WestCon Tribune

MARCH MEETING

Growth Requirements

For Fungi

Presented By:  Steve Quarles, University of California Cooperative Extension Advisor, Wood Durability, University of California Forest Products Laboratory

 

You have heard it before.  In order to grow, fungi need four things - sufficient oxygen, an adequate temperature, moisture and food. But how much moisture is enough, and where does it come from? What do different fungi eat, and how do they do it? During this presentation, Steve will discuss these issues and also relate his findings regarding common mold fungi found on wood and wood-based products commonly used in construction.

 

Mold issues are some of the hottest topics in the construction litigation arena. With the passing of Senate Bill 800, does condensation in buildings from sources other than building defects (such as large and extended families living in small homes using steam for cooking and numerous showers) create additional opportunities for fungi growth?

 

Steve Quarles is a Westcon member and the UC Cooperative Extension Advisor for Wood Durability at the UC Forest Products Laboratory.  The UC Forest Products Laboratory is a statewide, multicampus unit of the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) in the University of California. The primary functions of UCFPL are research and extension in a wide range of issues related to forest products. Their focus has been on the performance of wood and wood-based materials in service, as well as biomass utilization and fire mitigation.

 

The UC Forest Products Laboratory has served Californians for almost a half-century. In 1943, the California legislature passed a resolution for the establishment of the UC Forest Products Laboratory, and in 1951, approved the funding for construction and equipment. The main building was completed in 1955 and has doubled in size since the initial construction.

 

The mission of the UC Forest Products Laboratory is to benefit the people of California by acquiring, developing, and transferring knowledge that will lead to improved effectiveness of wood utilization, improved performance of forest products, and environmentally sound practices in the production and use of forest products.