Growth-phase-related production of potential volatile-organic tracer compounds by moulds on wood

The growth-dependent production of known and new potential tracer compounds for moulds of the genus Penicillium on pine wood is shown. The analytical method used involves diffusive sampling by an adsorbent tube (Tenax-TA), thermal desorption, gas chromatography and a mass selective detector. Mass spectra of identified and unidentified potential tracer compounds are presented. Identified compounds are 1-Octene-3-ol, 2-Heptanone, 4-Allylanisole and 9-Methyl-1-butanol. In addition, several other compounds were tentatively identified or recognized in different samples by their retention time and mass spectra. The microbiologically produced volatile organic compounds (MVOC) are produced during different time periods of the mould growth cycle. The impact of these results on screening measurements for houses with mould problems is discussed together with the applicability and need for new and more tracer compounds for mould growth in buildings.