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...   

Mucor racemosus


A rapidly-growing fungus that produces a white to yellow colony, later becoming dark gray within four days, when incubated at 25oC (77oF). It is found worldwide and is one of the most common fungi found in the environment. It can be isolated from soil, salt marshes, children’s sandpits, dunes, sandy soil, fresh water, animal dung, and bird feathers. Rarely, it can be an opportunistic human pathogen.