Question: Is Aspergillus Penicillium spore count in the basement high? We have this smell in our house for some time. We have also arranged for the gas company to come to see if there is gas leak. Last week, we had an air sample taken from our house. The Aspergillus Penicillium reading from outside was 267 spores/m3 and the reading from the basement was 26,667 spores/m3. I do not know if these readings indicate any significance. Do you have any suggestions for the cause and solutions? Thank you … [Read more...]
Health Effects of Mold
September 23, 2011 by
All molds are potentially a health hazard. While majority of common molds are not a concern to individuals who are healthy, the health effects of most of the indoor molds are not known. Some symptoms associated with mold exposure are also highly controversial. Health effects of mold include: 1. infection; 2. allergic reactions (i.e., allergy); 3. mycotoxin poisoning. Infection Infection of healthy individuals by indoor molds is very rare. Occasionally, however, … [Read more...]
Mold Growth, Moisture, and Your Home
August 30, 2011 by
Moisture is one of the key requirements for mold growth in homes. There are different types of mold. Some molds require relatively very low levels of available moisture for them to grow. These types of mold are referred to as xerophilic and are likely to be found in almost every home. The common xerophilic fungi belong to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Wallemia. Some other molds require wet or highly damp prolonged conditions. These are referred to as hydrophilic ("water loving") … [Read more...]
Biodeterioration
November 2, 2008 by
Biodeterioration is a terminology used to describe any undesirable change in the properties of a material caused by the vital activities of organisms. Fungal growth requires suitable temperature, moisture and air (oxygen). Fungi are heterotrophs that acquire nutrients by absorption. They secrete hydrolytic enzymes (exoenzymes) and acids to decompose complex molecules into simpler ones that can be absorbed and used as nutrients. Hence, they are believed to be potential contributors … [Read more...]
Black Mold Growth In Buildings
September 18, 2008 by
The black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum, is the mold feared most by the general public. It's one of the molds used as indicators of moisture damage in a building. Black mold thrives on wet materials rich in cellulose. It's commonly isolated from soil and decaying plant matter such as straw. In buildings black mold is found growing on very wet gypsum board, wallpaper, cotton fabrics and textiles, and other materials containing cellulose. Unlike some other indoor molds such as Aspergillus … [Read more...]
Common Molds In Historic Buildings
September 7, 2008 by
Old, dusty and damp historic buildings provide perfect conditions for mold growth. In such buildings mold will be found growing on wall surfaces, the ceiling and on interior decorations. Before any restoration work, it's important to conduct a microbiological investigation to document the types of microorganisms present and their quantities. Some of the common molds in historic buildings include: Aspergillus niger Aspergillus flavus Aureobasidium pullulans Chaetomium … [Read more...]
