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Updated: Sep 28, 2026
Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
Firefighting efforts may lead to massive fungal growth and exposure within one week. A case report
Sirpa H Rautiala1, Aino I Nevalainen, Pentti J Kalliokoski
1Kuopio Regional Institute of Occupational Health, National Public Health Institute, Kuopio, Finland. sirpa.rautiala@ttl.fi
Abstract:
A case study on extensive fungal growth that occurred in an apartment building after firefighting efforts is described in this paper. Exposure to airborne microorganisms (both viable and total) was investigated by filter sampling in three periods before and during remedial actions after the fire. Material samples were also analyzed. Extensive mold growth was observed on the building materials as soon as eight days after the fire. High concentrations of fungal spores, 10(7) cfu/g, were found when material samples were analyzed. Concentrations of airborne fungal spores (10(4) spores/m3) were also high and increased by two orders of magnitude during the demolition of moldy building materials and during the clean-up after the demolition. The proportions of airborne viable fungi in comparison with the total spore concentrations were 28-83% immediately after the fire, but they had decreased to <1% two months after the fire during the reconstruction phase. Paecilomyces was the main fungal genus in the indoor air before and during the demolition, while Penicillium dominated during the reconstruction. Paecilomyces was not detected in the outdoor air. Paecilomyces and Penicillium were also found in the material samples. The results show that fast and extensive mold growth in a building may take place also in subarctic climates, at least during summer. High concentrations of fungal spores are released to the air during the demolition of moldy building materials and the following clean-up. Therefore, personal protection is necessary during such work.
Insights
Extensive mold growth occurred in an apartment building after firefighting. Demolition of moldy materials released high fungal spore concentrations, necessitating personal protection during cleanup.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Mycology
- Building Science
Background:
- Firefighting efforts can lead to water damage, creating conditions for fungal growth.
- Post-fire environments pose risks of airborne microbial exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fungal contamination and airborne exposure following firefighting in an apartment building.
- To assess mold growth dynamics and spore concentrations during remediation.
Main Methods:
- Case study analysis of an apartment building post-fire.
- Filter sampling for airborne viable and total microorganisms.
- Material sample analysis for fungal identification and quantification.
Main Results:
- Extensive mold growth observed on building materials within eight days.
- High fungal spore concentrations (10^7 cfu/g) in materials and (10^4 spores/m3) in air.
- Airborne spore levels increased significantly during demolition and cleanup, with viable fungi decreasing over time.
Conclusions:
- Rapid and extensive mold growth can occur even in subarctic climates during summer.
- Demolition and cleanup of mold-contaminated materials release substantial fungal spores.
- Personal protective equipment is crucial during remediation of mold-damaged buildings.
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