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Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
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Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA

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Health symptoms caused by molds in a courthouse

Tang G Lee1

  • 1Faculty of Environmental Design, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. lee@ucalgary.ca

Archives of Environmental Health
|May 18, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Occupants of a renovated historic courthouse reported numerous health symptoms linked to significant mold contamination. Remediation involved relocating to a new facility with improved environmental controls.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Building Science
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Historic buildings undergoing renovation can present unique indoor environmental challenges.
  • Inadequate thermal and vapor barriers during renovation can lead to moisture issues and mold growth.
  • Occupant health symptoms in buildings are often linked to poor indoor air quality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cause of multiple health-related symptoms reported by occupants of a renovated historic courthouse.
  • To identify the types of mold present in the building and their potential health implications.
  • To assess the effectiveness of building renovations and subsequent remediation strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Occupant health surveys to document reported symptoms and recovery times.
  • Environmental sampling to identify fungal organisms, including mycotoxin-producing molds.
  • Building envelope assessment to determine the cause of moisture intrusion and condensation.
  • Comparison of the original building's conditions with the new, modified facility.

Main Results:

  • A majority of courthouse occupants reported multiple (≥3) health symptoms, with several experiencing over 10 persistent symptoms.
  • Significant mold contamination, including mycotoxin-producing species (e.g., Stachybotrys chartarum, Emericella nidulans) and other genera (Aspergillus, Penicillium), was identified.
  • Renovation failures in thermal and vapor barriers led to condensation, mold growth, and dispersal throughout the building.
  • Occupants required time outside the building for symptom recovery, indicating a direct link to the indoor environment.

Conclusions:

  • The renovation of the historic courthouse failed to prevent moisture intrusion, leading to widespread mold contamination and adverse health effects for occupants.
  • The presence of mycotoxin-producing molds suggests a significant health risk within the building.
  • Closure of the courthouse and relocation to a new facility with enhanced environmental controls were necessary to accommodate occupants, particularly those with multiple chemical sensitivities.

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