Pure Air Control Services and the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory are pleased to introduce "Under the Scope", a new 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.  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 ...   
Aspergillus niger

A. nigerrapidly growing fungus that produces a black colony within ten days, when incubated at 25oC (77oF). It produces a musty odor. It is very common worldwide especially in the subtropical and tropical regions. It can be isolated from air, soil, sand beaches, mangrove swamp, fresh water containing organic detritus, sewage sludge, compost, foodstuffs especially fruits and vegetables, animal dung, bird feathers, wood pulp, seeds, textiles, and sauna baths. In man, it occurs primarily as the causal agent of chronic ear infections and rarely causes pulmonary aspergillosis.

 For additional information, contact:
Pure Air Control Services
800-422-7873, ext. 802