Mold is one of the most ancient living organisms on Earth. She appeared 200 million years ago and learned to survive in any conditions: in radiation, Arctic ice and open space. She saves lives and can kill.
smart mold
Remember the old experiment where the rat has to find the right way in the maze to get food. So, as the Japanese scientist Toshuki Nakagaki found out, the mold copes with this task just as well. In 2000, he conducted an experiment by placing the mold Physarum polycephalum at the entrance to the labyrinth, and a sugar cube at the exit.
The mold immediately sprouted in the direction of the sugar, the spores of the fungus filled the entire space in the labyrinth, bifurcating at each intersection. As soon as any of the shoots got into a dead end, he turned back and looked for a way in another direction. It took the microscopic fungus only 4 hours to fill all the passages of the maze and find the right way to sugar.
But, what is most interesting, when a piece of the mushroom mycelium that had already passed through the maze was plucked off and placed again at the entrance to the maze, putting sugar at the end, one of the sprouts unmistakably chose the shortest path to the exit from the maze and sugar, and the second simply “climbed” along the walls of the labyrinth and crawled along the ceiling. Thus, a simple mold revealed not only the rudiments of memory, but also the ability to non-standard way of solving problems, which indicates that the fungus has intelligence.
Dangerous mold
Mold accompanies us everywhere, it lives in huge colonies in bathrooms, apartments, ventilation shafts, and, worst of all, in our refrigerators. Therefore, people are used to just not noticing it. And in vain.
In addition to the fact that a microscopic fungus is capable of destroying entire buildings, it is also poisonous to the human body. In the process of growth, it produces substances that affect the lungs, intestines, and skin. Their spores enter the respiratory tract and “settle” inside us, opening the way for bacteria and viruses. Allergies are almost the most harmless consequence of living with mold as a neighbor. A microscopic fungus can destroy the structure of DNA and lead to cancer.
According to scientists, mold and its poison are practically not excreted from the body. The most dangerous, in this case, is the yellow mold from the genus Aspergillus, which "starts" on dairy products, fish and nuts. It releases a dangerous substance aflatoxin, which accumulates in the body and after 10 years can cause liver cancer.
Curse of Tutankhamen
At least two mysterious deaths following the discovery by archaeologist Howard Carter of Tutankhamun's intact tomb are now blamed on mold. It turned out that the mummy's lung tissue was still inhabited by the mold Aspergillus niger, which can be fatal to people with a weakened immune system or with a damaged lung system.
The first victim of "Tutankhamun" - the organizer and sponsor of the excavations, Lord Carnarvon, long before the discovery of the tomb, had a terrible car accident in which he damaged his lung. He died of pneumonia some time after visiting the tomb. Following him, another participant in the excavations, Arthur Mays, died, who, by a tragic accident, was seriously ill before the start of the excavations. His weakened immune system provided the perfect environment for the mold's deadly qualities to manifest.
invincible mold
One of the main and most dangerous properties of mold is its omnipresence. Microscopic fungi are able to survive, without exaggeration, in any conditions. They feel great among the Arctic ice, on the radioactive sarcophagus of the 4th power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, and even in outer space.
So, as part of the Bioisk experiment, which was aimed at studying the influence of outer space conditions on living organisms, three capsules with spores of mold fungi Penicillum, Aspergilus and Cladosporium were taken into outer space and attached to the skin of the orbital station. The results were simply stunning, after a six-month stay in outer space, mold spores not only survived, but also mutated, becoming more aggressive and resistant.
And this is not a record yet. The researchers placed a mold from the genus Aspergilus Fumigatus in a test tube filled with a powerful anti-fungal drug. Part of the colony withstood the blow. And this is despite the fact that the chance of mold surviving under these conditions was exactly the same as that of a person placed in concentrated sulfuric acid.
Mold and antibiotics
Penicillin, the world's first antibiotic that saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers during World War II, was first developed by the British bacteriologist Alexander Fleming in 1928 from a strain of the Penicillum notatum fungus.
As is the case with most brilliant discoveries, it happened completely by accident. In one of the Petri dishes with staphylococcus bacteria, as a result of improper storage, a gray-green mold started up. Fleming was surprised to find that the unkillable staphylococcus colonies that claimed so many lives during World War I simply dissolved around this mold. The miracle cure, from which all the wounds of the military healed literally before our eyes, was already finalized during the Second World War. At the presentation of the Nobel Prize to the creators of the panacea - Fleming, Cheyne and Flory, it was said: "To win the war, penicillin did more than 25 divisions!".
"Noble" mold
Doctors strongly recommend that if the product begins to mold, it must be thrown away. Simply removing the affected area will not lead to anything. If it is soft fruit, bread or jam, then the mycelium has most likely spread to the entire product.
But not all mold on food is dangerous. There is also an edible mold, with the help of which mankind has been making delicious blue cheeses and Camembert for several centuries.
At the beginning of the 15th century, the French king Charles VI gave the inhabitants of the village of Roquefort a monopoly on the production of cheese of the same name in local limestone caves. The technology hasn't changed much since that time. Each head of cheese made from sheep's milk is pierced through with long needles so that mold spores can enter it. And stable high humidity and low temperatures ensure rapid growth of mushrooms.
Another popular mold product is the French Château d'Yquem. For its manufacture, grapes are affected by "noble rot" - the fungus Bodritis Cinerea, due to which the skin of the berry loses its tightness, the fruit itself shrinks, but the contents become more concentrated. Château d'Yquem, the favorite wine of the Russian aristocracy of the 19th century, is today one of the most expensive wines in the world.
Mold often threatens the owners of private houses and apartments. It penetrates into any room if it maintains a consistently high level of humidity, there is no regular supply of fresh air, etc. Microscopic fungi easily settle in any territory, affect the structure of various materials. But most importantly, mold spores pose a serious threat to human health. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish mold in time in order to understand how to effectively deal with it.
All kinds of mold can "colonize" your home. At first glance, all they differ from each other is the color of the mold. But no, there are actually many more signs. Experienced specialists pay attention to the structure of fungal cells. Varieties of mold are visible in pictures and photographs taken on an enlarged scale: the structure of their spores can be ornate. The way the threads of the fungus intertwine intricately with each other also speaks volumes. However, it is fundamentally possible to study the structure of mold only under a microscope. In the photo, it seems only a dark spot, sometimes with a fleecy surface. What are the types of mold and why exactly are they dangerous?
Video "Danger"
From the video you will learn what danger lies in the infection.
