FUNGAL PRODUCTION OF VOLATILES DURING GROWTH ON FIBERGLASS

Acoustic and thermal fiberglass insulation materials used in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems were colonized with fungi in laboratory chambers. The mixed fungal population, principally Aspergi llus versicolor, Acremonium obclavatum, and Cladosporium herbarum, pro duced odoriferous volatiles, including 2-ethyl hexanol, cyclohexane, a nd benzene. These volatiles may be related to poor indoor air quality and the sick building syndrome.