Atmospheric transport of mold spores in clouds of desert dust

Archives of Environmental Health
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Abstract

Fungal spores can be transported globally in clouds of desert dust. Many species of fungi (commonly known as molds) and bacteria--including some that are human pathogens--have characteristics suited to long-range atmospheric transport. Dust from the African desert can affect air quality in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Asian desert dust can affect air quality in Asia, the Arctic, North America, and Europe. Atmospheric exposure to mold-carrying desert dust may affect human health directly through allergic induction of respiratory stress. In addition, mold spores within these dust clouds may seed downwind ecosystems in both outdoor and indoor environments.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Atmospheric transport of mold spores in clouds of desert dust
Series title Archives of Environmental Health
Volume 58
Issue 8
Year Published 2003
Language English
Publisher Heldref Publications
Contributing office(s) Coastal and Marine Geology Program
Description 7 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Archives of Environmental Health
First page 498
Last page 504
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