CMA Mold Identification & Types 5

Question 1

A mold assessor collects an air sample and the lab report shows a high count of Basidiospores. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Elevated outdoor fungal activity from mushrooms or bracket fungi

Answer

Basidiospores originate primarily from outdoor sources such as mushrooms, bracket fungi, and rusts, and elevated counts typically reflect outdoor air infiltration.

Question 2

Which mold species produces trichothecene mycotoxins and is most associated with sick building syndrome claims?

Accepted Answer

Stachybotrys chartarum

Answer

Stachybotrys chartarum is known for producing trichothecene mycotoxins, which have been linked to sick building syndrome in heavily contaminated environments.

Question 3

What does the term 'hyphal fragments' refer to on a mold spore trap report?

Accepted Answer

Broken pieces of mold filaments that can carry allergens and mycotoxins

Answer

Hyphal fragments are broken pieces of mold filaments that become airborne, can carry allergens and mycotoxins, and indicate active or disturbed mold growth.

Question 4

Which genus produces large, round, dark brown-to-black sclerotia and is commonly found on decaying wood and soil?

Accepted Answer

Sclerotinia

Answer

Sclerotinia species produce characteristic sclerotia (hard, dark resting bodies) and are primarily plant pathogens found in soil and decaying organic matter.

Question 5

In the context of indoor mold assessment, what does 'ERMI' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Environmental Relative Moldiness Index

Answer

ERMI stands for Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, a DNA-based dust analysis tool developed by the EPA to assess indoor mold contamination.

(CMA) Certified Mold Assessor Practice Test

(CMA) Certified Mold Assessor Practice Test

CMA Mold Identification & Types 5