Re: Canada Posits Mold Guidelines

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On 1/25/07, MBobMean wrote:

FYI, look about 1/4 to 1/3 down on the screen:

ANNEX

RESIDENTIAL INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINE

MOULDS

Physical and chemical properties

The word "mould" is a common term referring to fungi that
can grow on building materials in homes or other buildings.
Mould growth can influence air quality because both spores
and mycelial fragments are dispersed into the air and can be
inhaled. Their penetration into the bronchial tree depends
on their size. The smaller particles penetrate deeper into
the lungs.

Three features of mould biochemistry are of special interest
in terms of human health:

Mould cell walls contain (1->3)-ß-D-glucan, a compound with
inflammatory properties;
Mould spores and mycelial fragments contain allergens; and
The spores of some species contain low molecular weight
chemicals that are cytotoxic or have other toxic properties
(e.g. satratoxins and atranones produced by Stachybotrys
chartarum).