Research Keyword: indoor air quality

Intermittent low-dose far-UVC irradiation inhibits growth of common mold below threshold limit value

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This study shows that a special type of ultraviolet light called far-UVC, operating at 222 nanometers, can effectively stop common household mold from growing. The light works best when it cycles on and off throughout the day, and importantly, the doses used are safe enough for people to be in the same room. This technology could help prevent mold problems in homes and hospitals without requiring chemicals or forcing people to leave the area.

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Diversity and functions of fungal VOCs with special reference to the multiple bioactivities of the mushroom alcohol

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Fungi release various volatile compounds (VOCs) that have different effects on organisms and the environment. The most notable fungal VOC is 1-octen-3-ol, also called mushroom alcohol, which gives mushrooms their distinctive smell. This compound can inhibit fungal growth, repel insects, and help control plant diseases, but at high concentrations it may be toxic to humans and trigger immune responses. Scientists use fruit flies as a model to study how these fungal compounds affect health.

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From mold to mycotoxins: an LC–MS/MS method for quantifying airborne mycotoxins in indoor environments

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Mold in water-damaged buildings produces toxic compounds called mycotoxins that can become airborne and be breathed in. This study developed a precise laboratory method to detect and measure 29 different mycotoxins in indoor air samples. Researchers tested the method in three real mold-infested buildings and successfully identified seven different mycotoxins, proving the method works well even when toxin levels are very low. This breakthrough helps determine whether moldy indoor environments pose serious health risks to workers and occupants.

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Designers join scientists to make living architecture a reality

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Scientists and architects are collaborating to create buildings that incorporate living organisms like yeast, fungi, and bacteria to make healthier, more sustainable homes. These living building materials can purify indoor air, self-heal cracks, and even glow to warn of environmental hazards. By combining engineering expertise with artistic design, researchers are developing structures that breathe, adapt, and improve our living spaces while reducing environmental impact.

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