QuickToxTM Kit for Stachybotrys and Aspergillus niger black, green, or brown spores covering the mat. Contents of Kit – 2 sample cups, 2 swabs, 1 bottle extraction 5. Use the swab to collect the mold. Collect at least a thumbtack size solution, 2 test strips. amount of mold for testing. Collecting too much mold (completely covering the entire swab) may clog the test strip and invalidate the INSTRUCTIONS – Please read carefully before beginning the tests. test. Collecting too little (less than a pinhead) may not provide enough If you have any questions regarding the test, check our web site at : material to be detected and result in a false-negative result. www.envirologix.com/moldtest or call us at 1-866-860-MOLD (6653). 6. Place the swab head containing the mold sample into the extraction The web site also has information and links to useful materials on solution in the sample cup. Carefully twirl the swab to extract the molds, cleanup, health impacts and other related topics. mold sample. The sample should be a cloudy or grayish-black liquid. If the extract is a slimy paste, too much sample was collected and the This test is intended for use by homeowners to rapidly Intended Use: mold should be re-collected with less material. You will also need to identify areas of suspected mold contamination for the presence of Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus niger spores. Until now, no tests discard the solution and add another 15 drops of extraction solution. have been available to identify these potentially toxic mold spores If the extract is clear, insufficient material was collected and more mold sample should be added to the sample cup. on-site, without laboratory culturing and microscopy or DNA analysis. 7. While holding the cup, press the swab against the sample cup to Applicability: This test is designed to obtain, extract, and test obvious remove excess liquid and discard the swab (see step 14). mold growth at the levels typically found on contaminated environmental samples, such as dry wall, ceiling tiles, and carpets. This rapid test is capable 8. Open the foil pouch containing the QuickTox™ Test Strips by tearing of detecting Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus niger at levels as low the seal at the indented edge. Remove one strip. Reseal the pouch. as 100,000 spores per milliliter (spores/mL) of extraction solution for 9. Place the strip into the sample cup with the arrows pointing down. Stachybotrys chartarum and 5,000,000 spores/mL for Aspergillus niger. The end with the arrows should be in the liquid. The mold can be sampled from a variety of materials that do not interfere 10. Let the test run for 5 minutes. with the test including dust, dirt, soot, paper covered gypsum dry wall, 11. Shortly after placing the strip in the liquid, you should see a pinkish ceiling tiles, carpet, cardboard, joint compound (wet and dry), spackling liquid traveling up the test strip towards the absorbent pad at the top. paste (wet and dry), wood, paint chips, linoleum, transparent tape, soot, When the liquid reaches the control line area, a pink line should and foam pipe insulation. develop. This indicates the test is properly functioning. If before 5 minutes the liquid stops flowing, the liquid in the cup dries up, or the All molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce strip is clogged and a control line does not develop, the test is invalid allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some and must be run again. cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).1 12. After the test has run for 5 minutes, remove the strip from the cup The more serious health problems have been associated with the toxic and read the test. greenish-black mold, Stachybotrys atra (chartarum).3 Aspergillus niger is one of the species of Aspergillus commonly found in the environment that 13. If you wish to keep the test strip, cut off the bottom part of the strip. can cause allergic reactions and pulmonary infection.4 It is usually a white This is the end that is solid blue with the arrows. or yellow mold covered with a dense layer of black spores. 14. Place used samples, cups, swabs, and any other contaminated materials in a plastic bag; close tightly and throw away. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. Mold exposure can irritate the Interpretation: eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.1 These effects depend on: POSITIVE = 2 Lines an individual’s sensitivity or allergies; A pink test line and a pink control line is a positive result for Stachybotrys the type, duration, and amount of mold exposure; and chartarum. the general health and age of the affected individual. A grey, brown, or black test line and a pink control line is a positive result Certain molds, including Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus niger, for Aspergillus niger. may produce potent toxins (mycotoxins) that have been reported to yield human health effects ranging from skin rash to immune system suppression, A positive test line means you have Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus acute or chronic liver damage, acute or chronic central nervous system niger at the sample location, at levels detectable with this test. damage, endocrine effects, and cancer.2 Although there are as yet no federal limits on mold or