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Mycotoxin production by indoor molds

Kristian Fog Nielsen1

  • 1The Mycology Group, BioCentrum-DTU, Building 221, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kgs Lyngby, Denmark. kfn@biocentrum.dtu.dk

Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|June 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

High humidity in water-damaged buildings promotes fungal growth and mycotoxin production, especially from Stachybotrys. Drier conditions then release these airborne fungal spores and fragments, posing risks to homeowners.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Mycology
  • Building Science

Background:

  • Fungal growth in buildings is initiated at a water activity (a(w)) near 0.8.
  • Significant mycotoxin production requires a(w) levels of 0.95 or higher.
  • Stachybotrys species are notable producers of diverse metabolites in water-damaged environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the production of mycotoxins by common indoor fungi.
  • Characterize the spirocyclic drimanes produced by Stachybotrys.
  • Understand the conditions favoring fungal growth and mycotoxin release in buildings.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of fungal metabolites in water-damaged building materials.
  • Detection of mycotoxins and spores in air samples.
  • Correlation of water activity with fungal biomass and metabolite production.

Main Results:

  • Stachybotrys produces abundant, distinct metabolites, with spirocyclic drimanes structures largely unknown.
  • Aspergillus and Penicillium produce lower mycotoxin levels, except for sterigmatocystins in A. versicolor.
  • Consecutive water damage cycles exacerbate fungal growth and mycotoxin synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • High water activity is critical for significant mycotoxin production by indoor fungi.
  • Airborne spores and fragments from Stachybotrys pose a risk due to mycotoxin carriage.
  • Understanding fungal behavior under varying moisture conditions is key for indoor air quality management.

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