Penicillium in Indoor Environments can Trigger Asthma, Allergies and Infections

May 7, 2012 - PRLog -- There are over 300 species of Penicillium.  To many, it is perhaps best known as the fungus, P. Chrysogenum that produces penicillin.  This antibiotic has saved countless lives worldwide.

In addition to the many benefits of Penicillium, they are also one of the primary causes of food spoilage and microbial problems in indoor environments.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria.”  Penicillium spores are often present in the air and dust found in homes, offices and schools.  

When mold spores settle on places where there is excessive moisture, such as where roofs and windows leak, plumbing failures have occurred, or where there has been flooding, they can begin to grow and multiply. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds, including Penicillium. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth.

Fortunately, there are qualified IAQ professionals who can identify mold problems due to Penicillium and other types of fungi.  Many of the leading IAQ consulting firms and mold remediation companies turn to Legends Environmental Insurance Services for their insurance coverage in order to be able to offer these essential services.  “In addition to causing allergic reactions in many people and acting as an asthma trigger, Penicillium marneffei is a pathogenic species of Penicillium that has become a growing opportunistic pathogen,” reported Brian Mcfarland, Vice President from Legends Environmental Insurance Services.  “It’s important that people not be exposed to elevated levels of fungi in the indoor environments that they work, play, learn and live,” he continued.

Legends recently sponsored an educational video about Penicillium that can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNF_4pEj5CI



To learn more about Legends Environmental Insurance Services please visit: www.Legends-enviro.com, call (800) 992-6999 ext 164 or email BrianM@Legends-enviro.com.

About Legends Environmental Insurance Services, LLC
Legends Environmental Insurance Services is nationally recognized as an innovator in providing environmental and restoration insurance programs.  The company has over 30 years experience providing these services in all 50 states.