Airborne bacteria and mould can reach very high levels in the pulp and paper manufacturing plants. Process water contains sugars, starch, and other components that support and promote the growth of bacteria and, certain yeasts and moulds. Interestingly, the non-biological and biological waste present in wastewater from pulp and paper production facilities can be treated […]
Brand ‘Signature Ornaments’ Found to Contain Aspergillus Mold
Preparing for the holidays can be an exciting time to share with loved ones. Gathering up old holiday decorations and adding new ones to the collection has been a long standing tradition in many families. This year however, there are a few precautions we urge people to take when purchasing ornaments and other decorations for […]
A Fungus, Beauveria bassiana being used to fight bed bugs
A fungus, Beauveria bassiana, is now being looked at as a potential solution to bed bugs. Bed bugs have been documented as human pests since the 17th century. Human blood is their preferred food, but they will also feed on rodents, bats, birds and pets, if humans aren’t available. Bed bugs are small and often […]
Meningitis caused by ‘black mould’, Exserohilum rostratum
The black mould, Exserohilum rostratum (ex-sir-oh-HY-lum ross-TRAH-tum), which has caused meningitis in people who were treated with tainted shots for back pain is proving to be difficult to treat. Exserohilum rostratum an emerging causal agent for meningitis, is a common mould that can be found in soil and thrives in warm, humid climates. Although it […]
Expanded Recall for Foaming Hand Soap due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Contamination
Recently there was a recall of Antimicrobial Foaming Hand Soap (Triclosan 0.3%) due to contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As a precautionary measure, the recall was extended to 21 lots of the product X3 Clean Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer (Benzalkonium chloride 0.13%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was discovered in 1882 and was subsequently found to cause a variety of […]