The significance of fungal growth in nuclear submarines
Doris, I.; Harper, M.G.; Morris, J.E.
Journal of the Royal Naval Medical Service 58(2): 123-127
1972
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-9033 PMID: 5081689 Document Number: 48006
Counts were made of airborne fungal spores in HMS Repulse and HMS Revenge, using a modified slit sampler for viable spores and a cascade impactor for total spores. The viable counts were low (highest recorded 5 organisms/ft3, approx. 150/m3). Penicillium accounted for 96% of spores; Cladosporium, Aspergillus, yeasts, Cephalosporium and Phoma were also present. Despite the growth of sheets of fungal mycelium in some parts of the ships it seems unlikely that fungal spores are widely disseminated but if they are, they are rapidly removed by the air purification system.