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 ...   
Trichothecium roseum



Trichothecium roseum
A very rapidly-growing fungus that produces a pinkish colony within ten days, when incubated at 25C (77F). It has worldwide distribution but is common. It is very commonly isolated from air, decaying plant material, compost, sewage sludge, dunes, salt marshes, flour-based foodstuffs, bird feathers, water, frescoes of a monastery, and rarely from soil. There have not been any reports of human infections.
 

 

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