Moulds (or mildew) are fungi. Fungi are neither plant nor animal but, since 1969, have their own kingdom. The fungi kingdom includes such wonderful organisms as the delicious edible mushrooms, the makers of the “miracle drug” penicillin and the yeast that makes our bread rise and our fine wines ferment. Biologically, all fungi have defined […]
Metalworking Fluids Bacteria and Fungi
What are Metalworking Fluids? Metalworking fluids (MWF) is the name given to a range of oils (mineral -petroleum, animal, marine, vegetable or synthetic oils) and other liquids that are used to cool and/or lubricate metal works during machining, grinding, cutting, milling, etc. There are four basic classes of Metalworking Fluids: Straight Oils: Also called "cutting" […]
How To Interpret Laboratory Results for Airborne Fungal (Mould) Samples
Laboratory results for airborne mould and bacteria concentrations can be difficult to interpret for two major reasons. Maximum exposure limits have not been set Currently, there are no set maximum exposure limits (MELs) or threshold level values for airborne indoor mould and bacteria concentrations. Setting MELs would be difficult for reasons which include limitations in […]
Dimorphic Fungi: What Are They?
Dimorphic fungi are those fungi that exist either in yeast form or as mold (mycelial form) depending on environmental conditions, physiological conditions of the fungus or the genetic characteristics. As yeasts, dimorphic fungi exist as single cells and multiply by old cells producing daughter cells. Dimorphism is common with some members of the major divisions […]