Mold needs four basic components in order to grow and survive: a temperature range above 40 degrees F and below 100 degrees F, mold spores, a nutrient base, and moisture.

Molds produce tiny spores for reproduction. Spores penetrate through indoor and outdoor air continuously; they land on damp surfaces and begin growing and digesting whatever they land on in order to survive. Spores can prosper on wood, paper, carpet, soil, plants, and fabrics. Dirt on these surfaces can provide additional nutrients for spore growth. Moisture also plays a major part in mold growth; an increase in moisture will cause mold to grow excessively. To control and eliminate mold growth, moisture must be minimal.

Molds can be detrimental and beneficial, depending on the environment.
They are always unwelcome and unhelpful in homes. It causes staining and musty odors. Molds are detrimental to health; they cause eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. They can be poisonous if ingested or inhaled. Molds can be beneficial in some cases. They are helpful in decomposing organic matter and in increasing availability to plants.

There are many different kinds of indoor molds that thrive in different environments.

	Stachybotyrs: Stachybotrys, known as “toxic black mold” produces a gelatinous mass that dies after release; its dead spores are allergenic and toxigenic. It is a slow growing fungus that grows on building material with high cellulose content and low nitrogen content. It is rarely found outdoors and is difficult to find indoors unless it is physically disturbed.
	Alternaria: Alternaria produces spores that are dispersed by air currents and are a major component of outdoor air. It grows on carpets, textiles, horizontal surfaces, soil, seeds and plants. The spores are so large that they get deposited in the nose, mouth, and upper respiratory tract.
	Cladosporium: Cladosporium is typically a dark green or black mold that grows slowly. It is located both outdoors and indoors, but most commonly found on decaying plants.
	Aspergillus: Aspergillus forms multi-colored spores that are most commonly found in soil, plant debris, and house dust.
	Mucor: Mucor is a fast-growing colony with a white or gray color. It is common wherever any fungus grows.
	Penicillium: Penicillium is a dense-brush-like green spore, which is commonly found in food, a major problem. It is beneficial as the drug penicillin, and it is helpful in cheese production.
	Memnoniella: Memnoniella is a dry spore that gets carried by the wind. It is found indoors on many surfaces and utilizes cellulose efficiently. Like Stachybotrys, it is considered black mold and produces mycotoxins.

---

SOURCES:

American Air Testing—Memnoniella www.americanairtesting.com/memnoniella.htm

www.botany.utoronto.ca/ResearchLabs/MallochLabs/Malloch/Moulds

Oregon Public Health Services—Fact Sheet: About Household Molds www.ohd.hr.state.or.us/esc/docs/mold.htm

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/iaq/molds

www.stachbotrys.net