- Produced during fungal growth and given off as a waste by-product. Indicator of unacceptable IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) and active/past growth
- Some have distinct odors; others do not: earthy, weedy, musty, nutty
- Production is dependent on substrate and environmental conditions
- Some have been associated with health effects but are mostly considered irritants
- Most are alcohols and ketones specific to certain organisms
- Frequently associated with Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Alternaria
Volatile Organic Compounds
Detected in Metabolic Gases of Cultured Fungi
| Methylene Chloride Hexane 2-Heptanone Hexanol 2-Pentanol Methyul acetate Benzene Ethyl acetate 2-Methyl-1-propanol 1,4-Pentadiene Furan 1-1-Dimethylethyl hydroperoxide |
Methylfuran 2,2-Dimethylpropanol Styrene Acetic Acid Ethanol Isopropanol 2-Propanyl acetate Acetone Carbon disulfide 2-Pentanone 3-Methyl 2-butenoate Dihydrofuran |