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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
12:02
Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
Occupational rhinitis in damp and moldy workplaces.
Kirsi Karvala1, Henrik Nordman, Ritva Luukkonen
1Occupational Medicine Team, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. kirsi.karvala@ttl.fi
American Journal of Rhinology
|October 29, 2008
Summary
Mold exposure in damp indoor environments can cause occupational rhinitis. This study found that while IgE-mediated allergy to molds was not common, atopy and significant exposure increased sensitization, with Aspergillus fumigatus being a frequent trigger.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Medicine
- Allergology
Background:
- Indoor air dampness and mold exposure are linked to various health issues.
- Upper respiratory tract problems are common work-related symptoms in damp environments.
- This study focuses on clinically investigated cases of occupational rhinitis caused by molds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a patient series with occupational rhinitis induced by molds.
- To analyze the characteristics and risk factors associated with mold-induced occupational rhinitis.
- To investigate the role of IgE-mediated allergy and atopy in these cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 56 patients diagnosed with occupational rhinitis due to mold exposure.
- Diagnosis based on positive nasal provocation tests (NPT) with fungal allergens, verified mold exposure, work-related nasal symptoms, and clinical investigations.
- NPT performed on 369 patients, with 60 (16%) testing positive.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients (89.3%) were women, with a mean age of 43.7 years.
- IgE-mediated allergy to molds was established in 23% of patients.
- Atopy significantly increased the risk of IgE sensitization to molds (OR, 10.3).
- Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common mold identified.
- A statistically significant association was found between IgE sensitization and exposure level (p = 0.046).
- Occupational rhinitis was linked to molds in moisture-damaged buildings.
Conclusions:
- Molds in damp environments can induce occupational rhinitis.
- IgE-mediated allergy to molds is not the most common mechanism.
- Atopy and prolonged exposure are significant factors increasing IgE sensitization to molds.
- This study provides clinical insights into mold-induced occupational rhinitis.
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