Mir could carry mutant space fungi

The Mir space station could carry mutant fungi when it crash lands on Earth.

Russian space expert Yuri Karash said micro-organisms could present a threat if they survived the fall.

Researchers say the fungi could mix with Earth varieties which attack metal, glass and plastic.

Mr Karash said his conclusions were based on research carried out by Russia's Institute of Medical and Biological Problems.

"I wouldn't overstate it, but a realistic problem exists," said Mr Karash.

Health officials in the West have expressed concern in the past about micro-organisms which could be brought back to Earth.

Those fears were raised after a Russian microbiologist discovered the first of many aggressive forms of fungi inhabiting Mir about 13 years ago.

Mir is due to crash land in the Pacific Ocean later this month.