These are fungi belonging to various divisions and classes in the fungi kingdom. The term ‘mould‘ has no taxonomic meaning, but is used to describe many different semi-microscopic fungi.
The body of the mould is made up of many multicellular filaments or hyphae. The hyphae branch out in different directions and intertwine to form a mycelium that can be seen with the naked eye and is popularly known as a palisade.
The colour of the mould fungus is determined by the spores that form at the apex of the hyphae. The most common mycelium stains are black, grey, greenish or brown in various forms.
Table of contents
Types of mould fungi
The most common mould fungi found in our homes are Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Alternaria and Stachybotrys chartarum.
Black mould fungus
Stachybotrys chartarum, or black mould, is the most common mould found in living areas and causes serious health problems.
The moulds produce spores and volatile organic compounds that contaminate indoor air. As a result, mould has serious consequences for human health.
Mould also damages the walls and aesthetic appearance of the home. A specific and unpleasant odour is produced.
Mould fungus
Some of the most dangerous wood destroying fungi are the woodworm (Serpula lacrymans) and the wood-boring fungus (Coniophora puteana). These fungi break down the cellulose in wood over a long period of time, causing it to shrink.
This creates a life-threatening hazard as wooden buildings or structures begin to collapse.
To prevent mould fungi from invading a house or other premises, the most important task is to ensure that ventilation and humidity are properly maintained.
Mould mushroom
The yellow chafer (Penicillium chrysogenum) is used in the production of the antibiotic penicillin.
Roquefort peyote (P. roquefortii) is used for the maturation of fermented Roquefort cheese and for its specific flavour, and Camembert peyote (P. camembertii) is used in the production of Camembert cheese.
Various enzymes (amylases, lipases), organic acids (citric, succinic) and vitamins are produced industrially from the head (Aspergillus).
Together with yeast, the heads are used in the production of sake (a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice), and we would not have soy sauce without them.
Where can you find mould fungi?
Where can we find mould fungi? Mould spores spread easily and very quickly through the air, and even over the oceans we can find large concentrations of them.
It is this ability of spores to fly far and fast that makes mould fungi widespread and successful colonisers of a wide range of substrates.
There are around 300 000 species of mould fungi in nature. These fungi or parts of fungi are found everywhere: in the soil, in the air, in the water, on plants, animals and even on our clothes and shoes.
Our clothing and footwear are one of the ways in which the spores of these fungi enter our homes and other places. The spores also ‘fly in’ through open doors or windows. They can germinate at any time of the year under favourable conditions.
How are mould fungi formed?
The most important thing is to keep the room warm and humid. Initially, dark, small spots appear on walls or other surfaces favoured by moulds, and later, if conditions are favourable, these colonies expand.
Mould fungi can successfully colonise foodstuffs, wooden surfaces, plaster, concrete, gypsum and are able to spread well in areas where air is difficult to pass.
The most favourable conditions for mould to ‘live’ in our homes are therefore where it is warm, humid and poorly ventilated – showers, baths, around window sills, on walls with furniture pressed against them, in cellars.
It can cover cotton fabrics, old furniture and other surfaces made of cellulose.
What are the health and bodily harms of mould fungi?
Not all mould fungi are undesirable and harmful. Certain species that are suitable for consumption, such as the economically important fungi genera Aspergillus and Penicillium, are used in the production of antibiotics and enzymatic food products. But at the same time, we have a number of mould species that are harmful to our bodies.
The mould fungi Galvenia can also spoil food and feed. For example, the black head mould (A. niger), when introduced into animals or humans along with food or feed, causes various allergies, aspergillosis and mycotoxicoses due to the mycotoxins it produces, which can lead to oncological diseases.
The most common health effects of mould fungi are headaches, nervous irritability, fatigue, allergic reactions, cold symptoms, watery eyes, irritated skin, runny nose, cough, pneumonia, asthma attacks, irritation of the upper respiratory tract etc.
Harmful to the respiratory tract
Mould fungi, which are human pathogens, cause very serious respiratory, nervous and various organ diseases.
Mould fungi that enter the respiratory tract have been found to be the most dangerous, especially the black rose (Stachybotrys chartarum).
This fungus causes various lung disorders, immunological, neurological and oncological disorders. Mycotoxins released by black mould can become trapped between mucous membranes, become strongly attached in the lungs and sinuses, and cause severe burning sensations, breathing difficulties, bleeding and death.
Liver diseases
Also associated with mould fungi are various liver diseases caused by cattle, alimentary toxic aleukia caused by the Fusarium fungus and St. John’s wort. St. Anthony’s Fire and St. Anthony’s Fire St. Vitus’ Dance, which killed hundreds of people in the Middle Ages.
Allergens
One of the most common and widespread allergens is mould fungi. In the future, it is estimated that around 5% of people will experience respiratory allergic symptoms caused by moulds in their lifetime.
However, it should be remembered that it is not moulds outdoors, but indoor moulds that cause allergies.
Almost all allergic people have reactions to moulds that are limited to rhinitis or asthma. Sinusitis can occur as a secondary consequence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Asthma attacks
Asthma attacks are also more common in people who work in damp places. If mould colonies are detected in homes, schools, offices or other living or working spaces, mould should be eradicated by identifying and removing the source of moisture that supports its growth.
How to reduce the health damage caused by mould fungi?
To reduce the development of allergies and the onset or exacerbation of illnesses, you should avoid living in areas where moulds grow uncontrolled (e.g. in the basement of buildings), especially for children and the elderly, who are particularly susceptible to moulds in the respiratory tract.
Children who spend the first years of their lives in damp rooms have been found to be at higher risk of developing asthma.
You can also use various chemicals to scrub mould off walls or other surfaces, and paints to prevent mould from forming.
The most important thing is to remember to ventilate the room, even in the cold season, and to dry damp surfaces. In case of high humidity at home, buy a room dryer.
Small amounts of mould can be controlled on your own, but persistent and widespread mould can only be eradicated by the relevant services and specialists.
