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Feather Bioaerosol

	Low-power SEM (500x) of a feather from a cockatiel bird. The granular appearance of the surface of the feather structures is due to bacteria-like organisms, visible below in the higher-power SEM.
The large triangular shape at the center of this high-power SEM (4000x) is either a bird dander particle or a human skin scale. It is completely covered with keratin granules. Bean-shaped individual organisms are visible all around the dander.
	This is a light photomicrograph at 1000x of the particulates that came out of a homeowner's down pillow. (The particles are stained pink with acid fuchsin.) I believe that these particulates are the same keratin granules found on the bird's wing. The larger, oblong object is probably bird dander. I believe that inhaling these respirable particles from down pillows and quilts can cause allergy and asthma symptoms.
This is a light photomicrograph at 400x of the particulates that came out of a homeowner's down quilt. (The particles are stained pink with acid fuchsin.) Keratin granules are visible as well as feather fragments. Some of these feather fragments are inhalable and, I believe, can cause coughing.

Photo Gallery

• Feather Bioaerosol
Small keratin granules on feather fragments may cause allergy or coughing.

• Bacteria from a Smelly Sponge
The surface of a kitchen sponge that reeked.

• Humidifiers
A white film on the surface of water in a humidifier.

• Mites
A mold-eating mite.

• Stachybotrys mold
Often referred to as the "toxic black mold".