Do structural adhesives cause mold to grow more readily or faster?
Hide A recent study (9) on fungal susceptibility of pine and aspen oriented strand board (OSB) found that the amount of mold growth on both OSB types was approximately equal to the mold growth on solid aspen. These results indicate that the adhesive has little or no effect on mold growth. Molds grow best on freely available sources of nutrients (4), and because the cured resins used in structural adhesives are a poor source of freely available nutrients (and may even block mold access to the cellulose fibers), these adhesives are generally assumed not to encourage mold growth. • What is wrong with mold? Answer Hide Mold and/or mildew fungi do not cause wood decay. However high moisture environments that foster mold growth also have the potential to support decay-producing organisms (3). Molds produce spores, which often become airborne, and may trigger an allergic reaction for some people (13). In addition some molds produce mycotoxins and microbial VOCs (volatile organic compounds). H
