Is Baudoinia compniacensis harmful?
Baudoinia compniacensis, also known as whiskey fungus or distillery fungus, is a black, powdery fungus that is commonly found on buildings and surfaces near distilleries and other industrial sites. While this fungus may be unsightly and cause aesthetic concerns, there are no known health hazards associated with it. Nevertheless, if you choose to remove the fungus from surfaces, it is recommended to take certain precautions.
First and foremost, it is important to protect yourself during the removal process. This can be done by wearing N95 masks, goggles, and gloves. The N95 mask will help filter out any spores that may become airborne during the removal process, reducing the risk of inhalation. Goggles will protect your eyes from any potential irritation or injury, and gloves will prevent direct contact with the fungus.
When removing Baudoinia compniacensis, it is essential to follow all directions and precautions provided on the label of any chemical you use. Different cleaning agents may be recommended for different surfaces, so be sure to use the appropriate product for the specific material you are cleaning. This will help ensure effective removal of the fungus without causing any damage to the surface.
In my personal experience as a brewer and sommelier, I have come across Baudoinia compniacensis on numerous occasions. It is not uncommon to find this fungus growing on nearby structures and buildings in the vicinity of distilleries and wineries. While it can be a bit disconcerting to see black patches of fungus covering surfaces, I have never encountered any adverse effects from being in close proximity to it.
It is worth noting that Baudoinia compniacensis thrives in environments with high levels of ethanol vapor. This is why it is commonly found near distilleries and other industrial sites where alcohol production takes place. The fungus feeds on the ethanol vapors released during the aging process of alcoholic beverages. However, it does not pose a threat to human health when present in these environments.
Baudoinia compniacensis, or whiskey fungus, is not known to be harmful to human health. While it can be unsightly and cause aesthetic concerns, there are no known health hazards associated with its presence. If you choose to remove the fungus from surfaces, it is recommended to take precautions such as wearing N95 masks, goggles, and gloves, and following the directions on any cleaning agents used.