Fusarium - IEQ Contaminant and Opportunistic Pathogen

Fusarium is a large genus of fungi that can be found widely distributed in soil and on plants. Most species of Fusarium are harmless, but others can cause costly plant damage or spoil cereal crops through the production of mycotoxins. Some types of Fusarium can even cause opportunistic infections in humans and animals.
In homes and buildings that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels resulting in mold growth, Fusarium is sometimes found in surface and air samples. Exposure to elevated levels of it, or other types of mold, may cause allergic reactions in some people or act as a respiratory irritant. For some asthmatics, it could even trigger an asthma attack.
Some species of Fusarium can also cause a host of infections. People with healthy immune systems may develop infections of the nails or in the cornea. The CDC has even investigated outbreaks of Fusarium keratitis in the past that were associated with contaminated eye products. People with weakened immune systems could develop aggressive infections impacting the bloodstream or other parts of the body. Unfortunately, these Fusarium infections can be difficult to treat as they are often resistant to antifungal drugs.
These are just a few of the many things to know about Fusarium as an indoor environmental quality contaminant and opportunistic fungal pathogen. To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, infection control, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark www.csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. www.emsl.com
LA Testing www.latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental www.zimmetry.com
CTSI www.ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine www.healthyind...