Mold cannot be identified by sight and there are thousands of species of mold. My job is the first step, which is to collect samples and have the lab analyze them.

There are some house plants more toxic than others. We believe that the best way to know is to maintain the name of the plant that you purchased attached on the outside of the vase. Please check this list before you bring your kitty to the hospital www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/ .

First of all, "toxic mold" is a bit of a misnomer. Mold itself is not toxic; however, some toxigenic molds ("toxic molds") produce poisons called mycotoxins, which can cause fatigue, nausea, headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. Stachybotrys mold, also known as black mold, has been known to cause fatal lung bleeding in infants when combined with environmental cigarette smoke.

The actual fungi and the mycotoxins the mold spores release can be toxic. Please see EPA & CDC links for more details.

You have probably heard a great deal about black mold or toxic mold. It is usually associated with Stachybotrys chartarum , a greenish-black mold that is often found after there has been persistent water damage.

The act of cleaning mold can increase the airborne spore level by ten-thousand times, which can result in severe illness and actually spread mold growth if done improperly. Such high levels of airborne mold spores warrant protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator. If you suspect you have toxic mold in your home, then you should consider hiring a professional mold remediation expert to clean up the mold and safely dispose of it.

Answer: The technical name is Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys alra) Sometimes referred to as stachy for short. It is a greenish-black mold. It can grow anywhere moisture occurs. Answer: These decisions have to be made individually. If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold, you should contact your physician to determine the appropriate action to take

First you should talk to experts, including a mold public adjuster. They can help you determine if the inspection cost will be covered by your insurance policy. They can also help you identify an expert who will be willing to testify against your insurance company, and who has the proper credentials to convince the mold insurance company that they are responsible for the type of damage you have in your property.

The term "toxic mold" is misleading. Molds may produce substances called mycotoxins that modify their environment. Some of these substances are useful as antibiotics; but others are potentially harmful, especially if eaten. However, there is little evidence that breathing mycotoxins in mold-contaminated buildings represents a health hazard.

No, there are many black-colored molds. For example, the black mold commonly found in bathrooms is not Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys can only be identified by mycologists (biologists that study fungi) through microscopic exam. See "Facts about Mold," New York City Department of Health, Environmental and Occupational Disease Epidemiology, February 2001.

Here are some signs to look out for, which can help to ascertain whether or not you have any mold in your home or workplace. Stains, on the ceilings and walls, are a very common sign that indicates the presence of mold. These stains are usually blue, black, or green in color. If your home has a musty odor, or a lingering scent of urine, which cannot be explained, then it could be due to mold. Having allergies that refuse to go away despite treatment, can be a sign of mold.

It is important to seek medical assistance to see whether your health has been harmed by toxic mold, and you should ensure that the problems has been highlighted with your landlord, employer, or anyone else that is responsible for the building in which the mold had been found. You should also seek legal representation from an experience toxic mold lawyer, as you may be eligible for compensation.