Identifying Fusarium in the Built Environment to Protect Patients and Building Occupants

Fusarium is the name of a large genus of fungi that can be found widely distributed in the natural environment. While most species of it are harmless, others can cause costly plant damage or spoil cereal crops through the production of mycotoxins, including fumonisins and trichothecenes. Exposure to Fusarium can even cause potential health issues for humans.

In homes and buildings that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels, Fusarium is sometimes found in surface and air samples. Exposure to elevated levels of it, as with other types of mold, may cause allergic reactions in some people or it can act as a respiratory irritant. It could even trigger an asthma attack in some asthmatics

“There are some species of Fusarium that can cause a host of infections,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “People with healthy immune systems may develop infections of the nails or in the cornea. There have even been past investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of outbreaks of Fusarium keratitis that were associated with contaminated eye products. People with weakened immune systems could develop aggressive infections impacting the bloodstream or other parts of the body. Unfortunately, these infections can be difficult to treat as they are often resistant to antifungal drugs. This is why the presence of Fusarium, and various other fungal pathogens, in places that house people who may be susceptible to infections is concerning. This includes hospitals, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes.”

To help prevent infections and other health concerns, the indoor environmental quality, infection control, and industrial hygiene professionals at CTSI offer building assessments, testing, monitoring, consulting, and training services to identify and mitigate exposure risks to Fusarium and other pathogens. CTSI also recently sponsored an educational video about Fusarium as an indoor environmental quality contaminant and opportunistic pathogen that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/KF3ZhWjBLi0

To learn more about this or other infection control, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com, or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail