Fungi in libraries: An aerometric survey

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Abstract
The possible role of fungi as allergic contaminants in book collections has been investigated in eleven University of Michigan Libraries. Air in the stacks of each of the eleven libraries was sampled on three occasions (2 or 4–10 minute samples on each occasion) with Andersen Volumetric viable particle samplers. Books were handled during sampling in half the samples each day. In addition on each sampling day a location in the same building away from book storage and an outdoor location were sampled. Library spore levels were generally low. Outdoor levels consistently exceeded indoor levels. Air conditioned (AC) libraries had lower spore levels and indoor/outdoor ratios than conventionally ventilated (CV) libraries. Handling books during sampling increased spore counts in all libraries, but strikingly in CV libraries. Fungus taxa recovered were similar to those encountered in domestic interiors and outside locations in our area. The overall low spore levels and lack of a distinctive library mycoflora suggest that other sources should be sought for librarybased respiratory symptoms. The occurrence of rhinitis or asthma provoked by exposure to libraries and other book collections is well documented (1). While variously ascribed to house dust, arthropods and bindery glues, this symptom pattern generally defies explanation. In this climate of uncertainty, the possible role of fungi as allergenic contaminants of book collections arises naturally for consideration. Among enclosed spaces libraries offer unique substrate characteristics while generally excluding factors (e.g., animal danders and food fragments) present in domestic dusts. Faced with patients describing respiratory symptoms with library use, we have initiated study of the mycoflora of these specialized interiors.