 |
Basic Fungal Biology For Homeowners And Mold Inspectors
Author: Daryl Watters  | Posted: 13-05-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 10 | Rating: (51)  (?) 
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms, which means unlike bacteria they all have true cells with at least one nucleus in the cell and that nucleus is inside a nuclear membrane. The other cell organelles also are in membranes. Fungi are not photosynthetic like plants; thus, they cannot make their own food using sunlight and carbon dioxide like plants.
But like bacteria and plants, the fungi have rigid cell walls, and like bacteria and some primitive plants (Mosses, liverworts, and ferns), molds produce spores for reproduction.
Fungi can be microscopic, one-celled organisms, such as yeasts, or large macroscopic organisms, such as giant mushrooms.
According to the fifth kingdom (a popular mycology textbook) here are one hundred thousand known fungi species; there may be as many as 1 to 1.7 million species of fungi if we include estimated numbers of fungi not yet discovered. During a mold inspection service investigation, only a dozen or so different types are typically encountered.
Fungi are saprophytes. In other words, they release enzymes onto the substrate which they are growing in order to dissolve and eat that substrate. They share this characteristic with bacteria. In nature, two of mold's favorite foods are moist dead wood and soil rich with decaying organic matter. During a mold inspection, we find that most molds will grow on drywall paper found on both surfaces of wet drywall. The reason for this is that drywall paper is made of one of molds favorite foods, wood.
Some fungi are infectious, growing inside or on other living things. Some of the fungi cause ring worm, athlete's foot, Candida yeast infections, valley fever, and most common sinus infections.
A few infectious fungi have the ability to grow as a fuzzy white decay fungus or (saprophyte) at room temperature. The same molds will grow as a disease causing yeast-like pathogen when incubated at body temperature. These fungi are called dimorphic which means two body types and they can result in serious and sometimes fatal illness when growing in the human body in its infectious yeast form. These fungi are not typically found or identified during a mold inspection service investigation. Most are found in pigeon or starling bird droppings, or in bat droppings, other types live in dry soils of the South Western U.S. and South America.
It appears that in order to keep from being eaten, various types of fungi produce toxic chemicals known as mycotoxins. We know of at least 200 types of mycotoxins. Toxic molds containing mycotoxins are very dangerous or even deadly to humans and livestock when eaten in moldy foods.
When you feel sick because of mold in your home, it is not likely to be from mycotoxins. It is usually an allergic reaction or asthmatic reaction. Molds cause many minor and many serious allergy and asthma problems. Please see your doctor for verification. Why do molds cause allergies? Molds produce proteins that many people and even pets' immune systems see as an invading pathogen, the immune system over reacts to these harmless mold proteins attempts to get rid of them or destroy them, and as a result your own bodies immune system makes you feel sick. It is a fact that many persons die each year in America from asthma attacks.
Mycotoxins (being large, low-volatile chemicals) do not readily evaporate into the air, and antigens (being proteins) obviously are not likely to evaporate either; thus, one has to breathe in mold spores or other mold parts to have an allergic reaction to fungi. One typically has to eat fungi-contaminated food to be poisoned by mycotoxins. Breathing in very large amounts of spores in industrial settings or during mold removal may result in organic toxic dust syndrome with flu-like symptoms.
Long term exposure to fungi, bacteria, or thermophilic actinomycets (a cross between fungus and bacteria), may result in hypersensitivity pneumonia, a type of industrial-strength allergic condition with possible pneumonia-like symptoms.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/basic-fungal-biology-for-homeowners-and-mold-inspectors-146723.html
About the Author:Daryl Watters has a bachelors degree in education for teaching biology and general science and is a certified mold inspector, certified home inspector, and certified indoor environmentalist providing building inspections in South Florida since 1993. For more information visit http://www.floridamoldinspectors.us http://www.florida-mold-inspection.com
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means to drive traffic to your website and promote yourself and your business. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Mold Allergy And Other Mold Related Health Issues
By: Daryl Watters | 06/05/2007 | Home Improvement
MOLD ALLERGY
The leading cause of health problems associated with mold is the common mold allergy. Many who believe they are being poisoned by toxic molds are actually experiencing a mold allergy. Allergenic responses to molds as well as to other bio-allergens such as dust mite allergens, cat and dog allergens,...
