Airborne fungal spores in the coastal plain of Israel: A preliminary survey

Airborne spores were monitored during the years 1993–1995 in three cities along the coastal plain of Israel: Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv (Ramat Aviv) and Haifa. Seasonal fluctuations in the concentration of airborne spores were recorded. The following genera of fungi were identified:Alternaria, Cladosporium, Coprinus, Curvularia, Drechslera. Diplococcum, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Leptosphaeria, Pithomyces, Puccinia, Sphacelotheca, Stemphylium andUstilago. Unidentified spores were very rare and in negligible numbers. The dominant airborne fungal spores wereCladosporium andAlternaria. The monthly variations in airborne spores, observed among the three cities, seem to be rather minor. The recorded levels of airborne spores were below the concentrations that are accepted as threshold levels for provocation of clinical responses.