Mould

Moulds are microscopic fungi that spread by producing spores found in suspension in the air. The spores detach very easily and can be carried into other rooms, where they can settle and form new mould. There are a large number of different species of mould, and some species have a particularly negative impact on health.

Mould is naturally present in the air and can synthesise toxic chemicals – such as mycotoxins and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) – that are contained in the spores or released directly into the air.

However, certain species are also useful for humans, such as Penicillium chrysogenum – which synthesises penicillin – or the Penicillium roqueforti, camemberti and glaucum species, which are used in the manufacture of cheese.