Toxic Moulds and Indoor AirQuality
Author:
Jagjit Singh
Date: 5 July 2006
Abstract:
Indoor air quality issues associated with exposure to moulds and their metabolites, mycotoxins, are becomingof increasing importance. There are believed to beabout 1.5 million species of fungi of which more than1000 species have evolved to exploit the built environment.Sexually mature fungi produce large numbers ofspores that when airborne can be inhaled anddeposited on the mucosal surface of the upper airwaysand in the eyes. Occupants of buildings may beaffected in any of a number of ways. Fungi and mouldscan contribute to the sick building syndrome or otherbuilding related illnesses and some people can have anallergic response. Such exposure to moulds and theother fungi and their spores indoors is unavoidableexcept when the most stringent air filtration or otherenvironmental measures are observed. The repeatedexposure to large amount of particular fungal propagulesis an important risk factor for the development ofspecific allergic reactions. There are also a largenumber of toxic mould metabolites which can have arange of biological activities. Black Mould (Stachybotryschartarum), in particular has been implicated inillnesses associated with living in damp houses. Reactionsmay be severe as in recent reports of idiopathicpulmonary haemorrhage in very young children inCleveland, Ohio. Although some governmental agencieshave published guidelines on mould assessmentand remediation most are very general in nature andmost focus on Black Mould as the major concern.
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