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Assessment of the indoor environment: evaluation of mold growth indoors

W Elliott Horner1

  • 1Air Quality Sciences, 1337 Capital Circle, Atlanta, GA 30067, USA. ehorner@aqs.com

Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America
|October 4, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Indoor mold exposure is linked to respiratory issues, potentially due to allergies. Further research is needed on exposure assessment and health mechanisms, emphasizing building moisture control.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Building Science

Background:

  • Indoor mold exposure is a significant concern with established links to respiratory health effects.
  • While allergy is implicated, the precise mechanisms and the role of atopy require further elucidation.
  • Current research is modest, highlighting a need for more investigation into exposure metrics and health impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of indoor mold's respiratory effects.
  • To identify research gaps in exposure assessment and health effect mechanisms.
  • To emphasize practical strategies for preventing indoor mold growth.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature on indoor molds and respiratory health.
  • Analysis of evidence regarding allergic and non-allergic mechanisms.
  • Consideration of environmental and clinical factors in assessing causality.

Main Results:

  • Strong evidence supports respiratory effects from indoor mold exposure.
  • Allergic mechanisms contribute to some effects, but non-allergic pathways are also involved.
  • Both atopic and non-atopic individuals can be affected.

Conclusions:

  • Preventing building dampness is crucial for mitigating indoor mold issues.
  • Integrated assessment of environmental and clinical data is necessary for determining causal links.
  • Further research is essential for refining exposure measures and understanding health mechanisms.

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