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Characterization of Airborne Molds, Endotoxins, and Glucans in Homes in New Orleans after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Rao CY, Riggs MA, Chew GL +5 more2007Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyJournal Article
10.1128/aem.01973-06PubMedFree full text
CardiovascularEndocrine (ADH/ACTH/MSH)GastrointestinalHematologicalHypothalamic-PituitaryImmune/InnateNeurologicalOcularRespiratory/Sinus
Bacterial EndotoxinsBeta-GlucansIndoor Mold (Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, etc.)MycotoxinsWater-Damaged Buildings (WDB)

Abstract

ABSTRACT In August and September 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused breeches in the New Orleans, LA, levee system, resulting in catastrophic flooding. The city remained flooded for several weeks, leading to extraordinary mold growth in homes. To characterize the potential risks of mold exposures, we measured airborne molds and markers of molds and bacteria in New Orleans area homes. In October 2005, we collected air samples from 5 mildly water-damaged houses, 15 moderately to heavily water-damaged houses, and 11 outdoor locations. The air filters were analyzed for culturable fungi, spores, (1→3,1→6)-β- d -glucans, and endotoxins. Culturable fungi were significantly higher in the moderately/heavily water-damaged houses (geometric mean = 67,000 CFU/m 3 ) than in the mildly water-damaged houses (geometric mean = 3,700 CFU/m 3 ) ( P = 0.02). The predominant molds found were Aspergillus niger , Penicillium spp., Trichoderma , and Paecilomyces . The indoor and outdoor geometric means for endotoxins were 22.3 endotoxin units (EU)/m 3 and 10.5 EU/m 3 , respectively, and for (1→3,1→6)-β- d -glucans were 1.7 μg/m 3 and 0.9 μg/m 3 , respectively. In the moderately/heavily water-damaged houses, the geometric means were 31.3 EU/m 3 for endotoxins and 1.8 μg/m 3 for (1→3,1→6)-β- d -glucans. Molds, endotoxins, and fungal glucans were detected in the environment after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in New Orleans at concentrations that have been associated with health effects. The species and concentrations were different from those previously reported for non-water-damaged buildings in the southeastern United States.

Key Biomarkers

ACLAACTH/cortisolADH/osmolalityAGAC4aGlutamate/Glutamine ratioHLA DR haplotypesLactateMARCoNSMMP9MSHTGF beta-1VEGFVIPVisual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS)von Willebrand factor

Symptom Clusters

Acquired coagulopathyCapillary hypoperfusionCognitive impairmentEpistaxisHemoptysisMulti-system, multisymptom illnessNeurologic dysfunctionVisual contrast sensitivity deficits

Cited By (13)

  • The biocontaminants and complexity of damp indoor spaces: more than what meets the eyesToxicology and Industrial Health · 2009
  • Mold Exposure and Health Effects Following Hurricanes Katrina and RitaAnnual Review of Public Health · 2011
  • Fungal fragments in moldy houses: a field study in homes in New Orleans and southern OhioAtmospheric Environment · 2007
  • Molds and mycotoxins in dust from water-damaged homes in New Orleans after hurricane KatrinaIndoor Air · 2009
  • Environmental and clinical mould spore risk thresholdsJournal of Bacteriology & Mycology Open Access · 2023
  • Molds and Mycotoxins in Indoor Environments — A Survey in Water-Damaged BuildingsJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene · 2009
  • Dysbiosis in the Nasal Mycobiome of Infants Born in the Aftermath of Hurricane MariaMicroorganisms · 2025

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