Black
The black color of the mold that threatens you is one of the most common "colors". In addition, this species panics the owners of apartments and private houses, because such a fungus is most noticeable on any kind of surface. However, black mold is not one species, it is a whole group of various subspecies of the fungus that acquire a similar shade at different stages of their development. The material on which the fungus settles also plays a huge role. Which specific strains are related to black mold:
If mold on the walls is a problem that you are “lucky enough” to encounter, do not rush to panic. This does not always mean that something threatens the health and well-being of your household. However, the sooner you determine which species you are dealing with, the sooner you will understand what consequences can be expected from the fungus, and how to actually remove it.
Green
Ascomycetes, or more commonly called green mold, are microscopic fungi that also often cause people a lot of trouble. In most cases, their spores live in organic materials, sometimes they are found in compost or soil. In appearance, this mold is a bit like moss, it has a rich green tint and has an uneven surface. What is the danger of a species called green mold? 
The thing is that it often affects food products, for example, vegetables. Prefers this fungus and sour milk. Moreover, if you notice only the first signs of its appearance, do not hope that you will remove the affected layer from the product and be able to use the same vegetables. This type of fungus actively penetrates inside and immediately infects the tissues, so eating vegetables or sour-milk products after being infected with a green fungus is fraught with serious poisoning.
Pink
Can pink mold appear in the house? It does not affect surfaces as such, does not settle on walls or ceilings, but it can appear on plant residues or decay products (spoiled vegetables and fruits, plants and even cereals and grains that were illiterately saved in the kitchen). 
This type of mold is not dangerous to human health, but it is still not recommended to eat foods that are already affected by it.
White
What is remarkable about white mold, or mukor? This species affects mainly trees, indoor plants and the soil on which they grow, as well as food products (bread or cheese). Mucor is not considered particularly dangerous to human health, but in rare cases it can affect internal organs. This kind of disease is typical for both humans and animals. How does infection occur?
Mucor spores enter the body through the respiratory tract or blood, for example, cuts on the hands. Then they quickly develop and spread in the blood. By the way, this is an ideal microclimate for them: moisture, heat are constantly maintained, and oxygen is contained in sufficient quantities.
However, cases of excitation of diseases caused by white mold (mucor) are quite rare and are possible only with weak protective functions of the body.
blue
Much less private houses and apartments are affected by a species called blue mold. And all because such microscopic fungi most often occur on a tree. They do not pose any danger to humans. In addition, they are often used in the production of fine cheeses. At first glance, this fungus appears to be a blue bloom. In any case, blue mold is absolutely harmless.
Gray
Saprophytic microfungi are a type of fungus that is quite dangerous for humans. It is characterized by the presence of a gray color and is similar to a normal plaque. Gray mold settles on almost any surface and material, and sometimes occurs on food (vegetables and fruits). It can also bring a lot of harm to indoor plants, and besides, it can be transmitted through flower seeds. 
Having appeared in the house, gray mold settles firmly and for a long time in the room, it is very problematic to remove it. Its occurrence, as in most cases with mold, is promoted by high humidity (over 70-80%). If this is maintained stably, the likelihood of the appearance of this kind of microscopic fungi only increases.
Reasons for the appearance
Why does the house grow, for example, yellow mold or even orange mold? This is usually driven by several key factors:
All this in combination leads to the formation of mold spores in the cellar, basement or directly in your home. Whatever type of fungus threatens your home (for example, brown mold), be prepared for the fact that you will have to apply comprehensive measures that vary in degree of impact. In addition, persistence and careful implementation of each procedure is important. Thus, you will get rid of poisonous spores of microscopic fungi without serious consequences for your health.
Mikhaleva Anastasia
Often in everyday life we are faced with a greenish coating on stale food. What kind of plaque is this, why do we consider moldy bread unsuitable for food and at the same time buy cheese in a store with the same plaque and consider it edible? Interest in the topic arose when, on a tangerine forgotten after the New Year holidays, I discovered several small white spots. I asked my grandmother what it is? She told me that it was mold growing. I was wondering, “What is mold? What benefit and what harm does it bring? There are many questions. In my work, I will try to find the answer to them.
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state budgetary educational institution of the Samara region secondary school with. Novokurovka m.r. Khvorostyansky, Samara Region
District Scientific and Practical Conference of Junior School Students
Section "Biology"
Mold: both harm and benefit
Class GBOU SOSH with. Novokurovka
Head: Shipilova Valentina Vladimirovna,
primary school teacher of the first category
GBOU secondary school with. Novokurovka
With. Novokurovka, 2014
I. Introduction. 2 - 3
II. Main part. 4 - 9
2. Theoretical part 4 - 7
2.1. The results of the survey of classmates 4
2.1. What is mold 4 - 5
2.2. What is the importance of fungi for humans. 5 - 7
2.2.1. Dangerous mold. 5 - 6
2.2.2 Useful mold 6
2.3. Interesting facts 5 - 7
2.4. How to protect food from mold? 7
3.Practical part 7 - 9
3.1.Experiment number 1. 7 - 9
3.2. Experience No. 2 Observation. 9
III. Conclusion 10
References 11
Introduction
Relevance of the topic:Often in everyday life we are faced with a greenish coating on stale food. What kind of plaque is this, why do we consider moldy bread unsuitable for food and at the same time buy cheese in a store with the same plaque and consider it edible?Interest in the topic arose when, on a mandarin forgotten after the New Year holidays, I discovereda few small white spots. I asked my grandmother what it is? She told me that it was mold growing.Mold and fungi secretly accompany humanity throughout its history, and it appeared much earlier than man himself. Despite many scientific studies, mold remains one of the mysteries, it is not fully understood and appears every time in a new quality. I was wondering, “What is mold? What benefit and what harm does it bring? There are many questions. In my work, I will try to find the answer to them.
Target: To study the structure of mold and its role in human life.
Tasks: 1. Find out what mold is.
2. What harm or benefit does it bring to people.
3. Monitoring the development of mold at home.
4. Study the structure of mold.
5. Tell classmates about mold in the classroom.
Hypothesis: I think that mold is a fungus that only harms a person..
Research methods:
I read literature about mold, interviewed my classmates, watched a film about mold, grew it at home, took pictures with a digital microscope.
Brief review of the used literature.
To write the work, I used an explanatory dictionary, encyclopedias from the series “I Explore the World”, “Avanta Plus”, “Everything About Everything”, the books “World of Plants”, “Kitchen Experiment Place”, the magazine “Health”, as well as Internet sources.
Main part
Theoretical material
The results of the survey of 4th grade students.
I wanted to find out what my classmates know about mold, so I conducted a survey. I asked the guys three questions:
1.What is mold?
2. Is it useful or harmful?
3. Where is the mold used?
As a result of the survey, only 36% of the students in my class are partially aware of mold. 57% - think, like me, that mold only brings harm. No one knows anything about the benefits of mold.
