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posted on:
7/17/2012 3:47:40 PM EST
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Mold of the Day: Histoplasma capsulatum
mold, thermally dimorphic, fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, mycology, restoration, remediation, indoo
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There are over 1.5 million different mold species known and, as you have discovered from regularly reading my newsletters ( indiana-iaq.weebly.com/ ), many are being newly discovered. Of these there are few found to be infectious. Some of those variably effecting Indiana’s populations include (but are not limited to) some virulent, dimorphic fungi, like Histoplasma capsulatum.
Dr. Jackson Kung’u, a microbiologist who specializes in the field of mycology, describes Histoplasma capsulatum like this:
“Histoplasma capsulatum is a good example of a thermally dimorphic fungus. This fungus grows in its yeast form at 37°C [99°F], but switches to mold form at 20-25°C [68-77°F]. H. capsulatum is found throughout the world in substrates rich in nitrates such as bird droppings, chicken manure and bat guano. It is also common in soils enriched by bird droppings. It causes a disease called histoplasmosis. Humans are infected by inhalation of spores in the air or carried in fine dust. In indoor environments, H. capsulatum is only likely to be found in old dried bird droppings, chicken manure or bat guano. When the droppings have dried, massive amounts of spores can be released, especially if the droppings are disturbed. H. capsulatum may cause chronic infection resulting in pneumonia, blindness, and even death. Although it is not always present, it is good to assume it is there and take the necessary precautions if handling bird droppings or guano.”
As someone who has worked in this industry for twenty years, I have seen this kind of debris/environment in surprising places. While one might expect attics, barns and farms, I have also seen this debris hidden in ceiling cavities, garages, unoccupied (foreclosed or otherwise being sold) structures, basements, auditoriums, and other places where birds, bats or other unwanted pests can invade. When any occupancy (related or unrelated to cleaning or restoration or otherwise use) is necessary and this kind of debris is suspect, potential or known, a "independent Indoor Environmental Professional" (ANSI-IICRC S520) should be contacted to aid remediators with the necessary anticipation, recognition, assessment and control in order to protect working-persons and other occupants.
At SOLUTIONS Indoor Environmental Consulting, outstanding service is at the heart of everything we do. We offer advice and support for every process and structure within your life – whether residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, or governmental. We provide complete and sustainable solutions from A to Z.
Over the past twenty years, we have earned a reputation for excellence in the field of environmental, safety & health consulting. Our unparalled service - backed by experience and expertise that is peer-reviewed and board-certified - sets us apart from all other consulting companies.
To learn more visit us online at www.solutionsiec.com , email us at consultants@solutionsiec.com, or call toll-free at (877) 624-7185 extension 1.
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