M. J. Dvmanov, is a medical mycologist specializing in the study of fungal molds within human habitations relevant to human and animal health. A nationally recognized consultant performing indoor environmental studies for federal, state and local government and the private sectors. Also as a lecturer he has certified hundreds of professionals in the health care, legal, academic, real estate, commercial, industrial and related fields where fungi play an  important role.

He sometimes refers to himself as the "House Doctor" where his patients are sick houses, buildings and other habitations. He conducts investigations and makes a "diagnosis". If there is a concern or problem he prescribes a "treatment"   for the habitation as need. He appears in a recent Discovery Health Channel show entitled "Is Your House Out to Get You?" ( Check your local cable listing for a repeat showing or obtain the DVD when available from the Discovery Channel) to discuss many of the risks associated with fungal mold that people encounter in the home or workplace.

When recently interviewed he disclosed that in every case that involved a serious health complaint that was mold related such as respiratory or systemic infection by fungal mold a damp basement was involved.

"In 2006 three cases were investigated one involving a 30 year female with a Aspergilloma of the right lung, a fungal mold growth caused by the genus Aspergillus, a 57 year male with neurological impairment due to fungal infection of the spinal cord and a 68 year female with eye infection by Paecilomyces sp . In all of these cases the infecting/pathogenic fungal mold was found throughout the basement and could not bee seen by the untrained eye. In laboratory analysis these fungal molds were found to be extensively present. One of the fungal molds was the same color and took the texture of the brick wall making it nearly invisible.

Typically cinder block surfaces unprotected from vapor penetration becomes damp and with the porous surface captures suitable nutrients for fungal mold growth. In many cases the mold is the same gray color as the block		Common area for water penetration when outside or floor surfaces are unprotected from water penetration. New construction code require such waterproofing in new homes in they majority oft states.

One of the best investments for any and nearly all home owners is a dry and vapor protected basement or cellar. Besides offering the protection against mold growth it also protects against the  penetration of radon gas, insects and organic ground gases.

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Mold DNA Laboratory

Mold  in the Environment

Molds live in the soil, on plants, and on dead or decaying matter. Outdoors, molds play a key role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Molds belong to the kingdom Fungi, and unlike plants, they lack chlorophyll and must survive by digesting plant materials, using plant and other organic materials for food. Without molds, our environment would be overwhelmed with large amounts of dead plant matter.

Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce, just as some plants produce seeds.   These mold spores can be found in both indoor and outdoor air, and settled on  indoor and outdoor surfaces. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive.  Since molds gradually destroy the things they grow on, you can prevent damage to building materials and furnishings and save money by eliminating mold growth.

Moisture control is the key to mold control. Molds need both food and water to survive; since molds can digest most things, water is the factor that limits mold growth. Molds will often grow in damp or wet areas indoors. Common sites for   indoor mold growth include bathroom tile, basement walls, areas around windows where moisture condenses, and near leaky water fountains or sinks. Common sources or causes of water or moisture problems include roof leaks, deferred maintenance, condensation associated with high humidity or cold spots in the building, localized flooding due to plumbing failures or heavy rains, slow leaks in plumbing fixtures,   and malfunction or poor design of humidification systems. Uncontrolled humidity   can  also be a source of moisture leading to mold growth, particularly in hot, humid climates.

For additional scientific information about mold:  What is Fungal Mold Mycology Research