Mold

What can influence mold growth?

Relative humidity, airtight structures, and incorrectly cleaned areas where mold has already infested.

black mold

a common name usually associated with statchybotrys chartroom

hygrometer

a device used to measure relative humidity

what is mildew?

a fungus causing discoloration of an underlying, porous material

mold

a group of organisms that belong to the kingdom of fungi

fungi

a kingdom that is neither plant nor animal, includes mold and yeast

significantlly high

a level of old growth that is 10 times higher in a suspect area compared to a non-suspect area, based on the indoor environmental standards organization (so) standards for air sampling.

mold inspector

a person who conducts mold inspections

stachybotrys

a species of mold that inhabits materials rich in cellulose, needs constant moisture to grow, and is capable of producing mycotoxins

allergen

a substance that elicits an IgE antibody response and is responsible for allergic reactions

substrate

a surface on which an organism grows or is attached

grout

a thin mortar used to fill cracks and crevices in masonry

microbe

a very tiny form of life-microbes include bacteria, fungi, and protozoan parasites-best visualized under a microscope

mold inspection report

a written evaluation prepared and issued by a residential mold inspector upon completion of a mold inspection

what is the primary purpose of mold?

acting as natures decomposers by breaking down dead matter.

toxigenic fungi

fungi that can produce mycotoxin

infestation

inhabited or overrun in numbers large enough to be harmful, threatening, or obnoxious.

microbial growth

the organic material found during an inspection that is thought to be mold or fungus and may require laboratory analysis

Mold remediator

the person responsible for removing mold from contaminated areas

mycelium

the vegetative part of fungus

remediate

to fix the problem. this includes fixing moisture problems, and the cleaning and replacements of damaged materials

Mold can be one cause of sick building syndrome

true

Mold can grow virtually anywhere.

true

fungus will grow into wood

true

stachybotrys mold is a toxic type of mold

true

3 main risks of mold

1: excessive wood damage 2: possible allergen source 3: some can release my cottons

HEPA Filter

High Efficiency Particulate Air: a filter that removes more than 99.7% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, which often includes harmful bacteria and other microbial particles from the air.

MVOC

Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds: chemicals produces by fungus as a result of their metabolism

mold remediator

a person who is responsible for removing mold from contaminated environments

conidiophores

a specialized fungul hypha that produces conidia

dry rot

an event that could cause severed damage to a home due to moisture being transferred by vine-like branches called rhizomorphs

mold inspection

an official examination of property to determine the degree of severity of mold levels inside the home

hyphae

any of the thread like filaments forming the mycelium of a fungus

microbiology

branch of biology that deals with microorganisms and their effects on other living organisms

biocide/fungicide

chemicals that limit the growth of or kill. microorganisms such as fungi.

salt is the best natural enemy of mold

false: borate is the best natural enemy of mold

It is necessary to identify the type of mold present

false: it is not necessary

mold is easy to get rid of

false: mold can be difficult to get rid of

mold can easily be identified by sight alone.

false: mold cannot be identified by sight alone

mold can be allowed to grow with no ill effects

false: mold should not be allowed to grow, as it can lead to various health problems

if toxic mold is found, anyone can remove it

false: only trained professionals should remove toxic mold

what are spores?

microscopic cells that are the molds way of forcing new colonies

fruiting bodies

mushroom-like growths on rotten wood, on the underside of flooring, or on a cabinet

toxic mold

not a scientific term. technically, only the by products of molds have the potential to be toxic

rhizomorphs

root like structures that are characteristics of many fungi.

bulk sample

samples of the material affected by microbial growth submitted to a lab for analysis, this may include a piece of fabric, a section of carpet or building material.

allergic symptoms

signs of an allergic reaction to mold

bacteria

single-celled organisms that lack chlorophyll and reproduce by fission

tape lift

tape lift sampling is used to gather visible mold present on a surface for lab analysis. it is dine using a few inches of clear tape lightly adhered to the affects surface. the tape is then carefully peeled off and placed into a plastic bag, tape lift samples can be collected from walls, furniture, or any other surface where mold is present.

colonization

the act or process of forming a colon or colonies

humidity

the amount of water vapor present in the air

air sampling

the collection of air borns microbial contaminants

air sampling

the collection of air borns microbial contaminants that may impact product spoilage, product safety and human health

condensation

the collection of moisture due to differences in temperature

mycotoxin

the compounds produced by some fungi that are toxic to humans and animals

who are more vulnerable to mold spores?

the elderly, children, people with respiratory problems or compromised immune systems.

spore

the general term for a reproductive structure in fungi, bacteria, and some plants

tobacco smoke may be toxic to mold and mold spores

true

hidden mold

visible mold growth that is not easily seen

what does mold need in order to grow?

water, food and the right temperature