Cleanrooms and controlled environments are at risk from fungal spores, should they enter the facility. Fungi can present health hazards to operators and pose potential contamination risks to medicinal products. The presence of fungi in the processing areas of pharmaceutical and healthcare products manufacturing facilities is normally regarded as an indication of a control breakdown, such as one relating to air handling or with the transfer of materials (or people) into the manufacturing area. The risk exists because most fungi produce spores, for reproduction or for survival, and such spores are relatively easy to disperse in the form of bioaerosols. These biologically dynamic particles can cover relatively wide distances and, unlike bacterial spores, fungal spores are found in relatively high numbers. The risk of spore dispersal can be enhanced based on air.
Tim Sandle has written an article focused on fungal contamination remediation. The reference and access link is:
Sandle, T.(2021) Fungi in Cleanrooms: Types, Origins, and Decontamination Strategies, Pharma Machines and Technology, Vol.18, pp18-23: https://pharmamachines.com/fungi-in-cleanrooms-types-origins-and-decontamination-strategies/
Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)
The sterilizer itself likely being the main source of moisture dispersement responsible for mold spore growth.
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