Fungal pollution of indoor environments and its management

Saudi J Biol Sci. 2012 Oct;19(4):405-26. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2012.06.002. Epub 2012 Jun 15.

Abstract

Indoor environments play important roles in human health. The health hazards posed by polluted indoor environments include allergy, infections and toxicity. Life style changes have resulted in a shift from open air environments to air tight, energy efficient, environments, in which people spend a substantial portion of their time. Most indoor air pollution comes from the hazardous non biological agents and biological agents. Fungi are ubiquitous in distribution and are a serious threat to public health in indoor environments. In this communication, we have reviewed the current status on biotic indoor air pollution, role of fungi as biological contaminants and their impact on human health.

Keywords: Allergy; Aspergillus; Disinfectants; HEPA filters; Infections; Mycotoxins; Penicillium; Toxicity; Trichoderma.