Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Production and Testing of Moisture Behavior and Thermal Properties of Rapeseed Straw and Ganoderma resinaceum Mycelium Bio-Composites
09:39

Production and Testing of Moisture Behavior and Thermal Properties of Rapeseed Straw and Ganoderma resinaceum Mycelium Bio-Composites

Published on: September 5, 2025

Indoor mould development and dispersal

Michael R McGinnis1

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch. Galveston, TX 77555-0740, USA. mmcginni@utmb.edu

Medical Mycology
|February 28, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Indoor mold growth starts with water and susceptible building materials, leading to biodeterioration and the spread of fungal spores. This creates a complex indoor ecosystem with interacting fungi and other organisms.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Mycology
  • Building Science

Background:

  • Indoor mold development is initiated by water accumulation on susceptible building materials.
  • Fungal propagules enter buildings and colonize substrates when conditions are favorable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the process of indoor mold development and its ecological implications.
  • To highlight the role of environmental factors in fungal growth and biodeterioration.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on indoor fungal ecology and biodeterioration.
  • Analysis of the conditions required for fungal vegetative growth and reproduction.
  • Examination of the dispersal mechanisms of fungal propagules within indoor environments.

Main Results:

  • Adequate moisture and nutrient-rich substrates are critical for fungal growth.
  • Fungal enzymes cause biodeterioration of building materials.
  • Reproductive fungal propagules spread via air currents, establishing new indoor niches.
  • Indoor fungal communities form complex ecosystems interacting with other organisms.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the factors driving indoor mold growth is essential for building material preservation.
  • The indoor environment supports a complex fungal ecology with potential implications for indoor air quality.
  • Further research into fungal-bacteria interactions within indoor niches is warranted.

More Related Videos

Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA12:02

Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA

Published on: May 2, 2018

Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways10:06

Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways

Published on: December 13, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Biodeterioration01:28

Biodeterioration

Biodeterioration refers to the unwanted alteration of materials caused by microorganisms—especially fungi—which damage both organic substrates (paper, wood, textiles) and inorganic ones (stone, plaster, glass). Unlike abiotic decay, biodeterioration results from biological activity that produces physical disruption and chemical degradation.Physical deterioration occurs as fungal hyphae penetrate pores, cracks, and surface irregularities. Hyphal turgor pressure, thigmotropic growth along...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
Microenvironments01:22

Microenvironments

Microorganisms inhabit highly localized spaces known as microenvironments, which are defined by distinct physical and chemical characteristics. These include oxygen concentration, pH, temperature, light availability, and nutrient levels. The conditions within a microenvironment can differ markedly from those in the surrounding area and significantly influence microbial growth, metabolism, and community structure.Microenvironments often display sharp physicochemical gradients over small spatial...
Mortar Joint Deterioration in Masonry01:13

Mortar Joint Deterioration in Masonry

Mortar joint deterioration is a significant concern in masonry structures, with water accumulation in the joints leading to damage from freeze-thaw cycles. The repeated expansion of water during freezing and its melting during thawing develop and propagate cracks in the masonry joints. Eventually, this leads to the spalling of mortar from the joints, loosening masonry units and weakening the structure. The deteriorated mortar joints are also vulnerable to moisture intrusion into the walls.
The...
Efflorescence in Masonry01:25

Efflorescence in Masonry

Efflorescence in masonry walls appears as a fluffy crystalline powder, often white, resulting from water-soluble salts within the masonry or mortar. When water penetrates the masonry, it dissolves these salts and brings them to the surface, where they are deposited upon evaporation of water.
While initial efflorescence is common post-construction and can be cleaned with water and a brush, in certain instances, efflorescence can reappear and gradually diminish over time as salts are leached out...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...