Microbiology Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, May 22, 2024

Fusarium is the name of a large genus of fungi that can be found widely distributed in soil and on plants. Most species of it are harmless, but others can cause costly plant damage or spoil cereal crops through the production of mycotoxins, such as fumonisins and trichothecenes. Exposure to elevated levels of Fusarium can even cause potential health issues for humans and animals.

In homes and buildings that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels resulting in mold growth, Fusarium is sometimes found in surface and air samples. Exposure to elevated levels of it, or other types of mold, may cause allergic reactions in some people or act as a respiratory irritant. For some asthmatics, it could even trigger an asthma attack.

Some species of Fusarium can also cause a host of infections. People with healthy immune systems may develop infections of the nails or in the cornea. There have even been past investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of outbreaks of Fusarium keratitis that were associated with contaminated eye products. People with weakened immune systems could develop aggressive infections impacting the bloodstream or other parts of the body. Unfortunately, these Fusarium infections can be difficult to treat as they are often resistant to antifungal drugs.

“For most healthy people, exposure to pathogenic fungi usually does not result in disease, but that is not necessarily the case for anyone with a suppressed or weakened immune system,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The presence of high levels of Fusarium and various other fungal pathogens in places that house people who may be susceptible to infections, like hospitals, long-term care facilities and nursing homes, is a concern.”

To identify mold and other microbial contaminants, EMSL Analytical operates laboratories across North America that offer environmental, industrial hygiene, infection control and material testing services. They also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments and building inspection tools. EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about Fusarium as an indoor environmental quality (IEQ) contaminant and opportunistic pathogen that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/KF3ZhWjBLi0

To learn more about mold or other microbial testing resources, 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.