AMRT Study Guide Complete Solutions

AMRT Study Guide Complete Solutions 1. What is the term for the moisture level on a surface that facilitates mold growth? The term is water activity. 2. How do molds reproduce? Mold reproduction occurs through a process called sporulation. 3. Which types of molds are known to generate respirable particles? The molds Aspergillus and Penicillium are known to produce respirable particles. 4. What is meant by "respirable"? "Respirable" refers to particles that can be deeply inhaled into the lungs, typically those measuring around 5 microns. 5. Can you name four common viruses typically found in sewage? Common viruses in sewage include rotavirus, gastrointestinal (GI) virus, adenovirus, and hepatitis. 6. What are three primary biohazards associated with sewage? The three major biohazards are viruses, bacteria, and parasites. 7. What are three secondary biohazards linked to sewage? Secondary biohazards include endotoxins/exotoxins, mycotoxins, and mold. 8. List four types of gram-negative bacteria commonly present in sewage. Common gram-negative bacteria found in sewage include E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Pseudomonas. 9. What does the term "pathogenic" refer to? "Pathogenic" describes organisms that are capable of causing disease. 10. At what moisture content (MC) can mold growth be supported? Mold can thrive at a moisture content of 16. 11. What moisture content is necessary for wood-decaying fungi? Wood-decaying fungi require a moisture content of 20. 12. Which federal agency regulates indoor air quality? There is no federal agency overseeing indoor air quality. 13. What factors influence the growth of mold? Mold growth is affected by several factors, including temperature, light, moisture, oxygen, pH, and available nutrients or food sources. 14. What nutrient do molds thrive on most effectively? Molds grow best on cellulose. 15. What does ERH stand for, and what does it mean? ERH stands for equilibrium relative humidity, which refers to the moisture content at a surface. 16. Can you provide an example of a hydrophilic mold? An example of a hydrophilic mold is Stachybotrys chartarum. 17. Name an example of a mesophilic mold. Aspergillus and Penicillium are examples of mesophilic molds. 18. What is a xerophilic mold? Xerophilic molds include species like Aspergillus and Penicillium. 19. How is exposure to bioaerosols commonly experienced? There are four primary routes of exposure to bioaerosols: ingestion, cut/puncture/injection, dermal contact, and inhalation. 20. What is the mechanism by which viruses replicate? Viruses replicate by injecting RNA into a living host cell. 21. What is the most common means of exposure to mold? The most common route for mold exposure is through inhalation. 22. What is the prevalent way to be exposed to category 3 water? The typical route of entry for category 3 water exposure is via ingestion. 23. What does MVOC stand for? MVOC stands for microbial volatile organic compounds. 24. What are MVOCs, and why are they significant? MVOCs are gaseous waste by-products released by actively growing molds, which can signal significant indoor air quality issues. 25. Give three sources from which MVOCs can originate. Sources of MVOCs include reactivated pet urine, damp building materials, and bacteria. 26. What does the presence of MVOCs indicate? MVOCs can indicate poor indoor air quality, active microbial growth, and incomplete remediation efforts. 27. What is a micron? A micron is a unit of measurement equivalent to one-millionth of a meter.