Identifying Indoor Sources of Aspergillus to Help Prevent New Cases of Aspergillosis

Aspergillus is a common mold that can often be found outdoors and in indoor environments that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are approximately 180 species of Aspergillus, but fewer than 40 of them are known to cause infections in humans.

Aspergillosis is the name for infections caused by Aspergillus. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common cause of human Aspergillus infections according to the CDC. The agency also lists other infectious species, including A. flavus, A. terreus, A. nidulans, A. niger and A. versicolor.

Some of the various types of aspergillosis include:

• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
• Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus
• Aspergilloma
• Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
• Invasive aspergillosis
• Cutaneous aspergillosis

“Most people breathe Aspergillus spores without getting sick, but CDC warns that those with a weakened immune system or lung disease are at a higher risk of developing health problems,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Indoor environments that support 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.”

EMSL Analytical, with testing facilities across North America, is pleased to offer laboratory services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools to help detect moisture, mold and many other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about aspergillosis and Aspergillus exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/65UByEn6Oxc

To learn more about mold or other indoor environmental quality and infection control testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. To access mold or other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 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, VOCs, 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