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Mold - Causes, Consequences, Types
Molds are musty smelling members of the fungi kingdom that feed on organic materials and thrive in moist conditions. Since molds are universal, a wide variety and quantity of mold spores are present in the outdoor environment. These spores will get indoors through the natural ventilation that occurs in buildings and by riding on the surfaces of people and materials that enter the structure.
When mold spores encounter a hospitable environment they begin to grow. Their metabolic process produce gases that include volatile organic compounds (VOC's) and mycotoxins. These volatile organic compounds, mycotoxins and mold spores are always present outdoors, but their volume in proportion to the atmosphere is small. Indoors this ratio can be much higher, and these concentrated levels can cause illness, allergies and trigger asthma in some individuals.
Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are poisonous substances produced by fungi and can pose a serious health hazard. The mycotoxin produced can vary depending on the food source and growing conditions.
Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys a fungus of several strains (chartarum, ata, alternans) may cause trichothecene mycotoxin-Satratoxin H- which is poisonous through inhalation. A slow growing fungal, stachybotrys favors building materials with high cellulose content and low nitrogen content. Humidity of 55% and fluctuation temperatures are conditions for stachybotrys production.
Also Know as "Black Mold" or "Toxic Mold" (Stachybotrys)?
 
Increased media and public attention on mold has generated terms like "black mold" and "toxic mold". Both terms are more descriptive than scientifically valid and they tend to increase fear and anxiety. Mold is a very common problem and not typically life threatening. Claims have been made that exposure to these substances can cause severe health effects such as lung bleeding, memory loss, and lethargy, but these claims have not been scientifically substantiated.
Penicillium
Penicillium is commonly found in soil, food, cellulose and grains. In addition, can commonly be found in paints, carpet, wallpaper and fiberglass insulation duct. Penicillium is a common cause of extrinsic asthma, and hypersensitive pneumonitis, allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is found in many species, both good and bad. Bad aspergillus grows well on common building materials, causing Aflatoxins, Orchratoxins and Sterigmatoeystin toxins.
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