Under the Scope www.edlab.org
by Dr. Rajiv Sahay, EDLab Manager
 
Pure Air Control Services and the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory are pleased to provide the “Under the Scope” section of the IEQ REVIEW.  There are over 100,000 species of fungi.  Many fungi are good and useful (edible mushrooms would be an example of these) while some cause problems (some fungi can injure plants and humans.)  Every week the IEQ REVIEW will describe a specific microorganism, its morphological origin, and potential health effects.  We will also include pollen and other allergens.  If you would like to know about a specific organism and/or would like it published in the IEQ REVIEW, please email Dr. Rajiv Sahay with the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDL) at Pure Air Control Services laboratory@pureaircontrols.com
 
This week we will cover …  
 
Quercus (Oak) Species
 
A very large genus in North America that can be divided into five natural classes that may correspond to allergenic classes.  The classes are 1) true white oak found predominately in the southeast; 2) chestnut oaks found in the eastern states; 3) true red oaks found in mid-Atlantic to the southeastern states; 4) willow oaks found in the southeastern states to central Florida; and 5) live oaks found in the California and Arizona, the northwest, and the southeastern coastal states. 
 
Clinical Significance

The live oaks have been reported as causing severe pollinosis [an allergic reaction (hay fever) resulting in a type I antibody-mediated hypersensitivity], in California and the Gulf Coast states.
 
For additional information:
 
Contact EDLab:laboratory@pureaircontrols.com or phone us at 800-422-7873 ext. 301