Environmental Health Center

EnvironMinute Health Scripts

A fungus among us? That's what residents of Tottenville, New York, faced recently — toxic spores forced the closing of their local library. Learn more about this little-known health hazard on today's EnvironMinute. [:12]

A newly renovated historic Staten Island library was recently closed when tests found airborne toxic fungus spores emanating from the basement. The fungus, called Stachybotrys atra [stack-ih-BAH-tris at-ruh] flourishes in damp, poorly ventilated places like basements and ventilation ducts. It's one of several molds blamed for turning schools, offices, and skyscrapers into "sick buildings." People that spend lots of time in these "sick buildings" may get sick too. Children and elderly people are particularly susceptible. Meanwhile, Tottenville residents drive to distant libraries, while an environmental consulting firm seeks answers to the big problems caused by these tiny spores. [:37]

The EnvironMinute is produced in cooperation with the National Safety Council and made possible by the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Foundation. [:10]

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