Seminar on Health Risks of Toxigenic Molds in Indoor Air

Submitted by Marlys Schneider
Phone: (907) 474-6287
10/09/02

Date: Oct. 15, 2002
Time: 5:20 to 6:20 PM
Location: NSF 201B
Speaker: Bruce Jarvis, Ph.D.
No admission charge

Other Information: Damp buildings and homes often have high levels of microbes, including bacteria and molds. Traditionally researchers have focused in the health risks from the bacteria. Recent research indicates that the spores of some molds are an even greater risk than the bacteria. When inhaled these spores produce toxins (mycotoxins), some of which can cause illness in humans and/or animals. This talk will include a brief survey of the history, chemistry and biology of mycotoxin producing molds with an emphasis on those that are threats to people working or living in water damaged structures.

Dr. Jarvis is a professor and past chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland at College Park. His current research include natural products in plants and fungi, the chemistry of toxin producing fungi associated with water damaged buildings, and the development of anticancer agents from natural products.