Abstract

The term “mould fungi” covers filamentous fungi and is often colloquially referred to as “moulds” in the German language. Organisms like mites, eukaryotes, bacteria or actinobacteria occurring in association with mould fungi should not be described as “moulds” during microbiological investigations in indoor areas. Due to a lack of standard measurement methods used in practice there are different interpretations of measurement results. Only the combination of various methods detecting mould fungi in indoor air and e.g., an accompanying analysis of potentially affected construction materials allow conclusions to be drawn concerning potential indoor sources in relation to moisture damage. Many organic components of building materials show a normal high microbial background level. Together with the ambient air and the use of affected indoor areas this fact influences the determination of the source of the mould fungi. Further objectifications and improvements of the scientific procedures while identifying and valuing humans’ exposure to mould fungus components as well as a huge demand of medical research on different diseases are required.

Author Details

Authors

• M. Blei

Departments

• Privatinstitut für Innenraumtoxikologie – Dr. Blei GmbH, Jena

Address

Dr. Ing. Dipl. Biol. Mario Blei
Privatinstitut für Innenraumtoxikologie – Dr. Blei GmbH
Am Stadion 1a
07749 Jena
Email: [email protected]

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