Three Deadly Sins That Can Ruin a Mold Case
By: Jonathan Cooper | 23/07/2008 | Law
This article discusses the importance of appropriate mold testing and allergy testing to mold claims from the vantage point of the property owner and the personal injury plaintiff.
Moisture and Mold
By: Virginia Wherland | 29/08/2008 | DIY
Much moisture can be floating around in the atmosphere of a home in the winter. This could be because millions of us have switched from the occasional log fire in our living room fireplace to the occasional gas fire - either natural gas or propane. But it could also be because mold is always with us - just waiting for the environment to become perfectly moist so that it can move in quietly and unannounced.
Ami Air Purifiers
By: tom oconnor | 13/10/2008 | Wellness
AMI Services is raising the bar for indoor air quality and water quality. We are offering reliable air quality and water quality test kits along with one of the best air purifiers on the market that incorporates 7 technologies into one unit for one of the safest and most reliable air purifiers available.
Mold Testing – How to Test your Home or Business for Mold
By: Deborah Gordon | 02/02/2007 | Home Improvement
If you are experiencing low air quality or have noticed water stains or recurring leaks in your home or office building, it is important that you have samples tested for mold. While most mold types are not harmful, increased levels of mold and certain types of mold can exacerbate allergies and lead to more serious respiratory conditions. If you have decided to test your mold, there are two approaches that you can choose.
Seven Reasons You Might Need Mold Testing
By: Eliza | 16/10/2008 | Interior Design
Think you don’t need mold testing? You might reconsider after reading about these common mold concerns. Here are the top reasons you might need mold testing and no even know it.
Fungal Infection Of The Lungs
By: Daryl Watters | 09/05/2007 | Home Improvement
The most common type of mold encountered by certified mold inspectors are penicillium and aspergillus, These two genera (large groups of closely related types) each has has nearly 200 species.
Because penicillium and aspergillus spores look the same under the microscope both groups are lumped together in lab reports and simply...
5 Things You Should Know About Indoor Air Quality (iaq) and the Associated Health Risks
By: Morgan Tyler | 29/10/2008 | Wellness
The air in our home environment can be more polluted than that of the outdoors. The gravity of the health risks is too great to not test your air. Knowing some of the health issues associated with your air quality will allow you to take action and put you back on the path to healthier living.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Home Improvement Articles
Blinds and Their Uses in Interior Design
By: Donald Donaldson | 18/11/2008
A look at the sheer variety of blinds available on the market today and how homeowners can use them as a stylish and elegant window covering.
Blinds, and especially the vertical variety are an excellent window covering for all types of room; they offer a practical and versatile solution to blocking...
Remodeling Safety Tips
By: Tim Sousa | 18/11/2008
If you plan on remodeling your kitchen, you may be considering hiring a contractor for the project. On the other hand, you may plan on taking on the job yourself. That's fine, many people choose to remodel their kitchens themselves. You'll have more control over the remodeling project, and will...
Quick and Easy Upholstery Cleaning Tips
By: Eliza | 18/11/2008
Does the idea of a soggy sofa leave you wishing for other alternatives to hiring Fort Worth upholstery cleaners? Considered cashing in the piggy bank to purchase a new couch?
Easy DIY Flooring Projects - All About Tiles
By: Jim Ames | 18/11/2008
Whether the location is your bathroom, the kitchen, the sunroom or any other area of the home, tiles can be a great flooring option. They're durable and attractive. They can last a lifetime or more and still provide beauty to an important part of the room. For the do-it-yourselfer, tiles...
All About Thermostats
By: Erin Lynn | 18/11/2008
Many people have thermostats in their homes but how exactly to they work? Learn not only how they work, but how they help!
