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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

Summary

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.

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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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