Mold species identified in flooded dwellings

Abstract

Nowadays, flooding occurs more frequently. Although development of mold species depends on environmental conditions, few studies have so far described mold species occurring following flooding in order to compare mold species sampled in flooded dwellings and in unhealthy dwellings. About 185 dwellings flooded in Arles, southern France, on 2–5 December 2003 and 341 unhealthy dwellings. Home inspections included mold sampling using the paper-gummed technique. The prevalence of Alternaria species and Stachybotrys chartarum was much greater (P < 0.001) in flooded dwellings whereas Aspergillus and Penicillium were more often encountered in unhealthy dwellings (P < 0.001). Two mold species, namely Alternaria and Stachybotrys chartarum, were over-represented in flooded dwellings. This finding is important because these mold species may produce mycotoxins with a potential health impact.