Cladosporium is one of the most widespread mould. It includes about 40 species naturally found in soil, on decaying plant material and as plant pathogens. Several studies conducted in Europe and North America have shown that Cladosporium spores are present in the outdoor environment throughout the year. However, concentrations are very low in winter. In […]
Archives for May 2012
Fungal Infections: Are You At Risk?
May 26, 2012 by
Very few of the common indoor moulds are likely to infect healthy individuals. However, professionals involved in indoor air quality including remediation and demolition workers are constantly at risk of fungal infections by opportunistic or true pathogenic fungi. The two most important pathogenic fungi that would be of concern are Histoplasma capsulatum and Cryptococcus neoformans. […]
Legionella pneumophila: More than just a Legionnaire’s Disease
May 26, 2012 by
Legionella pneumophila was the culprit behind the death of 23 people in Toronto in 2005 and 13 in Quebec City in 2012. This clever little organism can cause legionellosis, which is commonly referred to as Legionnaires’ Disease. Legionnaires’ Disease is primarily a disease of the lungs, and although the bacteria is generally thought of as an opportunistic […]
Presence of Chaetomium in an Indoor Environment: What Are The Implications?
May 26, 2012 by
Chaetomium is one of the most common moulds in water-damaged buildings. Species of Chaetomium are strongly cellulolytic moulds commonly found in soil, on paper, straw, cloth, cotton and other cellulose-containing substrates. They have caused problems in libraries, archives, and the food industry. Because of their bio-deterioration ability, several strains are used in testing materials for […]
4 Types of Bacteria Commonly Found in Homes & Businesses
May 26, 2012 by
Television commercials, literature, and popular belief tell us that there are bacteria floating around everywhere, sitting on every surface, just waiting to jump up and infect us. But what is really there? You may be surprised to find out. While it is true that you will not find a surface without bacteria on it, the […]
The Mould Fusarium: How Does It Affect Our Lives?
May 26, 2012 by
Fusarium species affect our lives in several areas. In agriculture Fusarium is known to cause diseases of many economically important crop plants. Some species are known to colonize stored cereal grains not only causing losses but also producing mycotoxins such as trichothecenes, zearalenone, and fumonisins that are harmful to humans and animals(1, 3). In the […]
