18/07/2022
Mould is a type of fungal growth that develops on wet materials and is only visible to the human eye when it forms a colony. It is a natural part of the environment and plays an important part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. Mould growth should be avoided indoors as spores are released by the mould which can make people sick. Spores are the reproductive "seeds" of mould.
The spores that are produced by mould are extremely small and are easily transferred by air and water. The mould spores can survive in environments that do not support normal mould growth. Mould growth will only begin when the spores reach an ideal environment. Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals that can be found inside and outside the spores. Mycotoxins can cause a range of health effects and can be a serious threat to the health of humans. Mould can have a higher impact on the health of susceptible groups such as the elderly, children, and those with suppressed immune systems.
Mould grows in the form of multicellular filaments that are called hyphae. They are rootlike structures that have moisture and nutrients to allow the organism to grow.
