Fungi in Water-Damaged Buildings of Vilnius Old City and Their Susceptibility Towards Disinfectants and Essential Oils

A study on fungal contamination in water-damaged buildings within Vilnius' historic center revealed that certain essential oils, particularly those derived from the clove tree, Siberian fir, and common caraway, exhibit significant antifungal activity comparable to or even surpassing traditional chemical biocides like Biosheen and Boramon. The research identified Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus versicolor as predominant fungi on walls and in indoor air, with notable susceptibility to clove tree essential oil. Fungal contamination was also found to be higher on wallpaper-covered surfaces compared to painted or rough porous materials. This insight underscores the potential of natural antimicrobial agents for effective mold control in heritage buildings.

Levinskaitė, L., & Paškevičius, A. (2012). Fungi in Water-Damaged Buildings of Vilnius Old City and Their Susceptibility Towards Disinfectants and Essential Oils. Indoor and Built Environment, 22(5), 766–775. https://doi.org/10.1177/1420326x12458514