Aspergillus spp.

Health Effects

Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I) (26). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema. Members of this genus are reported to cause ear infections (26).

Allergen

Reported to be allergenic (7).

Potential Toxin Production

Many species produce mycotoxins which may be associated with disease in humans and other animals (5). Toxin production is dependent on the species or a strain within a species and on the food source for the fungus. Some of these toxins have been found to be carcinogenic in animal species. Several toxins are considered potential human carcinogens (20).

Water Activity

0.75 - 0.82 (5).