Sick Building Syndrome: is mould the cause?

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Environmental Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Moulds are known to cause human diseases via infection, allergy, and toxicity.
• Fungal infections pose risks to both immunodeficient and immunocompetent individuals.
• Fungal allergies manifest in various respiratory conditions, while mycotoxicosis typically results from ingesting contaminated food.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the established and controversial mechanisms by which moulds affect human health.
• To differentiate between specific mould-induced diseases and unproven conditions linked to indoor airborne exposure.
• To critically evaluate the evidence for non-specific toxicity from inhaled mould spores.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on mould-related human diseases.
• Analysis of pathogenetic mechanisms: infection, allergy, and toxicity.
• Assessment of evidence for established occupational diseases versus controversial indoor exposures.

Main Results:

• Fungal infections and allergies are well-documented, with specific causative moulds.
• Mycotoxicosis is primarily linked to ingestion of contaminated food.
• Pulmonary mycotoxicosis is a recognized occupational disease in farmers exposed to high levels of mycotoxins.
• Claims of non-specific toxicity and various illnesses from indoor airborne mould spores remain largely unproven and controversial.

Conclusions:

• Moulds cause specific diseases through infection and allergy, and toxicity via ingestion.
• The role of indoor airborne mould spores in causing non-specific toxicity and a wide range of subjective symptoms is not supported by convincing scientific evidence.
• Further research is needed to clarify the controversial aspects of mould exposure and human health.