What is the difference between a mold and a fungus? What is a spore?
Molds, mildews, and yeasts are various types of fungi. It is estimated that 25% of all children and up to 10% of adults are allergic to various fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys. Spores can travel through the air and colonize distant sites. HVAC systems are the primary way in which molds and fungi spread and disseminate. How does mold get indoors? It travels through the natural ventilation that occurs in homes and buildings and by riding on the surfaces of people and materials that enter these structures. Every time a door opens mold spores will enter the structure. Molds only require moisture and a food source to establish colonies and reproduce. They feed on drywall, paper, and wood or simply dust. Only a short period of high humidity is necessary to begin the growth of these ever present mold spores What are some of the common Indoor Molds? The three most common indoor molds are Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Stachybotrys: Aspergillus: This mold can be seen in
