For the 14th time, our laboratory in Pinneberg is participating with an analysis in a study of the Joint Research Center (JRC) of the European Commission. The JRC provides independent, fact-based knowledge content and scientific findings for the European Commission.

In the routine analysis of molds in interiors, the genus Trichoderma plays a role in the evaluation, but because these are typical molds on rotting wood or fruit, their detection plays a rather subordinate role in the evaluation of interior damage. According to TRBA 460, the mold species Trichoderma viride is classified in biological risk group 1. Thus, there is no known increased risk of infection for humans.

When examining particle traces or adhesive film preparations, the spores of the genus Talaromyces are assigned to the spore type Aspergillus / Penicillium. A doubtless assignment is not possible without spore carriers. The spore type subsumes a number of mold genera whose spores can be described as small and round. The characteristics in direct microscopic methods are often insufficient to determine the genus beyond doubt.

According to TRBA 460, the mold species Talaromyces islandicus is classified in biological risk group 1. Thus, there is no known increased risk of infection to humans.

Memnoniella echinata is a mold with worldwide distribution that has often been isolated from clothing or carpets indoors. The species is not among the officially recognized indoor moisture indicators. An increased detection of Memnoniella echinata can therefore be an indication of increased moisture in the interior. Concrete data on the aW value are not known. According to TRBA 460, the mold species Memnoniella echinata is classified in biological risk group 1. Thus, there is no known increased risk of infection for humans.

Indoor moisture indicator and classified in biological risk group 2. The mold species was by no means obtained only from natural habitats such as soil samples or plant litter, but is also mentioned in a number of medical journals. In the most recent version of the Altas of Clinical Fungi, Sarocladium kiliense is described as an accompanying organism in a whole range of clinical pictures. Skin diseases and lung infections appear most frequently. This is the reason for the classification of Sarocladium kiliense in biological risk group 2.