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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
Sampling for indoor fungi: what the clinician needs to know
Jay M Portnoy1, Kevin Kennedy, Charles Barnes
1The Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics Kansas City, Missouri 64108, USA. jportnoy@cmh.edu
Purpose Of Review:
A great deal of concern has arisen recently regarding the potential adverse effects of indoor fungi. Our understanding of this complex problem has been hampered by a lack of standardized protocols for performing an indoor assessment for fungi. Without such standards, it is difficult to compare results from one study with those from another or to measure the effect of indoor fungal contamination on a building and its occupants.
Recent Findings:
References were identified that were relevant to indoor fungal sampling, health effects or remediation by searching Pubmed using the keywords 'indoor fungi.' Fungi cause three primary adverse effects: (a) they can damage a building, (b) they can render a building unpleasant to live in by looking and smelling bad, and (c) they might cause adverse health effects in sensitive individuals. Sampling methods used to evaluate indoor environments include air sampling for spores, measurement of allergens in house dust, and determination of microbially generated volatile organic compounds, ergosterols, glucans, and mycotoxins, as well as environmental conditions that lead to fungal contamination.
Summary:
Prevention of fungal contamination involves removal of moisture sources and humidity and early identification. If fungi are found on indoor surfaces, they can be removed using a dilute bleach/detergent solution that both kills the microorganisms and denatures allergens and toxins. Larger areas require professional remediation.
Insights
Indoor fungi pose risks to building integrity and occupant health. Standardized assessment methods are crucial for accurate evaluation and effective remediation strategies to prevent fungal growth.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Mycology
- Public Health
Background:
- Growing concern exists regarding adverse effects of indoor fungi.
- Lack of standardized indoor fungal assessment protocols hinders research and comparison.
- Understanding fungal impact on buildings and occupants is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of indoor fungi, their effects, and assessment methods.
- To highlight the need for standardized protocols in indoor fungal assessment.
- To provide insights into fungal sampling, health impacts, and remediation.
Main Methods:
- Literature search using keywords 'indoor fungi' in PubMed.
- Identification of studies on indoor fungal sampling, health effects, and remediation.
- Review of various indoor environmental assessment techniques.
Main Results:
- Fungi cause building damage, aesthetic issues (odor, appearance), and potential health effects in sensitive individuals.
- Indoor fungal assessment methods include air sampling, dust analysis for allergens, and detection of mycotoxins and volatile organic compounds.
- Environmental conditions conducive to fungal growth were identified.
Conclusions:
- Preventing fungal contamination requires controlling moisture and humidity and early detection.
- Surface fungi can be managed with dilute bleach/detergent solutions, which also neutralize allergens and toxins.
- Extensive fungal contamination necessitates professional remediation services.
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