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 circinelloides
 
A rapidly growing fungus that produces a white to yellow colony, later becoming dark gray within four days, when incubated at 25°C (77°F).  It is found worldwide and can be isolated from air, soil, salt marshes, children's sandpits, dunes, sandy soil, river water, garden compost, and decaying plant materials. 
 
There have not been any reports of human infections.