Get the 'no-destruction' Solution for Pipe Lining and Pipe Restoration
By: sheenaedwards | 18/11/2008
Tankless hot water heaters are the preferred water heating system utilized by a large group of consumers, home builders, business owners and installers.
Drain Lining is a process in which a pipe is placed within the existing damaged pipe with special epoxy resins.
The energy-efficient home tankless hot water heater is the right and affordable solution to save energy, while still getting hot water anytime.
Replacing Asphalt Shingle Roof
By: Eugene Makeev | 18/11/2008
Replacing asphalt shingle roof is not even close to easy with the ample expertise and skills needed to make a success out of it. If you do not have any of the two nor the safety equipment and guts to support you in your climb and work while on the steep roof, then you better let the qualified pros handle this for you.
Techniques for Hydrostatic Test
By: vineet | 18/11/2008
Leaks in pressure yacht such as pipelines, plumbing, etc can be found with one of the most ordinary methods knows as hydrostatic test. In short it is utilized to test mechanisms for leaks by pressurizing them within with a liquid. This testing technique can be utilized or tested on piping, tanks, valves and containers with fused or fixed sections.
More from Daryl Watters
Hidden House Mold Problems
By: Daryl Watters | 31/05/2008 | Home Improvement
We humans have a lot more in common with molds than we realize.
1. Molds enjoy the same indoor temperatures that humans enjoy
2. Like humans they thrive in home environments that provide protection from intense direct ultra violet sunlight.
3. They share our taste in building materials, we like drywall and wood...
Humidity Testing And Mold Problems In Hot Humid Climates
By: Daryl Watters | 27/05/2007 | Home Improvement
In hot humid climates, such as are encountered in tropical and sub tropical regions around the world proper humidity testing and control can be crucial to properly understanding and solving a mold problem.
In fact many coastal homes in Florida and the South East experience mold problems in the absence of...
Toxic Mold Testing Procedures
By: Daryl Watters | 27/05/2007 | Home Improvement
During a typical mold investigation, one of the inspectors our first steps is to interview the client to determine specific details in regards to any known mold problems, any health complaints, or any known changes or defects at the subject property that may have resulted in mold or moisture problems.
Next,...
Mold Inspection Tips For Homeowners
By: Daryl Watters | 14/05/2007 | Home Improvement
I once received a call from a potential mold inspection client who feared that she may have hidden mold in her walls. She was concerned about possible hidden mold because a mold inspector told her that the ants observed in her property were a very likely sign of hidden "house...
Can Rats, Chemical Odors, Or Even Stress, Cause Mold Like Health Reactions In Homeowners And Office Workers?
By: Daryl Watters | 12/05/2007 | Home Improvement
Mold is and always has been a major contributor in building related illness. I have seen many clients who were ill as the result of living with mold. However, one must not overlook the possibility of other contributing factors such as cigarette smoke, non mold related bio-allergens such as cat...
Carbon Monoxide Carbon Dioxide And Volatile Organic Compounds
By: Daryl Watters | 12/05/2007 | Home Improvement
Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas that is 250 times better at binding with hemoglobin in blood cells than is oxygen. If inhaled carbon monoxide will cause adverse health effects starting with dizziness, light headiness, shortness of breath, and nausea, exposure may also lead to sleepiness coma and death all...
Warning!!! Deadly Swimming Molds
By: Daryl Watters | 09/05/2007 | Home Improvement
Invades crops causes billions in lost revenues and millions starve to death.
Ok the title is a bit over the top but in a round about way it is true. Many swimming molds live in and swim through the thin film of water on wet plant leaves and ruin many important...
Fungal Infection Of The Lungs
By: Daryl Watters | 09/05/2007 | Home Improvement
The most common type of mold encountered by certified mold inspectors are penicillium and aspergillus, These two genera (large groups of closely related types) each has has nearly 200 species.
Because penicillium and aspergillus spores look the same under the microscope both groups are lumped together in lab reports and simply...
|
|
Home Improvement 
