusion into a basement bedroom closet.  Eight non-viable air samples were taken at the property.  The first air sample was taken in a rear entrance hall. There were high Penicillium / Aspergillus counts in this area. A second air sample was taken in a closet, where the Penicillium / Aspergillus levels were slightly elevated. The third air sample was taken in the Front hallway near the stairway – and the spore counts were normal. A fourth air sample was taken in the kitchen where the Cladosporium counts were high.  A fifth air sample was taken in the office, where the Cladosporium count was slightly elevated. A sixth air sample was taken in the living room, and the counts came back as normal. A seventh air sample was taken in the master bedroom. Again, the Cladosporium counts were slightly elevated.  An eighth air sample was taken outside. There was a preponderance of Penicillium / Aspergillus in the lower part of the house (rear entrance hall and basement area) while there was higher levels of Cladosporium in kitchen, bedroom and office.  Both spore groups are commonly associated with indoor water damage, and the elevated counts in the office may be a result of the higher counts in the kitchen, which is in close proximity.

PowerBees was recently contacted to perform mold testing in a home in Brookline.  The client and her children have been sick recently with headaches and nausea.  There had apparently been carbon monoxide in the house.  The children’s physician suggested that mold spores may be playing a factor in their degraded health as well.  The homeowner reported a history of plumbing leaks at the property and possible leaks around the chimney, which were noticed during recent repairs to the chimney. One of the plumbing leaks had been from an upstairs laundry room into a lower level bathroom. The homeowner also stated that she uses air purification systems to filter out contaminants.  Two non-viable air samples were taken at the property.  One air sample was taken in the basement family room, a second air sample was taken from the 1^st level hallway.  The results from the samples showed normal levels of airborne spores in the lower level family room and 1^st level hallway.