Mitigating Building Occupant Exposures to Cladosporium and Other Microbial Contaminants

Cladosporium is a common mold that can often be found indoors and outdoors. There are numerous species of Cladosporium and many produce fungal colonies that can appear as olive, brown, or black in color. Naturally occurring Cladosporium spores in the outdoor environment are present year-round in many areas.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that Cladosporium, Pencillium, and Aspergillus are the most common indoor molds. Indoors, Cladosporium is often found in humid environments, on wet surfaces, and in properties that have suffered water damage.

Indoors or outdoors, Cladosporium is known to be a common cause of allergies. Exposure to elevated concentrations could also trigger an asthma attacks in some asthmatics. Inhaling Cladosporium, or other types of fungi, could even act as a respiratory irritant, or be a concern for people are already suffering from various respiratory diseases.

“Cladosporium is recognized as a human pathogen, although infections are not common,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “Infections can occur as skin or toenail infections, or sinus and lung infections. While these infections could occur in anyone, they typically impact those with a weakened immune system, which is why those populations should consider avoiding indoor environments with high levels of Cladosporium and many other types of mold.”

To help building owners and managers optimize indoor conditions and mitigate exposure risks to contaminants in the built environment, the infection control and indoor environmental quality experts at CTSI offer testing, monitoring, consulting, and training services. Their professionals utilize decades of experience, and the latest tools and resources, to identify and reduce exposures to microbial pathogens, indoor allergens, respiratory irritants, and known asthma triggers.

CTSI also recently sponsored an educational video about Cladosporium as a common indoor air quality contaminant that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/X79DwG1yb7U

To learn more about CTSI and their indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, 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