What is mold
“She appeared on Earth 200 million years ago. Since then, she kills and saves from death. It is called the bread of the devil and the spit of God. She is fabulously beautiful and disgusting. She is omnipresent and indestructible. She is able to control huge masses of people and change the course of history. If she declares war on us, we will have no chance of survival. And we do not even imagine what secrets and hidden powers this cursed and blessed mold holds.” (Fragment from the documentary "Mold").
From the explanatory dictionary of S. I. Ozhegov: “Mold is plaque formed by special fungi that accumulates in the form of blurry spots on something rotting, cheese.” (3, 153)
Mold spreads through the air as microscopic spores.
The body of mold fungi is a mycelium - mycelium (from the Greek "mike" - "mushroom"), consisting of thin colorless (sometimes slightly colored) threads - gif (from the Greek "hyphae" - "fabric", "web") with unlimited growth and lateral branching. Some hyphae grow vertically upwards and form expansions at their ends in the form of balls, in which disputes . When the spores mature, the sporangium ruptures and the spores are airborne. They are very small, invisible to the naked eye and are carried by the air stream. Once in favorable conditions, the spore germinates and mycelium is formed. Other, shorter hyphae penetrate deep into the surface on which the mold is located. They serve to mold what roots do to plants, as they not only help it to establish itself in one place, but also absorb the nutrients it needs to grow. The larger the surface of the mycelium, the "more satisfying" the fungus lives. (1, 224)
Conclusion: Mold is a fungus that adapts to any living conditions, known since ancient times, is omnivorous and ubiquitous.
What is the importance of fungi for humans.
Dangerous mold.
Why is mold dangerous to humans? This microscopic fungus not only spoils the appearance of surfaces affected by it, but also has more serious negative properties. It is the cause of many diseases, including not only allergic reactions, but also ailments such as osteoporosis, blood stasis, tuberculosis, asthma, and cancer. Mold spores reduce the immune functions of the human body, which leads to the occurrence of diseases. This fungus is not afraid of aggressive chemicals, low temperatures and even exposure to radiation. Mold can destroy even brick, concrete and plaster.
Mold is everywhere, but we most often treat it with disdain, cut off green spots of mold from a crust of bread or a piece of old cheese, remove a thin white film from jam, and calmly eat what is left, not even suspecting how dangerous it is. Even if only one half of an orange is affected by mold, it means that the whole fruit is affected. (7, 21)
Conclusion: Mold harms not only products, human health, but also such durable materials as concrete and metal, everything that surrounds us.
Useful mold
Is there a useful mold? Yes. Mold is used in the production of cheese and can be on the surface of the cheese or form inside. Blue cheeses Roquefort, Gorganzola and Stilton are obtained by introducing spores of the mold Penicillium roqueforti. Brie and Camembert cheeses have white surface mold. There are cheeses containing surface and internal mold. The mold used to make cheese is safe to eat. "Gray rot" on grapes helps to create better wines.(4, 190)
At the beginning of the 20th century, the British biologist Fleming and his colleagues discovered that mold can kill staphylococci, the cause of purulent lesions. Fleming, Cheyne and Frey were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1945 for their enormous services to humanity. (2, 347)
Conclusion : Noble mold is used in pharmacology. Mold-based medicines save people from various diseases. Mold is needed for the preparation of various foods.
Interesting Facts
1. In the early 20s of the last century in the Egyptian Valley of the Kings, archaeologist Carter discovered an intact tomb. The “sponsor” of the excavations, Lord Carnarvon, and other participants in the opening of the sarcophagus soon died of a mysterious illness. Later it turned out: an ancient mold fungus lived in the tissues of the mummies, its deadly effect became a symbol of the "curse of Tutankhamun."
2. In 1771, a plague epidemic broke out in Moscow, which caused riots. Catherine's favorite, Grigory Orlov, arrived for pacification. He overcame the panic with tough active actions, created a hospital in his palace, and ordered the construction of new remote cemeteries. Orlov ordered, as it has long been customary during troubles and misfortunes, to beat the alarm bells. The epidemic soon subsided. Recently, scientists have found that bells have a frequency spectrum of sound that inhibits the growth of pathogenic microbes and improves human immunity.
3. A huge amount of mold was found under the sarcophagus of the 4th power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It grew, thickening in places of enhanced radiation.
4. Mold spores were attached to the skin of a spaceship flying in space. A year and a half later, it turned out: in the conditions of an airless space, the "test subjects" survived, became even more aggressive and more stable. Possibly, the damage caused by mold to the equipment of the Mir orbital station was one of the reasons for its flooding.
How to protect food from mold
1. Cover cooked food with cling film to protect it from mold spores from the air.
2. Pour perishable food from open cans into clean containers and refrigerate them immediately.
3. Do not leave perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
4. Keep leftover food for no more than 3-4 days to prevent mold from growing.(5, 322)
Practical part
Experience number 1.
I decided to grow the mold and study its structure. I recorded my observations in a table. I took two slices of white bread without a crust and 2 containers. I moistened a napkin with water and put it in a container, put a piece of bread on top. And in another container I placed a dry napkin, and on it a piece of bread. Then tightly closed the lids on the containers and put in a warm place.
days | 1 slice of bread | 2 slices of bread |
1 day 3.02.14. | Wetted a napkin with water and put it in a container, put a piece of bread on top | Put it in a dry container |
Day 2 4.02.14. | Bread increased in size due to water | Dry piece of bread |
Day 3 5.02.14. | black dots appear on bread | The piece of bread has become hard |
Day 4 02/06/14 | Sparse hairs of mold appeared from black dots | The bread began to crumble |
Day 5 7.02.14. | There were more threads of mold, they formed a light fluff | There are more crumbs, and a piece of bread has decreased |
Day 6 02/08/14. | The fluff of mold has increased, a piece of bread has turned slightly yellow | The cracker keeps crumbling |
Day 7 9.02.14. | Mold in the form of a fluffy cloud with a grayish tint | Rusk crumbles |
8 day 10.02.14. | On a yellow piece of bread, a beautiful fluffy cloud of gray mold | The cracker is small, there are a lot of crumbs |
I managed to grow a real mold because mold seeds (mycelium) invisible to the naked eye are present in the air and begin to develop and grow as soon as they get into a favorable environment (the presence of nutrients and water). Therefore, one has only to forget fresh fruits, open cans for several days in a warm, humid place, as a whole colony of fungi begins to grow on it. My mold not only grew on a piece of bread, but also sprouted inside it.
Conclusion: In the presence of nutrients and moisture, mold appears - round-shaped fungi with many branches.
Experience No. 2 Observation, study of the structure of mold.
I place in a microscope, on a glass slide, a piece of mold that I grew myself.
I saw that the mold consists of thin threads, they are all intertwined, forming, as it were, a cobweb. Intertwined threads are called hyphae. At the ends of the hyphae, I saw sporangia in which spores are formed. Using a digital microscope, I took photographs of the mold.
Conclusion
My hypothesis that mold is a fungus that only harms humans has not been confirmed.
While doing this work, I learned that mold can be different. Beneficial mold is used in the manufacture of medicines that help a person cope with diseases. In addition, mold is used in the manufacture of cheese, wines.
On the other hand, mold is poison. A person who has eaten a stale product covered with mold can cause serious harm to the body. Also, in dwellings, the walls or ceilings of which are covered with mold, it is unsafe to stay and live. It causes dizziness, headaches, and lung disease.
Having done experiments, I realized that air humidity and heat are the main conditions for the development of mold fungi,I saw that the mold consists of thin threads, they are all intertwined, forming, as it were, a cobweb. Intertwined threads are called hyphae. At the ends of the hyphae, I saw sporangia in which spores are formed.
I learned how to find the right material from various sources, conduct experiments, and draw conclusions. At the classroom hour, she introduced her classmates to the many-sided mold, its influence on human life.
The tasks set in the work were fully completed, as a result of which the main goal was achieved - the study of the structure of mold and its role in human life.
Used Books
1. Edited by Aksenov M. D. Encyclopedia for children "Avanta plus". Biology, volume 2, Moscow, "Avanta +", 1998
2. Buyanov. N.Yu. I know the world. Encyclopedia for children. Medicine Moscow. LLC "Publishing House AST LTD", 1997
3. Ozhegov S.I. and Shvedova N.Yu. "Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language" Moscow LLC "IMI Technology", 2003 To use the preview of presentations, create a Google account (account) and sign in: https://accounts.google.com
Slides captions:
Section "Biology" Mold: both harm and benefit District scientific-practical conference of junior schoolchildren Author: Mikhaleva Anastasia, student of the 4th grade of the secondary school s. Novokurovka Supervisor: Shipilova Valentina Vladimirovna, primary school teacher of the first category, secondary school with. Novokurovka
Object of study: MOLD The purpose of the study: to study the structure of mold and its role in human life. Tasks: find out what mold is; what harm or benefit it brings to people; monitoring the development of mold at home; study the structure of mold; tell classmates about mold in the classroom.
Interest in the topic arose when, on a tangerine forgotten after the New Year holidays, I discovered several small white spots. .
Mold (mold fungi) is a special kingdom of wildlife. Mold spreads through the air as microscopic spores. When it hits a damp surface, it grows with the thinnest threads, adapts to any conditions of life, has been known since ancient times, is omnivorous and ubiquitous.
Dangerous mold. Mold harms not only products, human health, but also such durable materials as concrete and metal, everything that surrounds us.
Useful mold Noble mold is used in pharmacology. Mold-based medicines save people from various diseases. Mold is needed for the preparation of various foods.
Interesting facts A huge amount of mold was found under the sarcophagus of the 4th power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It grew, thickening in places of enhanced radiation. Mold spores were attached to the skin of a spaceship flying in space. A year and a half later, it turned out: in the conditions of an airless space, the "test subjects" survived, became even more aggressive and more stable. Possibly, the damage caused by mold to the equipment of the Mir orbital station was one of the reasons for its flooding.
How to protect food from mold 1. Cover cooked food with cling film to protect it from mold spores from the air. 2. Pour perishable food from open cans into clean containers and refrigerate them immediately. 3. Do not leave perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. 4. Keep food leftovers for no more than 3-4 days so that the mold does not have time to grow.
Practical part days 1 slice of bread 2 slices of bread 1 day 3.02.14. Wetted a napkin with water and put it in a container, put a piece of bread on top. Put it in a dry container. 2 day 02/04/14. Bread increased in size due to water. A piece of bread dried up. 3rd day 02/05/14. Black dots appeared on the bread A piece of bread became hard Day 4 02/06/14 Rare mold hairs appeared from black dots Bread began to crumble Day 5 02/07/14. There were more threads of mold, they formed a light fluff. There were more crumbs, and a piece of bread decreased. 6 day 02/08/14. The fluff of mold has increased, a piece of bread has slightly turned yellow. The cracker continues to crumble. 7 day 02/09/14. Mold in the form of a fluffy cloud with a grayish tint. Rusk crumbles 8 days 02/10/14. On a yellow piece of bread there is a beautiful fluffy cloud of gray mold. The cracker is small, there are a lot of crumbs.
In the presence of nutrients and moisture, mold appears - round-shaped fungi with many branches.
The study of the structure of mold sporangia hyphae
Conclusion In doing this work, I learned that there are different types of mold. Beneficial mold is used in the manufacture of medicines that help a person cope with diseases. In addition, mold is used in the manufacture of cheese, wines. On the other hand, mold is poison. A person who has eaten a stale product covered with mold can cause serious harm to the body. Also, in dwellings, the walls or ceilings of which are covered with mold, it is unsafe to stay and live. It causes dizziness, headaches, and lung disease.
Literature used 1. Edited by Aksenov MD Encyclopedia for children "Avanta plus". Biology, volume 2, Moscow, "Avanta +", 1998 2. Buyanov. N.Yu. I know the world. Encyclopedia for children. Medicine Moscow. LLC "Publishing House AST LTD", 1997 3. Ozhegov S.I. and Shvedova N.Yu. "Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language" Moscow LLC "IMI Technology", 2003. 4. Smirnov A.V. "World of Plants" Moscow "Young Guard", 1982. 5. Trifonova M.M. "The place of the experiment is the kitchen." Saratov. "Children's Book", 1991. 6. Edited by Shalaev G.P. “Everything about everything. Popular Encyclopedia for Children, Volume 10. Moscow AST, 1999. 7. Health magazine #2 / February 2011 - Mold: a dangerous neighbor 8. Mold documentary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lgAzVOEnUM 9. ru.wikipedia.org 10. http:/ /yourangel.ucoz.ru/publ/chem_opasna_plesen/1-1-0-4 11. http://www.sibparus.ru/hwl/zdorovie/plesen.htm
Good day, dear visitors of the project “Good IS! ", section" "!
In today's article, we will talk about such unpleasant "roommates" as mold and other types of fungus. We will also look at why mold is dangerous, what types of it spoil the lives of many people, and also consider how to get rid of mold. But first, let's define what a fungus or mold is.
Mushrooms ( lat. Fungi or Mycota) - the kingdom of wildlife, uniting eukaryotic organisms, combining some features of both plants and animals. Mushrooms are studied by science mycology, which is considered a branch of botany, since mushrooms were previously assigned to the plant kingdom.
What we see on affected walls, concrete, wallpaper, hardwood floors, tiles in the bathroom and other places that has green, black, brown and gray tones, and also emits a specific smell - various types of mushrooms or as many people say - fungus.
Now let's look at some types of fungus that harm our homes.
Species of fungus and other related pests
mold fungus- various fungi (mainly zygo- and ascomycetes) forming branching mycelia without large, easily visible to the naked eye, fruiting bodies.
Mold- This is a colony of a unicellular fungus that develops from spores, which in a "conserved" state are constantly present in the air in large quantities. Spores “wake up” for intensive reproduction as soon as favorable conditions appear for this: high humidity and heat.
Molds (mold) grow on concrete, paint or stone. They can be observed in the form of spots or dots of black, brown, blue or green colors. There are also luminous, phosphorescent colonies of mushrooms, but they are not terrible for the facade. Mold destroys building and finishing material almost to the ground, forcing more and more repairs, and sometimes even restructuring of buildings.
The color of this type of mold depends not only on its type, but also on the stage of development, as well as the material on which it grows. As a rule, the following strains have black color:
Ulocladium- the fourth group of pathogenicity, affects not only materials, but also products. Very picky about the presence of moisture.
Cladosporium- at the initial stage it is colorless, except for black, it can take on a wide range of colors. The most dangerous for seeds and plants, not picky about moisture, can develop at low temperatures. The most common outdoor fungus in the summer. Some species feed on diesel fuel and fuels and lubricants, which is why they got the name kerosene mushroom. Also affects other types of materials. When conducting mycological examinations, we have it in third place in terms of frequency of detection, following Penicillium and Aspergillus.
Penicillium- mushrooms of this family play a huge role in the environment, are actively used in pharmaceuticals for the preparation of medicines, in the food industry for the preparation of fine cheese with white mold. But some strains such as Penicillum marneffei and Penicillium spp. belong to the 3rd and 4th groups of pathogenicity and pose a significant danger to human health, in addition, they are very often found in apartments.
Alternaria- a very common fungus of the fourth pathogenicity group. It most commonly affects fruits and vegetables, but can also grow on the skin and in the respiratory tract in humans. Sometimes it has a gray color, has about 300 strains.
Aspergillus- belongs to the higher mold fungi, and, depending on the type, belongs to the 4th and 3rd groups of pathogenicity. This type of mold causes aspergillosis in humans and animals. The mycelium itself is initially white, but its spores are black. Most often found indoors.
Chaetomium- typically painted black. Often causes allergies in people. The main danger is when it enters the digestive tract. There are known deaths caused by this fungus.
Phoma- the fourth group of pathogenicity. Almost always, the mycelium is black, and the spores are colorless.
Wallemia- painted black, does not pose a serious danger to humans, but belongs to the Xerophil type, that is, it can grow in conditions of low humidity and high temperatures, which causes some problems in the fight against it.
White mold is much less of a concern to people than black mold. Most often it can be found on the ground, wood, plants, bread and cheese. In apartments, it is found, as a rule, in flower pots and quite rarely on the walls. Often efflorescence on the wall is mistaken for white mold. Distinguishing efflorescence from a fungus is quite simple and without a microscope. The efflorescence has a crystalline structure and crumbles in the hands, and the fungus warms up. Naturally, gloves must be worn before checking, because. mold cannot be handled. If white mold has grown on the ground in a flower pot, some strains will die if watered regularly with dilute citric acid.
In the cheese industry, various types of mold, which is commonly called noble, are actively used to make gourmet cheeses. Such mushrooms have nothing to do with house mold.
Blue fungi affect the fiber of the tree, and the surface of a wooden house is painted not at all in a noble gray-blue color. Blue damage is not only aesthetic. It easily penetrates the paint film and thus creates a kind of "water pipelines". It paves the way for water to penetrate, which in turn increases the moisture content of the wood. Then nothing prevents the penetration and fixing in the neighborhood and mold. Pine is especially susceptible to blue.
Rotting fungi also attack exclusively wood. There are several types of rot - bacterial, brown and white.
Bacterial rot eats away wood from the inside. The affected material noticeably grays or darkens, and its strength deteriorates markedly - a bacterium that causes local decomposition of cellulose.
White rot destroys not only cellulose, but also lignin, therefore, the color of the wood does not change much.
Brown rot causes wood to split.
When wet rot appears, stripes from yellowish to dark brown and even black will appear on the material, and after them - cracks. If dry, then the affected tree will turn brown, shrink and soon begin to split along and across the fibers.
actinomycetes
Actinomycetes are a cross between fungi and algae. They not only spoil the appearance, but also destroy the fibers, and also cause softening of the wood, causing irreparable damage to wooden structures. Why do you need to know all this? To effectively control the pest. After all, if you use chemicals designed to combat wet rot, for example, for dry rot, then this will lead to the exact opposite result: the fungus will begin to develop faster.
Efflorescence is a white, less often colored, salt or alkaline coating that occurs on the walls, which is based on insoluble sulfates, carbonates and silicates. It is formed due to the movement of water along with salts inside the material. In dry weather, the salty non-freezing solution rushes to the surface of the rock. Water evaporates, and salts crystallize, remaining on the wall in the form of a white coating. Facades made of concrete and brick, as well as those finished with plaster or lined with marble, are usually affected. The same crystallization occurs inside the material. Crystals growing in the pores of the material begin to wedged the walls of the pores. As a result, cracks appear, and the material is destroyed.
The most terrible enemy of wooden houses is the white house mushroom. In one month, he is able to "eat" a four-centimeter oak floor, so earlier in the villages the hut that this fungus hit was immediately burned to save other buildings from infection.
What is dangerous mold and other types of fungus
You can often see questions on the net: “How dangerous is mold?”, “Is mold harmful?”. The answer to them is "Yes". Mold is quite dangerous, both for building materials and for human health.
Building materials deform over time, and can become one of the factors in the destruction of a building. For example, in a short time, mold turns a tree into dust, but what if the house is built of wood? May the Lord keep!
Mold affects human health through:
- direct contact with the skin;
- through the use of moldy food;
through the respiratory and circulatory systems.
So, getting into the body, mold spores can cause a number of diseases, sometimes even severe ones. This is due to the fact that the spores of certain types of mold are toxic, and multiply at an extraordinary rate: 1m 2 of mold releases billions of spores into the air per day!
The consequences due to contact with mold are primarily:
- allergic skin diseases (dermatoses, mycoses, fungi);
- diseases of the upper respiratory tract (colds, cough, asthma, pneumonia, sinusitis, sinusitis, nosebleeds, etc.);
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system or articular-rheumatic;
- headaches, dizziness;
- nausea, indigestion;
- general depletion of the body;
Prolonged exposure may result in internal bleeding, kidney and liver damage, and emphysema.
