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Update: Pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis among infants--Cleveland, Ohio, 1993-1996
Insights
Reviews found issues with an investigation into infant pulmonary hemorrhage and mold exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded the link between mold, specifically Stachybotrys chartarum, and infant illness was not proven.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- An investigation explored a potential association between infant acute pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis and mold exposure.
- The investigation was detailed in MMWR and other scientific publications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the implementation and reporting of an investigation into infant acute pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis.
- To assess the evidence linking mold exposure, specifically Stachybotrys chartarum, to infant illness.
Main Methods:
- Internal review by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- External expert review of the investigation's methodology and findings.
Main Results:
- Shortcomings were identified in the implementation and reporting of the original investigation.
- The reviews concluded that a causal association between mold exposure and infant pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis was not substantiated.
Conclusions:
- The investigation's methodology and reporting had limitations.
- The potential link between Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) and infant acute pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis remains unproven based on the reviewed evidence.
Abstract:
A review within CDC and by outside experts of an investigation of acute pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis in infants has identified shortcomings in the implementation and reporting of the investigation described in MMWR and detailed in other scientific publications authored, in part, by CDC personnel. The reviews led CDC to conclude that a possible association between acute pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis in infants and exposure to molds, specifically Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly referred to by its synonym Stachybotrys atra, was not proven. This report describes the specific findings of these internal and external reviews.