STACHYBOTRYS-ATRA CORDA MAY PRODUCE MYCOTOXINS IN RESPIRATOR FILTERS IN HUMID ENVIRONMENTS

This paper examines the growth and toxin production of Stachybotrys at ra, a cellulose-decomposing fungi, in two respirator filters with diff erent ratios of cellulose and fiberglass at relative humidities of air (RH) 78-100% for 86 days. The results show that S. atra can grow only in filter material of high cellulose content. S. atra grew slightly a t RH 84-89%, but did not produce toxins. Under saturated conditions, S . atra grew and produced satratoxin H regardless of variation in tempe rature. The present study indicates that S. atra can grow on cellulose -containing filter material and produce toxins in the filter under hum id conditions.