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Studies of sick building syndrome. IV. Mycotoxicosis
Yehudith Assoulin-Daya1, Albin Leong, Yehuda Shoenfeld
1Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, 95616, USA.
Abstract:
There has been increasing public attention to the potential health risks of mold exposure, particularly in wet buildings. A variety of molds has been isolated from both damaged homes and businesses, including agents that secrete toxigenic materials. One area that is attracting particular notice is the relative toxigenic potential of mycotoxins. Although exposure to molds can produce significant mucosal irritation, there are very few data to suggest long-term ill effects. More importantly, there is no evidence in humans that mold exposure leads to nonmucosal pathology. In fact, many of the data on toxigenic molds are derived from animal toxicity studies, and these are based primarily, on ingestion. Although every attempt should be made to improve the quality of indoor air, including avoidance of molds, the human illnesses attributed to fungal exposure are, with the exception of invasive infections and mold allergy, relatively rare. In this review we discuss selected aspects of the microbiology of mycotoxin-producing molds and their potential role in human immunopathology with respect to wet building environments.
Insights
Mold exposure in buildings can cause irritation, but long-term health risks are rare. Scientific evidence does not support mold causing non-mucosal pathology in humans, despite mycotoxin concerns.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Mycology
- Immunopathology
Background:
- Public concern is rising regarding health risks from mold exposure in damp buildings.
- Various molds, including toxigenic species producing mycotoxins, are found in damaged structures.
- The toxigenic potential of mycotoxins is a key area of focus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the microbiology of mycotoxin-producing molds.
- To discuss their potential role in human immunopathology within wet building environments.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on mold exposure and mycotoxins.
- Analysis of data from animal toxicity studies and human health effects.
- Focus on fungal microbiology and immunopathology.
Main Results:
- Mold exposure can cause mucosal irritation but rarely leads to long-term ill effects.
- No current evidence links human mold exposure to non-mucosal pathology.
- Most data on toxigenic molds come from animal ingestion studies.
Conclusions:
- Human illnesses from fungal exposure, excluding invasive infections and allergies, are uncommon.
- While improving indoor air quality and avoiding mold is advisable, severe health impacts are rare.
- Further research into mycotoxins and their role in human health is warranted.