mold spores, your Specificity and Cross Reactivity: risk of exposure to these molds and their potential for producing harmful toxins will be greatly reduced by removing them from your home. This test does not distinguish between toxic and non-toxic Stachybotrys chartarum varieties or Aspergillus niger species. This test will distinguish You should confirm the results, and gain advice on what should be done to Stachybotrys chartarum from Aspergillus niger and other Stachybotrys correct the problem, by contacting an experienced indoor air quality, species so far identified. environmental or remediation professional. The following molds have been tested with this kit at the concentrations If you have health concerns, consult a health professional. typically found on contaminated indoor materials and have been found to NEGATIVE = 1 Line cause no false positive results: Alternaria sp., Aspergillus flavus, No line in the test line area and a pink control line is a negative result. Chaetomium sp., Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., and Trichoderma sp. This means that, in the sample taken, Stachybotrys chartarum and The test may give a positive result with a sample containing Memnoniella Aspergillus niger molds are not detectable within the limits of this test. sp. (also a potentially toxic mold) at levels over 10,000,000 spores/mL. You may have them in lower concentrations, in other locations, or may Sample Collection: have other molds present in varying amounts. Collect samples from visible moldy areas according to the instructions A strong positive result may safely be interpreted in as little as 2 minutes below. Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands, do not get after sample addition. It is not safe, however, to conclude that a sample is mold or mold spores in your eyes, and do not breathe in mold or mold negative before a full 5 minutes has elapsed. A weakly positive sample spores. If you must disturb moldy areas in order to collect samples, use the may require the full 5 minutes for a distinct test line to appear. safety precautions identified in “Clean-up and remediation” below. In any case, you should clean up the suspected area (or have it cleaned up) Test Instructions: (refer to illustrations in the package) and be sure to fix any moisture problems. All molds can gradually destroy the things they grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and 1. Place the sample cup upright on a flat, firm surface. furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling 2. Add 15 to 20 drops of extraction solution to the sample cup. Do not moisture and eliminating mold growth.1 fill above the line approximately half way up the cup. As with all tests, it is recommended that results be confirmed by an 3. Open the package containing the cotton-tipped swabs and remove a alternate method when necessary. single swab, holding it by the wooden end. 4. Locate an area of obvious mold growth. Molds of concern typically appear as circular black, green, yellow, brown, or white “mats” with INSTRUCTIONS CONTINUE OTHER SIDE ------> Important Note: This test is only one tool to help understand LIMITED WARRANTY the nature of mold problems in your home, if any. It should be used EnviroLogix Inc. (“EnviroLogix”) warrants the products sold hereunder in further discussions with environmental and health professionals (“the Products”) against defects in materials and workmanship when used to determine your best course of action. It, alone, should not be used in accordance with the applicable instructions for a period of one year from for decisions about remediation or safety of the situation. THERE the date of shipment of the products or if shorter, for a period not to extend ARE NO FEDERAL REGULATIONS FOR ASSESSING beyond a product’s printed expiration date. If the Products do not conform to this Limited Warranty and the customer notifies EnviroLogix in writing WHETHER THERE IS A MOLD CONTAMINATION PROBLEM of such defects during the warranty period, including an offer by the customer IN AN AREA. However, it is generally agreed that ALL mold sites to return the Products to EnviroLogix for evaluation, EnviroLogix will repair should be cleaned up and water problems eliminated, to prevent or replace, at its option, any product or part thereof that proves defective in future mold growth and potential health hazards. materials or workmanship within the warranty period. Clean-up and Remediation: All molds, especially Stachybotrys, ENVIROLOGIX MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED require moisture to grow. The first step to removing mold growth is OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED eliminating the source of water and drying potential mold infestation sites. