Medically sound investigation and remediation of water-damaged buildings in cases of CIRS-WDB: Part 1

Abstract

Evidence supports a cause-effect relationship between exposure to the air and dust in water-damaged buildings (WDBs) and a chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) that is linked to certain HLA haplotypes. CIRS-WDB is mediated by an over- reactive innate immune response to the toxins, antigens, and inflammagens found in the interior environment of WDBs. Dose-response relationships in this condition are neither linear nor threshold in nature; the immune response depends on multiple variables in the human host. For patients with CIRS, current methods of WDB investigation and remediation are often not sufficient to prevent relapse of symptoms with re-exposure. CIRS-WDB is a growing public health hazard best addressed by a team of experts in medicine with specialized training in CIRS-WDB, indoor air quality, remediation, and construction working together to develop a collaborative plan that ensures ongoing safe habitation. Assessments of human health effects before and after remediation are mandatory to ensure adequacy of remediation efforts.

Part of Mold & water-damaged buildings research · Curated by Lauren Lowenstein, The Biotoxin Lady