Mold - Basics (Caravanos) - Quiz, Flashcards & Trivia

1. Only actively growing mold is a health risk. Dead and dried out mold particles are not a risk.

True

False

Allergenic and asthmatic health effects associated with mold are dependent on mold spore protein. Whether alive or dead, the proteins associated with mold spores are presenting the health effect. Meaning "dead" dried up mold colonies still pose a risk.

Explanation

Allergenic and asthmatic health effects associated with mold are dependent on mold spore protein. Whether alive or dead, the proteins associated with mold spores are presenting the health effect. Meaning "dead" dried up mold colonies still pose a risk.

2. The key to fungal growth is moisture... no moisture, no growth.

True

False

Moisture is a crucial factor for the growth of fungi. Fungi thrive in damp and humid environments, as they require water to survive and reproduce. Without moisture, fungi cannot obtain the necessary nutrients and cannot grow. Therefore, the statement that the key to fungal growth is moisture is true.

Explanation

Moisture is a crucial factor for the growth of fungi. Fungi thrive in damp and humid environments, as they require water to survive and reproduce. Without moisture, fungi cannot obtain the necessary nutrients and cannot grow. Therefore, the statement that the key to fungal growth is moisture is true.

3. Surface Mold growing on wet wooden studs also penetrates into the wood structure.

True

False

Molds need organic matter to grow but also have mycellium that attach to substrates. On smooth glass, ceramic tiles, counter tops, there is neither a "food source" or penetrating matrix to adhere to.

Explanation

Molds need organic matter to grow but also have mycellium that attach to substrates. On smooth glass, ceramic tiles, counter tops, there is neither a "food source" or penetrating matrix to adhere to.

4. Mold spores can be found on your skin, hair and clothes all the time.

True

False

Mold spores are everywhere.

Explanation

Mold spores are everywhere.

5. You can easily identify the type of mold species by visual inspection (just looking at it).

True

False

Mold colonies grow differently on different surfaces. A greenish mold on a couch may grow brown on an agar plate. You cannot identify mold this way.

Explanation

Mold colonies grow differently on different surfaces. A greenish mold on a couch may grow brown on an agar plate. You cannot identify mold this way.

6. It's impossible to make a typical home mold free.

True

False

Mold spores are present in the air both indoors and outdoors, and they can easily enter a home through open windows, doors, or on clothing and shoes. While it is possible to control and reduce mold growth through proper ventilation, moisture control, and regular cleaning, it is nearly impossible to completely eliminate mold spores from a typical home. Therefore, it is true that it is impossible to make a typical home mold-free.

Explanation

Mold spores are present in the air both indoors and outdoors, and they can easily enter a home through open windows, doors, or on clothing and shoes. While it is possible to control and reduce mold growth through proper ventilation, moisture control, and regular cleaning, it is nearly impossible to completely eliminate mold spores from a typical home. Therefore, it is true that it is impossible to make a typical home mold-free.

7. The inhalation of mold spores will produce the same health effect in all those exposed.

True

False

Health effects associated with environmental mold exposure are quite varied and produce different symptoms in different individuals. This is especially true of people with asthma, allergies and/or other respiratory conditions.

Explanation

Health effects associated with environmental mold exposure are quite varied and produce different symptoms in different individuals. This is especially true of people with asthma, allergies and/or other respiratory conditions.

8. Mold can eat and grow on anything.

True

False

Mold must have food, namely a carbon source such as paper, wool, cellulose, sugars, cotton etc. They cannot grow on concrete unless there is food inside the pores (i.e. dirt).

Explanation

Mold must have food, namely a carbon source such as paper, wool, cellulose, sugars, cotton etc. They cannot grow on concrete unless there is food inside the pores (i.e. dirt).

9. Chlorine bleach is a necessary part of a mold remediation project.

True

False

Mold remediation is a varied activity without strict regulatory standards. The use of Chlorine (bleach) as a treatment for mold contaminated areas is controversial and questionable.

Explanation

Mold remediation is a varied activity without strict regulatory standards. The use of Chlorine (bleach) as a treatment for mold contaminated areas is controversial and questionable.

10. Mold cannot grow on clean smooth ceramic tiles.

True

False

There is no food (carbon) source on ceramic tiles. In the grout, there are dead human cells and material that can support mold growth. But not on smooth clean tiles.

Explanation

There is no food (carbon) source on ceramic tiles. In the grout, there are dead human cells and material that can support mold growth. But not on smooth clean tiles.