Fungi in libraries: An aerometric survey

The possible role of fungi as allergic contaminants in book collections has been investigated in eleven University of Michigan Libraries. Air in the stacks of each of the eleven libraries was sampled on three occasions (2 or 4–10 minute samples on each occasion) with Andersen Volumetric viable particle samplers. Books were handled during sampling in half the samples each day. In addition on each sampling day a location in the same building away from book storage and an outdoor location were sampled. Library spore levels were generally low. Outdoor levels consistently exceeded indoor levels. Air conditioned (AC) libraries had lower spore levels and indoor/outdoor ratios than conventionally ventilated (CV) libraries. Handling books during sampling increased spore counts in all libraries, but strikingly in CV libraries. Fungus taxa recovered were similar to those encountered in domestic interiors and outside locations in our area. The overall low spore levels and lack of a distinctive library mycoflora suggest that other sources should be sought for librarybased respiratory symptoms.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/43292/1/11046_2004_Article_BF00440963.pd

Comparative recoveries of airborne fungus spores by viable and non-viable modes of volumetric collection

The suitability of viable and non-viable volumetric collectors as prevalence indicators for potentially allergenic airborne fungi was studied during 124 paired exposures of the Burkard (Hirst) spore trap and a modified, wind-oriented Andersen sampler. Overall, viable recoveries of several Cladosporium form species varied directly with microscopic spore counts (p≤0.0001). However, as spore levels rose, culture plate data progressively underestimated prevailing concentrations (recoveries falling below 5% at levels above 500 spores/M 3 ). Viable collections yielded low estimates of prevalence (20–40%) even at modest Cladosporium levels (< 100 spores/M 3 ) and substantially understated the abundance and regularity in air of several additional taxa. Spores typical of Penicillium and Aspergillus form species were not sought in spore trap deposits. Careful examination of these failed to reveal typical arthrospores or Fusarium macrospores despite substantial recoveries of corresponding growth in culture. Correlations in the occurrence patterns of arthrospore-forming and non-sporulating colonies with those of Coprinus and ‘other basidiospores’ (excluding Ganoderma) were noted.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/43291/1/11046_2004_Article_BF00440755.pd