Identifying Elevated Indoor Levels of Aspergillus to Help Prevent Aspergillosis

Aspergillus is a common type of mold which can live in both indoor and outdoor environments under the right conditions. It is also the cause of a disease known as aspergillosis. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick, people with a weakened immune system or lung disease are at a higher risk of developing health problems due to exposure.

The disease is not a reportable infection in the United States so the exact number of cases that occur is difficult to determine. The CDC does report that milder, allergic forms of aspergillosis are more common than the invasive form of the infection. The agency states that there are approximately 180 species of Aspergillus, but fewer than 40 of them are known to cause infections in humans. Of these, Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common cause of human infections, while other common species include A. flavus, A. terreus and A. niger.

The CDC lists multiple types of aspergillosis, including:

• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
• Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis
• Aspergilloma
• Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
• Invasive aspergillosis
• Cutaneous aspergillosis

“Exposure to indoor environments that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels that have supported the growth of Aspergillus can be an exposure concern for some building occupants,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) have also been associated with contaminated dust exposure during building renovation or construction activities so identifying Aspergillus in healthcare environments is especially important for protecting patients.”

Identifying Aspergillus and other types of fungi associated with water damaged buildings are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. They offer all of the sampling supplies and equipment necessary to take air, surface and bulk samples. EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about aspergillosis and moldy indoor environments that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/z9rpI15Enao.

To learn more about environmental pathogen testing services or other microbial services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail