Ask A Scientist General Science Archive

name         Adam C.
status       student
age          13

Question -   Is bread mold harmful to humans and animals when consumed?
-----------------
Bread molds are "benign" meaning that they are generally not harmful. Molds are a complex group 
of fungi, and all fungi should be regarded with caution. Here is a quote from an informative 
web site on types of mold found around homes: http://wehomeinspect.com/Types_of_Mold.htm

"Penicillium (pen-uh-sill’-ee-um) - contaminant / opportunistic pathogen, one of the most 
common genera found worldwide in soil and decaying vegetation and indoors in dust, food, 
and various building materials. Common bread mold is a species of Penicillium. Spores usually 
cannot be distinguished from Aspergillus on non-cultured samples (like tape-lifts and air-o-
cells). It is reported to be allergenic, to cause certain infections in compromised 
individuals, and some species do produce toxins unhealthy to humans."

See this newspaper article for an interesting perspective on some of the hazards of mold:

http://www.iuoe.org/cm/iaq_asthmold.asp?Item=317

J. Elliott

=====================================================