Dr Jackson Kung'u- Mold Specialist

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Dr. Jackson Kung’u (PhD)- Mold Specialist.
Phone: 905-290-9101
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On-site Mold Identification

MBL is an industry leader in providing on-site mold sample analysis and support services. Our unmatched experience and knowledge of indoor mold provide benefits achieving successful project completion, or emergency resolution in a cost effective and timely manner. On-site mold sample analysis provides our clients instant results that are crucial in making decisions effectively. Being able to make informed and accurate decisions in critical situations is only one of the benefits that are realized by on-site analysis.

For details on on-site mold identification please visit http://www.moldbacteria.com/onsite-mold-testing-services.html.

Mould Growth

Dampness and mould growth are recognised as major problems affecting a
significant proportion of houses in the North America. Apart from health problems associated with dampness and mould growth, wood decay is also significant problem.

Mould growth in houses is unsightly. But most important, there is considerable evidence to support the view that mouldy housing has a detrimental effect on the health of occupants residing in such environments. This is a cause for concern, considering that many individuals spend most of their time indoors especially during winter. Respiratory problems and allergic reactions are the common health problems associated with mould. Generally, indoor moulds affect people through inhalation of airborne spores. High levels of airborne spores may occur due to growth of mould on walls and furnishings.

Requirements For Mould Growth
Requirements for mould growth in buildings include:

  • nutrients: found in the materials which make up or are deposited on indoor surfaces
  • oxygen. Like most other living things, common indoor moulds require air (oxygen) for growth.
  • suitable temperature (around 25 degrees Celcius)
  • moisture: the relative humidity (RH) at a surface is the best indicator of moisture available for mould growth.

In most cases, mould growth in homes is caused by condensation. Condensation in buildings occurs where moist air meets a cold surface. For example if air meets cold water pipes, window glasses or other cold surfaces and is cooled below its dew point temperature, the vapour close to the surface becomes saturated and excess vapour turns to liquid.

There are two types of condensation:

  • Surface condensation. Surface condensation occurs at the surface of the material.
  • Interstitial condensation. Interstitial condensation occurs inside a material. If vapour passes through porous building materials and the dew point temperature occurs within that material then the vapour will condense. Interstitial condensation is responsible for mould growth in building envelopes.

The major factors influencing condensation in buildings include:

  • Moisture production from sources inside the building. Moisture sources include respiration, cooking, washing and drying of clothes.
  • Air and structural temperatures
  • Ventilation. Proper ventilation helps to reduce condensation. 

Obama and Health

The lead Editorial in this week’s edition of the Lancet focuses on health as a symbolic uniting force for President-elect Barack Obama’s new administration. It says: “Health system strengthening must be a top priority for the new administration if 46 million uninsured US residents are to have access to health care. Obama’s plans to offer a range of payment choices, his commitment to ensure that all children have health insurance, and the requirement that insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions are positive steps towards an inclusive health system. In addition, Medicaid and Medicare must be rebuilt, reinforced, and fully supported,” and adds: “It was encouraging to hear UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown say at last week’s international conference on the Social Determinants of Health in London that Barack Obama is committed to tackling domestic and global inequality.”

For full text, see:

“Obama and Health – Change Can Happen.”
The Lancet, November 15th, 2008. Vol. 372 No. 9651 p 1707
Click here to read Full Editorial online
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Unique Mold Training Course

A Unique Mold Training Course

The primary objective of the mold training course is to provide course participants with skills and background information to enable them Recognize Indoor Mold, Design Effective Sampling Strategies, Interpret Laboratory Results and Understand the Current Mold Guidelines.
Mold Training Course Materials
The MBL Mold Training Course provides insight into the causes of mould growth and control, the most important indoor moulds, including important species of Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Cladosporium, Mucor, Rhizopus, Alternaria and Scopulariopsis and also mycotoxins that may occur in an indoor environment.

Participants will learn in detail the methods used to investigate mould growth in buildings, types of samples as well as how to interpret laboratory results. The mold course provides a basic understanding of the biology of moulds.

If you have been considering attending a similar course, don’t delay in registering as we have limited spaces! Click Booking Calendar to book for the course.

Diesel from fungi?

A tree fungus, called Gliocladium roseum, has been found to produce a volatile gas similar to diesel. The fungus is able to breakdown cellulose in plant material, under limited oxygen, directly into diesel. The strain producing diesel was discovered by Dr Gary Strobel, a professor at Montana State University. Dr Strobel uses the term “myco-diesel”. Dr Strrobel believes myco-diesel could be an option for those who want alternatives even to ethanol.

For more details visit the Science Daily Website