Volatile sesquiterpenes from Stachybotrys chartarum: Indicators for trichothecene producing mold species?

Trichodiene, a volatile sesquiterpene which is structurally related to trichothecene mycotoxins, has been identified in the headspace of growing Stachybotrys chartarum by GC/MS. It is possible that volatile sesquiterpene patterns can be used to characterize S. chartarum and related mold isolates as trichothecene producers, thus providing clear criteria for decisions concerning the occupancy and renovation of contaminated buildings.