Dishwashers can (and do) introduce fungi to the kitchen environment! The story: Thirty residences with dishwashers were investigated for the presence of fungal contamination. More than 80% of the dishwashers were positive for fungus, mostly in the rubber seals but also in the side nozzles, doors and drains. In kitchens that had dishwashers, there was a higher prevalence of black yeasts (particularly a species called E. dermatitidis) throughout the kitchen, proving that having a dishwasher can spread potentially pathogenic yeasts to the home environment. E. dermatitidis can cause pulmonary (lung) infections, mostly among immunocompromised individuals. I never knew that dishwashers were supposed to be disinfected but apparently they are!