Children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems due to illness, chemotherapy, antibiotics, etc., are especially susceptible to severe illness after exposure to fungal contamination.
It is possible to diagnose mycosis or the presence of an allergy to mold in most allergy centers and in a number of laboratories.
So how does mold grow in our homes?
Conditions for the appearance of mold
This requires the following 3 conditions:
1. The presence of mold spores in the air. As a rule, they are transported by air and get into an apartment or house on people, on animals, on food and things.
2. Organic growing medium: paper, wood, concrete, stone, mud, flowers and peat pots, houseplant soil, etc.
3. Favorable microclimate of the room: temperature about +20°С; high humidity (above 70-95%); uneven heating around the perimeter of the room and not working properly or not working ventilation system.
Some types of fungus can appear and multiply rapidly even at 0 ° C.
I want to dwell a little on ventilation issues.
The fact is that if the ventilation system in the room is installed correctly and works correctly, then the movement of air prevents the appearance of mold on the walls, because. the air blows off the spore, and it cannot cling to the surface. In the corners and nooks and crannies, there is no or limited air movement, which is why you can most often see mold in them. In addition, ventilation is necessary to remove excess moisture from the premises, which can be caused by pets, indoor plants, frequent washing, coolness in rooms with high humidity outside, uneven heating of rooms, etc. Bathroom, shower room, toilet, sauna, washbasin in the kitchen and other places also emit a certain amount of moisture, which must go somewhere. The situation is especially aggravated by metal-plastic windows, which prevent any draft (if they are correctly installed, of course).
If mold spores are present on the walls, waiting for favorable conditions for growth, but there is not enough moisture, they will not germinate.
So, we can conclude that since we cannot influence the first two reasons, in order to prevent the appearance of mold, the third reason should be dealt with.
Causes of mold
— Bad ventilation system. We have already talked about this. It would be nice to install air conditioning at home, or other systems that are responsible for ventilation in the room. If this is not possible, then you need to ventilate the premises more often.
— Ventilation systems for kitchen, bathroom, toilet. These are rooms in which there is relatively high humidity, and, as a rule, it is very high there, which contributes to the lightning-fast development of mold and other types of fungus. In this case, you need to pay attention to frequent ventilation of the rooms or install a special air conditioning system. For example, some people put fans in the chimneys in these rooms, which increase the extraction of excess moisture, odors, etc.
— The condition of the plumbing. The first symptom is the presence of moisture that occurs along the passage of pipes. Another clue could be footprints on the wall next to the bathroom, about the height of the edge of the tub. As a general rule, precise drying should help, but if you detect symptoms too late, then the fungus has time to spread too quickly, and then we can not avoid repairs.
— Capillary suction of moisture along the walls of moistened foundations. This is especially common in old buildings due to the lack of waterproofing in them.
— Increased thermal conductivity of corners and heat loss in the end rooms due to the increased area of the outer walls facing the street.
— Freezing of outer walls. If we see a dark coating in the corners and along the edges of the walls, then we can be sure that the wall has been frozen. In this case, they must be thoroughly dried, and then the adhesion of the plaster must be checked.
— Leaking gutters and drains. As a rule, this problem is only visible from the outside, in the form of streaks on the plaster. However, if the humidity is high (for example, during heavy rains), drips may also occur from the center. Often this problem is taken for granted until the situation becomes serious. Leaks left unchecked will only create a real problem in winter when the water freezes in the plaster.
— Moisture coming from the ground. Its presence can be seen in the form of streaks at the junction of the walls with the floor of the first floor or basement. In this case, an examination of the state of the horizontal insulation of the foundation walls can help. If it is damaged, then you should have it repaired, preferably by a specialized company. Before repairs can be carried out, the main walls must be thoroughly dried. An additional problem arises if the floor also turns out to be wet, in which case the problem is difficult to avoid unless the fragment is removed.
Normal for a comfortable existence of a person, this humidity is in the range of 70% - 80%.
To be able to effectively deal with mold and other types of fungus, you should accurately determine the cause of their occurrence. And only in this case it is possible to choose the most effective methods for their elimination, as well as to prevent their further occurrence.
How to deal with mold
1. After detecting mold-infected areas, they must be moistened with plenty of water. This is done so that during further actions, we do not “launch” additional disputes into the air.
2. Apply special preparations to the affected areas that neutralize the mold and prevent its further spread. It is necessary to apply funds with a margin of 1 m outside the affected area, because. they may have microfungi that are invisible to the eye. I also want to note that it is necessary to treat the affected area 2-3 times, and apply the next layer only after the previous one has dried.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the anti-mold packaging.
3. Arm yourself with a metal brush, or other improvised tool (scraper, drill with a metal brush) and carefully remove the fungus. When stripping, not only paint and wallpaper are removed, but also plaster, and concrete and wood can even be milled.
In severely neglected cases, the fungus manages to develop so much that it penetrates into the deeper layers, especially in porous materials, here the main mycelium is formed in the fungus, and if it is not completely removed, then the external treatment will not eliminate the problem, but will only hide the external traces of manifestation for some time. Therefore, if it is possible to completely replace the fragment, then this should be done. Otherwise, you will need to reach the deepest layers to completely remove the fungus, which can render the site unusable.
After processing, the removed infected fragments must be burned.
4. After work on the destruction of the fungus, a protective coating is applied for a long period of time.
Additional measures and rules in the fight against mold
- When working with drugs, under no circumstances should you work without special protective equipment. In order to avoid even accidental contact with harmful substances, work should be carried out in a mask and protective gloves. Protective equipment is needed not only from the "chemistry" against mold, but also against the spores of the mold itself, which will become even more in the air during the fight, so it is necessary to prevent it from settling in the lungs and the appearance of the disease.
- Be sure to ensure that the area being treated is well ventilated so that the spores do not settle in other areas, and also to provide additional protection from flying mold spores.
- After the end, in order to start using the premises, it is necessary that 48-72 hours pass. Moreover, at this time, the room must be provided with good ventilation.
The best means for removing the fungus are fungicides that have boron compounds in their composition. By the way, boron is also actively used in the fight against ants.
There are universal remedies for removing all types of fungus, but there are also those that are designed only for a certain type. In the latter case, a mandatory consultation with a specialist is necessary, which will help us accurately determine the type of fungus with which we are dealing. It is best, of course, to choose a product of a well-known company. Here are some effective solutions available on the market:
— "Atlas Mykos". Means for removing not only mold, but also other types of fungus, as well as algae, lichen and moss. Available as a concentrate. It can be used wherever there is high humidity, both indoors and outdoors. It must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:2. It is also suitable for protecting mineral surfaces, then it should be diluted in a ratio of 1:5.
