toxic mold exposure - case1

www.bustmold.com Molds, or moulds, are fungi that grow in the form of mycelia and usually produce masses of spores that are most commonly asexual but can also be sexual. Mold is the growth of these minute fungi on organic matter usually resembling a downy or furry coating. Molds do not make up a specific taxonomic or phylogenetic grouping–they can be found in the divisions Zygomycota, Deuteromycota and Ascomycota. Mold can grow on food, in closed containers, and even in refrigerators. Mold is not photosynthetic and does not require sunlight; often, sunlight will kill it. Mold does require food and moisture, although xerophilic molds can grow using water vapor in the air as their only water source. When inhaled, mold spores may germinate, attaching to cells along the respiratory tract and causing problems in those with weak immune systems. Some spores release potent toxins, known as mycotoxins; for example, Stachybotrys spores can cause very severe symptoms and lung lesions in children. Mold spores are also important and very prominent allergens. http