Washington, DC -- Aspergillosis
is a medical condition of a hyper sensitive reaction by an individual’s immune
system upon exposure to a fungus known as “Aspergillus.” The most common symptom is airway
inflammation and other lung conditions. However,
other conditions due to Aspergillosis may also include a localized infection
involving the nails, feet, external auditory canal and eyes, etc. This is one of the most commonly
misdiagnosed aliments. A report published in the Aspergillus Website Newsletter
- September 2012 reveals that it is one of the top four misdiagnosed conditions
with deadly consequences. The common symptoms of infected individuals includes,
but are not limited to, cough, coughing up blood or brownish mucus plugs,
fever, wheezing, weight loss, blood in urine, bone pain, chest pain, chills,
decreased urine output, headaches, increased phlegm production, shortness of
breath, skin sores (lesions), vision problems, etc.
Out of the hundreds of known species of Aspergillus, A. fumigatus is most common invasive, as well
as, non-invasive types of “Aspergillosis.” A.
flavus and A.
Several of the above mentioned species have
been reported in and around indoor environments; therefore,Aspergillus exposure
is not uncommon in residential
and commercial places. It has generally been observed that dwellers with a
compromised or weak immune system are more prone to acquire this infection in comparison to individuals with
robust immunity.
This fungus is a ubiquitous mycoflora of the environment, although, it also is
reported from clinical specimens. It frequently occurs in soil, dead leaves,
stored grain, breads, peanuts, dry fruits, rotting vegetables, cheese, compost
piles, or in other decaying vegetation. In indoor environments, this fungus can
be transported from outside or may propagate on building materials such as
cellulose rich sheet rocks, etc. and can generally be isolated from floors,
carpets, mattress dust, Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, etc.
This fungi can adapt to extreme conditions
for their growth; however, the most favorable growth factors include, but are
not limited to, moisture above
60% and a temperature around 25ºC (this is a thermophilic fungus and some
species can grow at temperatures as high as 50ºC) besides organic rich
compounds. Some species of these
fungi are known to produce mycotoxins.
In routine investigations on environmental
samples collected in and around indoor sites, the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory at Pure Air Control Services, Inc. of
A number of techniques and methods are
available for testing, both qualitatively
and quantitatively, to understand the extent of Aspergillus in
and around building environments such as healthcare settings, work places,
offices, residences, and other habitations. The management of controlling,
spreading, potential risk of exposure,
and prevention of Aspergillus related infections can be
facilitated by knowing the existence of these entities in our surroundings.
For additional information on allergen/microbial
assessment of your home or work site contact Dr. Rajiv R Sahay, Laboratory
Director Environmental
Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab): 800-422-7873 ext. 301 or Alan Wozniak ext
802. Visit the online IAQ DIY superstore www.indoorairtest.com for all of
your environmental testing needs.
About Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab):
Alan Wozniak founded Pure Air Control Services, Inc.
in 1984 as a small mechanical contracting firm and has since set the industry
standard for indoor environmental quality diagnosis, environmental laboratory, and
remediation. Pure Air Control Services has serviced more than 600 million
square feet of indoor environments in over 10,000 facilities.
The Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab)
(established in 1992) at Pure Air Control Services (PACS) is an AIHA accredited environmental lab offering
complete and comprehensive indoor environmental microbiology laboratory
services. They include: microbiology, aerobiology, chemistry, allergen assays,
and microscopy designed to meet all your indoor air needs. EDLab supports IAQ
investigations by assisting with strategic sampling plan development and
supplying media collection equipment while performing a wide range of
environmental analyses.
The company’s expanding client roster includes the
General Services Administration (GSA); US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE);
Allstate Insurance; Carrier Air Conditioning; US Naval Air Warfare Center,
Orlando; and Naval Air Station - King's Bay, Georgia; and many other Fortune
500 companies, school boards, and city, state, and county governments, making
Pure Air Control Services/EDLab the reliable industry leader in IAQ.
For more information, visit the company’s web site at http://www.pureaircontrols.com or contact Alan Wozniak 1-800-422-7873
ext 802.
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