— "Teflex Antimold Express". With this tool, you can treat surfaces made of wood, brick, plastic, concrete and other materials from mold.
— "Izohan Grzybostop". Designed for processing building materials such as concrete and mortar. It fights not only mold, but also other types of fungus.
— "SZAVO"(Savo anti-mold). One of the most popular mold killers. The agent is especially effective in places of high humidity, such as bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, showers, swimming pools, baths and saunas, basements, food warehouses, etc.
The effect is 100% destruction of all vegetative forms of mold, yeast, algae, as well as general disinfection. The drug is extremely easy to use and does not require preliminary surface preparation and subsequent rinsing. Drying, the product does not leave marks on the treated areas.
— Belinka. A broad spectrum anti-mold agent designed to kill mold and mildew. Easy to use and safe for humans, the drug is fast acting and effective. The tool is suitable for processing both internal and external surfaces.
— "Spectrum Fungicide". It fights fungus on walls, plaster, wood and paintwork. It is intended for use in places particularly exposed to the appearance of moisture, both inside and outside the building.
— Antialga B25. Aqueous dispersion of algicine and fungicide, effective against various types of molds and fungi. It has low toxicity. Added to paint. Leaves no unpleasant odor.
— "PS 50". An excellent tool for removing algae from concrete surfaces, it is also good for removing mold and mildew from drywall, plaster and wood.
— Well Done. State-of-the-art anti-mold, algae and fungus. It works simply, effectively and with instant visible results. Antibacterial. Cleans, disinfects and prevents the appearance of mold and fungus on windows, ventilation systems and bathrooms. It is used for the rehabilitation of moldy wood, plaster and paint in the interior and exterior.
— "Snowball Impregnation". Wall antifungal agent that fights fungus, mold, algae, moss and lichen from masonry, plaster and coatings. Suitable for use on interior and exterior walls.
— "Boramon C30". Antiseptic agent for the protection of walls, plaster, paint coatings and wood against fungi. Impregnate for wood: protects against house and mold fungi, algae, bacteria and insect larvae - technical pests of wood: etc. Significantly increases the biological resistance of elements of wooden building structures. Included in a permanent connection with wood, does not increase the degree of its flammability.
— "Titan" Fungicide. Thanks to it, we can remove fungus and mold from walls painted with paints (both internal and external) without the need to remove the layer. This mold remedy can also be used to prevent mold.
— "Mellerud". Destroys all types of a mold in the house, a sauna and the pool. Just spray! Works instantly. Eliminates mold, fungi, bacteria and algae. Suitable for processing, tile joints, walls, ceilings, masonry, wood, artificial materials.
Disinfects, prevents the appearance of mold. Also ideal for wallpaper and painted walls. 500 ml is enough for 5-8 m2.
— "Boramon". Mold and fungus control agent. For use both indoors and outdoors, both on plaster, masonry and wood.
— "Schimmelentferner Dufa". Water-based spray for quick removal of mold, algae, moss. It is applied to internal and external works. Contains chlorine. Easy to use. Disinfectant.
— Astonish. Very effective tool for removing black spots from surfaces without scraping. Ideal for window frames, plastic shower curtains, tiles and concrete.
In addition, there are many paints on the market with the addition of agents that destroy the fungus. It is possible to distinguish fungicidal dispersion paints, silicate paints and silicone resin paints. They are used both inside and outside, just remember to pre-prime the surface.
Before buying any of the above anti-mold and fungus, look for annotations to them, and determine if the product you have chosen is right for your situation, because. each of them may have a different purpose.
— Bleach. Using ordinary bleach, you can get rid of almost all types of mold in the house. The active substance in it is sodium hypochlorite. It kills both mold and its spores. Bleach can clean bathroom tiles, glass, floors, but many things become discolored and deteriorated under the influence of bleach. In addition, bleach gives off harsh and toxic fumes and corrodes the skin of the hands, so be sure to make sure that the room is well ventilated before proceeding with the removal of mold with bleach. You should also wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. The surface is treated with a mixture of 1 part bleach with 10 parts water.
— Tea tree oil. Mix 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of tea tree oil with 2 cups (500 ml) of water in a spray bottle, shake vigorously to combine the substances. Apply the solution to the affected area. Do not rinse off the solution, allowing it to soak into the mold. Repeat if necessary. Tea tree oil can be expensive and has a strong smell, but the smell dissipates within a few days.
— Baking soda It also helps to get rid of mold. It kills fungus and is known as a natural and safe household cleaner. Unlike other cleaners that contain harsh chemicals, baking soda won't harm your family or pets. A teaspoon of soda is dissolved in a glass of water and sprayed on the surface affected by mold. You can simply rinse the surface and things with a sponge in a soda solution. It is better not to completely wash off the soda from the surface, it effectively protects it from the reappearance of dangerous contaminants.
— grapefruit seed extract. Mix 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract and 2 cups (500 ml) of water in a spray bottle. Shake to mix the ingredients and apply to the affected area. Apply the solution to the affected area, and do not wash it off the surface. You can blot the area with a dry paper towel, but do not wash it with water.
— Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is also suitable for mold control. it is an antibacterial and antifungal agent. A 3% peroxide solution can be bought at any pharmacy, it is non-toxic and does not emit a pungent odor. Hydrogen peroxide is effective in removing mildew on many materials, but it also has a bleaching effect, so use with caution on fabrics and painted surfaces.
— Vinegar. Table vinegar is a weak acid and can kill many common types of mold. It has an odor but does not give off dangerous fumes like bleach. To get rid of mold, vinegar is applied to moldy surfaces with a spray bottle or wiped with a damp cloth. Usually, after an hour, they rinse with water and ventilate the room. To prevent the appearance of mold, vinegar is sprayed every week on the problem area.
— Ammonia also used to kill mold. Like bleach, it easily kills mold on hard, non-porous surfaces such as tile or glass, but it is not effective at removing mildew from porous materials. To get rid of mold with ammonia, mix it in half with water and spray the resulting mixture on the infected area. Leave for a few hours, then rinse. The pungent smell of ammonia can cause headaches and sore throats. It is dangerous to mix bleach with ammonia, as this releases toxic gas.
— Bura. Cover the affected area with borax. To prepare the mixture, you need to mix 1 cup (250 ml) of borax and 4 liters of hot water. After the substance is completely dissolved, pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply to the area with mold. Clean with a brush after a few minutes. Do not rinse off the solution. If you use less water, you can make a paste. This paste can be applied to the moldy area for a few minutes. Scrape off the paste and clean the area with a brush. Borax is a natural, white mineral powder. It is used as a fungicide, pesticide, herbicide, disinfectant and deodorant.
