Aspergillosis refers to a large variety of diseases and allergies caused by the fungus Aspergillus.  The Spore producing Aspergillus can affect animals and humans.  Most often the Aspergillus spores are inhaled and generally do not cause problems in healthy humans.  However, those with compromised immune systems due to illness or use of immunosuppressive drugs are at risk of developing Aspergillosis.  Aspergillosis is the leading cause of death in patients with severe cases of leukemia especially patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.  Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a process used when patients are treated high doses of chemotherapy which can destroy bone marrow function.  Bone marrow function is salvaged by replacing the marrow with previously harvested stem cells.

Aspergillus can cause fungal infections in the lungs, symptoms may include, excessive coughing, fever, chest pain, and coughing up blood and breathing difficulties.   Sometimes individuals may experience no symptoms and yet an x-ray reveals a fungus ball formed in the lungs. In extreme cases of Aspergillosis a patient will experience delirium, fever, shock, liver and kidney failure, and even sudden death.

Aspergillosis is not common in humans but very common in birds with parrots being the most vulnerable.  Raptors kept in captivity under poor conditions are very susceptible to Aspergillosis.   Moldy grain has also caused multiple deaths with water fowl and caused fears of the dreaded bird flu.  Scientific studies and diagnosis is needed to tell the difference between Aspergillosis or Bird Flu (H5N1).

Aspergillus fungi spores are found in the soil, air, decaying material, and water.  Indoors problems with contaminated air filters, ducts, and unfiltered air can all contribute to the inhalation of fungal spores.   Particular care needs to be taken when it come to air filtration and purification systems.  HEPA filters can aid in cleaning the indoor air but is that enough and what happens to the spores captured in the HEPA filters?   Much care needs to be taken when changing HEPA filters to prevent spreading spores and bacteria trapped in these filters.

 Destroying fungi and bacteria that circulate in indoor air is the solution.  Photocatalytic oxidation is the recognized technology that does destroy airborne pathogens that can cause serious health problems especially those who are immunologically compromised.   Keeping the air, surfaces, and staff, meticulously clean is extremely important for patients in hospitals and cancer treatment centers.   Aspergillus fungi spores, bacteria, and many other dangerous pathogens can be detrimental to the immunologically compromised. 

Zandair™ air purification products can significantly reduce airborne pathogens.  Zandair™ uses photocatalytic oxidation in all their air purification/ filtration products.  Their products can be retrofitted into existing HVAC systems or you may be in the process of new construction and can include a

ZAND-AIR PCOC™3 in your HVAC air conditioning system.   Please look at the many Zandair™ products we have to offer and choose the one that will fit your air purification needs.  Contact us with any questions you may have.

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