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A The EPA and other agencies suggest that mold sites under 10 square feet PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The warranty provided herein and the data, can be cleaned up by the homeowner using appropriate precautions which specifications and descriptions of EnviroLogix products appearing in include an “N-95 respirator” (face mask obtained in most hardware stores), EnviroLogix published catalogues and product literature are EnviroLogix’ gloves and goggles. For infestations greater than 10 square feet, they sole representations concerning the Products and warranty. No other recommend consulting an experienced professional. For further information, statements or representations, written or oral, by EnviroLogix’ employees, see the references at the end of this information. agents or representatives, except written statements signed by a duly authorized officer of EnviroLogix Inc., are authorized; they should not be Kit Storage: Store the kit at room temperature in a dry location. relied upon by the customer and are not a part of the contract of sale or of Note the expiration date on the kit package. this warranty. Kit Handling: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures may EnviroLogix does not warrant against damages or defects arising in shipping adversely affect the test results. Do not open the foil bag until ready to use or handling, or out of accident or improper or abnormal use of the Products; the test strips. Do not wet the strips. Avoid tearing, bending, or twisting against defects in products or components not manufactured by EnviroLogix, the strips. or against damages resulting from such non-EnviroLogix made products or Detection Limit: Stachybotrys chartarum at 100,000 spores/mL, components. EnviroLogix passes on to customer the warranty it received Aspergillus niger at 5,000,000 spores/mL. (if any) from the maker thereof of such non-EnviroLogix made products or components. This warranty also does not apply to Products to which changes Precautions: or modifications have been made or attempted by persons other than pursuant This test kit does not contain any toxins, molds, or known contaminants of to written authorization by EnviroLogix. mold origin. THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE. The sole and exclusive obligation of Do not use kit components after the expiration date. EnviroLogix shall be to repair or replace the defective Products in the manner and for the period provided above. EnviroLogix shall not have any other This kit is designed to screen for presence or absence only and is not meant obligation with respect to the Products or any part thereof, whether based to be quantitative. This test has been calibrated using the extraction solution on contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise. Under no circumstances, and procedure supplied with the kit. Use of other extraction solutions or whether based on this Limited Warranty or otherwise, shall EnviroLogix be procedures may invalidate the results of the test. Do not dilute the extraction liable for incidental, special, or consequential damages. solution or use samples not called for in the test procedure. This Limited Warranty states the entire obligation of EnviroLogix with While this test does not interfere with common materials supporting mold respect to the Products. If any part of this Limited Warranty is determined growth (ceiling tile, dry wall, etc.) it is impossible to ensure all such materials to be void or illegal, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect. will not cause false positive results. If in doubt, test a small amount of the material that is not visibly contaminated with mold as a “negative control”. License If the results are negative, it can be assumed the material does not interfere EnviroLogix has developed this kit using proprietary reagents and certain with the test and will not cause false positive results. other licensed reagents. This test is intended for testing samples collected from surface samples US Patent Application Serial No. 60/311,458 pending. only, such as building materials, furnishings, and building contents. It has not been validated for use on air samples, nor is it intended for or validated QuickTox, EnviroLogix, and the EnviroLogix logo are trademarks of for use as a human or animal diagnostic. EnviroLogix Inc. This is a screening test. It is not intended to replace an inspection by a licensed environmental testing professional or testing laboratory. Resources: To locate an indoor air quality, environmental testing, industrial hygiene or remediation specialist, check your local Yellow Pages under those or similar headings, or the following: AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association) Consultants List, searchable by specialty and state (paid listings): For technical support contact us at: http://www.aiha.org/ConsultantsConsumers/html/consultantslist.asp EnviroLogix Inc. Further information is contained on our web site at: www.envirologix.com/ 500 Riverside Industrial Parkway moldtest, including links to helpful detailed guides at the US Environmental Portland, ME 04103-1418 USA Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control, Federal Emergency Management Agency, or contact the Health, Environmental Health, Housing Toll Free: 1-866-860-MOLD (6653) or Social Services departments of your city or country government. References: e-mail: [email protected] 1 “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home” USEPA (EPA website: www.envirologix.com/moldtest 402-K-02-003) 2 “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” USEPA (EPA 402-K-01-001) 3 “Dealing with Mold & Mildew in Your Flood Damaged Home” US FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) 4 “Aspergillosis Technical Information” US CDC Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases © EnviroLogix 2003