Growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and Paecilomyces variottii is common on wood dried in dehumidifier kilns that operate within a temperature range of 35-55°C. Aspergillus fumigatus causes an unacceptable blue / grey discolouration of the woods surface and prolonged exposure to spores during handling of mouldy wood can cause health problems amongst timber workers. A survey of dehumidifier kiln operators in New Zealand was carried out to ascertain the extent of the problem and investigate control options. Significant growth only occurred if initial wood moisture content was above 80%. Results suggested that this was because high relative humidity (98-100%), for periods in excess of 5 days, was a requirement for extensive and profuse growth to occur. Only 3 of the 26 antisapstain treatments tested using a 3 week laboratory trial gave control of Aspergillus fumigatus at 40°C. Fumigation with 4 ppm (mg/litre of air) of formaldehyde gas controlled growth of Aspergillus fumigatus for periods up to 5 days and a second fumigation was often needed for long drying cycles (> 12 days). It seems likely that growth of thermotolerant moulds became a problem when use of pentachlorophenate as an antisapstain treatment was phased out (1988-89). Laboratory trials showed that this was one of the few fungicides that controlled Aspergillus fumigatus.

Download document (1.5 Mb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document