Environmental Microbiology

Microorganisms are one of the most ubiquitous life forms on earth and are found virtually everywhere. There are no domestic or natural environments free of molds, fungi, yeasts or bacteria. Nearly every breath we take contains spores and other microorganisms, some of which, under the right circumstances, can produce adverse health effects. Dead or live organisms, their waste products and/or, in some cases, toxins, are all quite capable of causing adverse health effects. The health effects in humans can range from mild allergies to disabling and/or fatal diseases or poisonings. Fortunately, most of these microorganisms, at normal exposure levels, produce little or no adverse health effects on humans. However, some do, and it is to those microorganisms that CERL offers its services and expertise.