Aspergillosis and Aspergillus Exposure Risks

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by Aspergillus, a common mold that lives indoors and outdoors according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some types of aspergillosis are mild while others can be serious.
CDC reports that there are approximately 180 species of Aspergillus, but fewer than 40 of them are known to cause infections in humans. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common cause of human Aspergillus infections. Other species include A. flavus, A. terreus, A. nidulans, A. niger and A. versicolor.
While most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick, CDC warns that people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing health problems due to Aspergillus. Health problems caused by Aspergillus include allergic reactions, lung infections and infections in other organs.
Types of aspergillosis listed by the CDC include:
• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
• Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis
• Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus
• Aspergilloma
• Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
• Invasive aspergillosis
• Cutaneous aspergillosis
Indoor environments that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels that have supported the growth of Aspergillus, can be an exposure concern for at-risk building occupants. In healthcare environments, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) due to Aspergillus have been associated with dust exposure during building renovations or construction.
These are just a few of the many things to know about aspergillosis and potential exposure risks to Aspergillus. To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, infection control, industrial hygiene, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark www.csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. www.emsl.com
LA Testing www.latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental www.zimmetry.com
CTSI www.ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine www.healthyindoors.com

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