Mold Biology & Ecology Flashcards
7 cards from real CMI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Mold Biology & Ecology flashcards as text
Why are mold spores particularly hazardous to building occupants with respiratory sensitivities?
Answer: Their microscopic size allows them to penetrate deep into lung tissue
Mold spores typically range from 2 to 100 microns and can be inhaled into the deep respiratory tract, where they may trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or hypersensitivity pneumonitis in sensitive individuals.
What are the toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain mold species under specific environmental conditions called?
Answer: Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain mold species such as Stachybotrys and Aspergillus, and they can persist on building materials and settled dust even after mold growth has ceased.
Which mold species is most commonly associated with invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients?
Answer: Aspergillus fumigatus
Aspergillus fumigatus is the leading cause of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals because its spores are thermotolerant, growing well at human body temperature of 37°C (98.6°F).
What does a significantly elevated indoor-to-outdoor mold spore count ratio typically indicate during an air quality inspection?
Answer: Possible active mold growth occurring inside the building
When indoor mold spore counts substantially exceed outdoor concentrations, or when atypical species appear indoors, it indicates an amplification source — active mold growth — within the building.
What moisture content level in wood is generally considered the threshold above which mold growth risk becomes significant?
Answer: Above 19%
Wood with a moisture content above approximately 19% is at significant risk for mold colonization, which is why moisture meters capable of reading wood moisture content are an essential inspection tool.
Which surface sampling method uses an adhesive to collect mold spores directly from a surface for microscopic identification?
Answer: Tape lift sampling
Tape lift sampling uses clear adhesive tape pressed against a surface to lift spores and hyphal fragments, which are then transferred to a microscope slide and sent to a laboratory for identification.
What does the presence of Chaetomium species on a building material typically indicate to a mold inspector?
Answer: Chronic or long-term water damage due to its requirement for sustained wet cellulose
Chaetomium species are slow-growing cellulose decomposers that require sustained wet conditions over an extended period, so their presence is a reliable indicator of chronic or repeated water intrusion rather than brief moisture exposure.