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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
Detection of satratoxin g and h in indoor air from a water-damaged building
Christoph Gottschalk1, Johann Bauer, Karsten Meyer
1TU München, Institute of Animal Hygiene, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, Freising, 85354, Germany. christoph.gottschalk@wzw.tum.de
Abstract:
The occurrence of Stachybotrys chartarum in indoor environments has been linked to adverse health effects as well as few cases of pulmonary haemorrhages in humans. Although the highly toxic secondary metabolites of this fungus, like satratoxin G and H, were frequently claimed with outbreaks of such diseases, these toxins have hardly been identified in the air of naturally contaminated indoor environments. Herein, a case of a LC-MS/MS-confirmed occurrence of airborne S. chartarum-toxins in a water-damaged dwelling is reported. Satratoxin G (0.25 ng/m(3)) and satratoxin H (0.43 ng/m(3)) were detected. This provides further evidence that Stachybotrys-toxins can be transferred from mouldy indoor materials into air, which could be a factor in the aetiology of health symptoms related to the sick building syndrome.
Insights
Airborne Stachybotrys chartarum toxins, satratoxin G and H, were detected in a water-damaged home. This confirms mold toxins can enter indoor air, potentially causing sick building syndrome symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Mycology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum) presence indoors is linked to health issues.
- High toxicity metabolites like satratoxin G and H are suspected but rarely found in indoor air.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the presence of airborne S. chartarum toxins in a naturally contaminated indoor environment.
- To investigate the potential link between airborne mold toxins and sick building syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used for toxin identification.
- Air samples from a water-damaged dwelling were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Satratoxin G (0.25 ng/m³ ) and satratoxin H (0.43 ng/m³ ) were detected in the air.
- This is the first LC-MS/MS confirmed case of airborne S. chartarum toxins in a home.
Conclusions:
- S. chartarum toxins can transfer from moldy materials into indoor air.
- Airborne mold toxins may contribute to health symptoms associated with sick building syndrome.
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