Prevention of mold and other types of fungus
To prevent the appearance of a fungus in the future, first of all, it is necessary to establish the cause of its appearance, and in the future to use those materials and means that helped you get rid of it. But the main measure is the elimination of high humidity.
Measures to prevent the appearance of mold and other types of fungus are as follows:
- Ventilate the room more often;
- Do not close the doors tightly in rooms with high humidity (bathroom, etc.). This is necessary to equalize the temperature and humidity in these rooms.
- Put things in order with the ventilation system. This issue can be attributed, for example, the installation of air conditioning. In addition, because mold appears primarily from its spores that have appeared in the room through the air, you can install an air purifier that will filter the air in the room, and give additional protection.
- In the toilet, bathroom and other rooms with high humidity, you can install fans in the chimneys. In some cases, hoods can also be installed.
— Heating and ventilation must function at the level of design standards. The walls of the premises must have heat resistance strictly in accordance with the project, and the heating devices are correctly placed in the end rooms.
- When fighting mold, clean and finish, if necessary, to the level of a concrete or brick surface to completely remove a possible breeding ground for fungus in the future.
- After the destruction of mold and other fungi, during repair work, use special tools that, in addition to their basic properties and purpose, also have the ability to prevent the appearance of fungi in the future. As it was already written in the previous chapter, there are even paints, primers, etc. with the addition of special components that keep the treated surfaces from fungus.
- Carry out a set of works to drain and waterproof the basement in order to protect against melt and groundwater. This is also true in apartments, in particular on balconies, with insulation.
- On the same balconies, if they have high humidity, and if possible, it is advisable to install a heating system.
- If you feel the taste of mold in your mouth after brushing your teeth, then your toothbrush is a breeding ground for fungus, do not delay replacing it.
- Be sure to wash your hands after placing the street to reduce the spread of fungal spores.
- Throw away food that is moldy by taking it outside.
Mold video (documentary)
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What is mold it is very important for everyone to know. Many people already know about the dangers of mold, but it is also important to know about its benefits.
Mold surrounds us everywhere. Some types of mold can kill, while others, on the contrary, save. There is mold that poisons food, and there is one that gives a special taste to wines and cheese. and in nature, on wood. Even now, its spores can be near us and we don’t notice them inhaling them. Do you doubt that mold is so common? It’s easy to check if you leave a piece of bread in the refrigerator. Soon fluffy plaque. This is mold.
What is mold?
How does mold appear?
Its microscopic spores spread through the air. When the spore enters the right environment and at the same time the right temperature and humidity, it germinates. Its thread-like cells are called hyphae. Mycelium, a fluffy ball of threads, is formed due to the interweaving of these hyphae .Here you have mold formed. In appearance, it may look like stains or dirt. For example, it may appear in the bathroom on the wall between the tiles.
Mold reproduces very quickly. Take for example bread mold. Its small black dots are sporangia. One sporangium contains 50,000 spores, each of which is ready to reproduce hundreds of millions of new spores in a few days. Mold quickly appears on a shoe, a book or on a tree, which fell if favorable conditions.
How does mold eat?
When we eat food, we first swallow it and then digest it. This is how animals eat. Mold has the opposite. to simpler ones, for easy digestion. Mold has to live on its food, because it cannot move around.
Mold releases mycotoxins, toxic substances that can harm both humans and animals. Mold penetrates through inhaled air, through swallowed food, and also through the surface of the skin. Mold also has beneficial properties.
mold friend
What is mold understood by Alexander Fleming, an English microbiologist who in 1928 accidentally discovered that green mold has an antibacterial property. Its name is Penicillium notatum. This mold is harmless to humans and animals, but is capable of killing bacteria. This property later led to the production of penicillin. In 1945, Fleming and his colleagues Howard Florey and Ernest Cheyne received the Nobel Prize for their contribution to the field of medicine. After this discovery, the mold began to be used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, migraine and to prevent blood clots.
Over time, it became clear that mold gives a delicious taste to cheeses. Such cheeses as Brie, Danish blue cheese, Camembert, Gorgonzola, Stilton and Roquefort owe their taste to mold. Mold is also used in soy sauce, beer and salami.
Mold is also used in winemaking. Mold grapes are harvested at the right time and elite dessert wines are made from them. Noble mold, or Botrytis gray mold, improves the taste of wine and makes it more saturated by increasing the concentration of sugar in grapes. Special cellar mold gives the wine its final taste if the fermentation process takes place in a wine cellar. Yes, indeed, one can agree with the Hungarian winemakers that wine becomes good thanks to noble mold.
Mold is the enemy.
In the sixth century BC. The biological weapon of the Assyrians, who poisoned the water in the wells of enemies, was ergot. The same type of mold in the Middle Ages, which sometimes appears on spikelets of rye, caused convulsions, itching, gangrene and hallucinations in many people. This disease, ergotism, was called at that time "fire of St. Anthony" because. many who suffered from it made a pilgrimage to France to the tomb of Anthony. They hoped to be healed in this way.
Having learned what mold is, they began to use its properties to the detriment of people. Aflatoxin is the strongest carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substance secreted by mold. Due to the action of this carcinogen, 20,000 people die every year in one Asian country. This substance is dangerous to human life, used as a biological weapon.
In everyday life, when we encounter mold, it does not threaten our health. One medical publication says: “Most types of mold are harmless, even if you inhale its spores. People who suffer from respiratory diseases such as asthma; allergy sufferers and those with those who are hypersensitive to chemicals, those who have a weakened immune system, and those who come into contact with a lot of mold at work (farmers) suffer from exposure to mold. Young children are more vulnerable to mold.
Mold can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, shallow and difficult breathing; eye irritation (redness, tearing, burning); swelling of the nasal mucosa; dry, hacking cough; rash and irritation on the skin; sore throat. (US California Department of Public Health).
Buildings and mold
What is mold, many learn the hard way at home. In many countries, schools, offices and homes are closed to destroy mold. In Stockholm, the Museum of Modern Art was closed in 2002. It took about four million euros to eradicate mold! Why is this happening?
It's all about building materials. Recently, materials susceptible to mold, such as drywall, have been used in construction. Gypsum retains moisture well and after a while mold can grow on it, which will feed on drywall.
Changes also occurred in the methods of construction themselves. Until the 1970s, buildings in the United States and other countries were better ventilated and less airtight. The desire to build buildings with more efficient energy consumption led to changes. water penetrates, it becomes damp and mold begins to form over time. How to fix the situation?
The most effective way to fight mold is to keep the room clean and dry, as well as moisture. Get rid of the formed moisture immediately and try to prevent its further formation. It is also very important to monitor the condition and cleanliness of the roof and gutters. Check that water does not accumulate at the foundation. If the house has air conditioning, then the condensate drain pans must always be clean and the drainage pipes in good condition.
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