Airborne Fungi in Library Environment and Human Health Risks

Abstract

Objetive: This review aims to approach the impact that airborne fungi have in collections, mainly in libraries, and also their impact in the health of the people who works and visiting there. Methodology: The search was made with the most recent papers, with free access in online databases: Pubmed (National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes), Lilacs (Latin-American and Caribbean Literature in Health Science, acronym in Spanish) and Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library Online), by using key words related with the proposed theme. Results: Libraries have substrates and residuals that allow the presence and proliferation of airborne fungi. These fungi are biodeteriorators that attack the collections but also can cause respiratory diseases, mycoses, or even systemic diseases. The most common genera are Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Acremonium and Fusarium. These fungi have asexual reproduction by producing tiny dry spores that can remain viable by long periods on the air and can also be transported on it. Preserve collections demands control of air temperature and humidity, to inhibit the airborne fungi proliferation and thus, decreasing the risks to human health. Conclusion: The knowledge about airborne fungi as contaminants in libraries environment it is of utmost importance for the development of preventive actions for preservation of the collections and also for the health of people who works in or visit them.