Reported March 2008

MOLD SEEKING TECHNIQUE: Mechanical engineers are using radio waves to obtain 3D images of the inside of basement walls. If there's water inside the wall, those waves will reflect the energy much more specifically than dry material will. The new tool helps make sure mold is not making itself at home in your house.

MOLD'S GOOD SIDE: Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin by accident in London in 1928, when he left plates of bacteria cultures unwashed in his lab for several weeks. When he returned, he found that mold had grown on one of the plates, and the bacteria were not growing around it.

The American Industrial Hygiene Association contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Fred Blosser, Public Affairs Officer
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(202) 260-8519
fbb0@cdc.gov

American Industrial Hygiene Association
Melissa Hurley
(703) 846-0740
mhurley@aiha.org