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Indoor mold contamination--a threat to health?

Harriet M. Ammann2002PubMed
PubMed
CardiovascularEndocrine (ADH/ACTH/MSH)GastrointestinalHypothalamic-PituitaryImmune/InnateMusculoskeletalNeurologicalOcularRespiratory/Sinus
ActinomycetesBacterial EndotoxinsIndoor Mold (Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, etc.)MycotoxinsVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Water-Damaged Buildings (WDB)

Abstract

Molds, a subset of the fungi, are ubiquitous on our planet. Fungi are found in every ecological niche, and are necessary for the recycling of organic building blocks that allow plants and animals to live. Included in the group are yeasts, molds and mildews, as well as large mushrooms, puffballs and bracket fungi that grow on dead trees. Fungi need external organic food sources and water to be able to grow.

Key Biomarkers

Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)Immunoglobulin E (IgE)LeptinMatrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS)

Symptom Clusters

FatigueGastrointestinal: excessive thirst, frequent urinationMood: mood swings, appetite swingsMuscle and joint painNeurological: headache, light sensitivity, memory loss, concentration difficulty, confusion, word finding difficulty, tingling in extremitiesRespiratory: sinus congestion, cough, shortness of breathSleep disturbance: night sweats

Cited By (2)

  • Sick building syndrome (SBS) and exposure to water-damaged buildings: Time series study, clinical trial and mechanismsNeurotoxicology and Teratology · 2006
  • A time-series study of sick building syndrome: chronic, biotoxin-associated illness from exposure to water-damaged buildingsNeurotoxicology and Teratology · 2005

References (5)

  • Damp housing and childhood respiratory symptoms: the role of sensitization to dust mites and moldsAmerican Journal of Epidemiology · 1995
  • Environmental Risk Factors Associated With Pediatric Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemorrhage and Hemosiderosis in a Cleveland CommunityPEDIATRICS · 1997
  • Trichothecene mycotoxins in aerosolized conidia of Stachybotrys atraApplied and Environmental Microbiology · 1987
  • Airborne outbreak of trichothecene toxicosisAtmospheric Environment (1967) · 1986

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