A number of toxic molds grow on straw and are responsible for diseases of livestock , including facial excema in sheep , and slobber syndrome in various grazing animals. Some of the highly toxic chemicals are easy to identify and detect, while others are not. Appropriate and sensible storage conditions i. If mold is suspected, then the use of anti fungal agents fungicides or destruction of the infected straw are the best options.
The first poison to be isolated from a mold is aflatoxin. This and other poisonous substances produced by molds and other fungi are referred to as mycotoxins. Some mycotoxins are deadly to humans in tiny doses, others will only affect certain animals.
Aflatoxin was first isolated in in Great Britain. It was produced by Aspergillus flavus that had been growing on peanuts. In that year, aflatoxin had been responsible for the death of , turkeys.
In fact, it was the massive financial loss from these deaths that led to the research that discovered aflatoxin. From the beginning of the twentieth century, scientists had tentatively linked a number of diseases with molds, but had not been able to isolate the compounds responsible. With the discovery of aflatoxin, scientists were able to provide proof of the undesirable effects of a mold. Just because a particular mold can produce a mycotoxin does not mean it always will.
For example, Aspergillus flavus has been safely used for many centuries in China in the production of various cheeses and soy sauce. Aspergillus flavus and related species are relatively common, and will grow on a wide variety of substrates, including various foodstuffs and animal feeds. However, the optimum conditions for vegetative growth are different from those required for the production of aflatoxin. The mycotoxin in this species is produced in largest quantities at high moisture levels and moderate temperatures on certain substrates.
For a damaging amount of the toxin to accumulate, about ten days at these conditions may be required. Aflatoxin can be produced by Aspergillus flavus growing on peanuts. Adequate humidity and temperature are needed for optimal growth. Molds do not use photosynthesis to receive energy. Related Stories. Scientists have shown that the mold Penicillium Experimental findings offer microbiologists Astronauts on the ISS spend hours every week cleaning the inside of the station's walls to prevent Scientists have As it digs the tunnel, it spreads ambrosia fungal spores that will feed the larvae.
Refer to information about cleaning up mould: refer to the information on the Better Health Channel website. When a rental property has mould, the owner should fix any mould caused by faults in gutters or other fixtures, but the tenant should ensure that extractor fans are used when available and the home is aired regularly where possible.
Sometimes, the cause of the mould growth may be due to a building fault that may not be easily rectified. If as a tenant, you have taken measures to make sure the building is properly ventilated and mould is still growing, you should raise the issue with the owner. Tenants seeking further advice on their rights can also contact the Tenants Union of Victoria on 03 Where mould is visible, it is generally not considered necessary to test for it in the home.
However, not all mould is visible, as contamination may be in cavities or the ceiling. Generally, if you can see or smell mould, you need to clean up and remove the mould immediately, as mould can damage surfaces it grows on. If you suspect mould contamination but cannot find the source of the problem, or if you have already taken measures to prevent mould from growing and you are still having problems, you could employ an occupational hygienist or environmental health and safety professional.
For a fee, these professionals can provide specialist mould testing and consultancy services. More information here. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. When returning to a flood-affected area, remember that wild animals, including rats, mice, snakes or spiders, may be trapped in your home, shed or garden. When returning to your home after a flood, take precautions to reduce the possibility of injury, illness or disease.
Around 75 per cent of Melbourne's air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions. Severe allergic reactions anaphylaxis and asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Penicillium : Another common type of mold, Penicillium also thrives both inside and outside of the home.
It commonly infests vinyl, paneling, wood, painted masonry, and poured concrete foundations. Cladosporium : This mold is one of the most common types of mold found on external surfaces of buildings.
Cladosporium may colonize vinyl siding, glass surfaces, windows, many types of wood, and paneling. Trichoderma : Trichoderma is less common than the first three types of mold. Its infrequency is in part because it requires more moisture than the others. This will reduce damage to the materials and structures that mold grows on. Aside from the damage mold causes on surfaces, there are health risks associated with exposure to mold ranging from mild to severe. These include the onset of fungal allergy, respiratory infections, and the worsening of illnesses like asthma.
Individuals with chronic respiratory disease may also experience difficulty breathing as a result of mold exposure. They suggest thoroughly removing any mold that can be seen or smelled.
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