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Mold exposure and respiratory health in damp indoor environments

Ju-Hyeong Park1, Jean M Cox-Ganser

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. gzp8@cdc.gov

Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition)
|January 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Damp buildings promote mold growth, leading to fungal spore exposure. This exposure can cause various respiratory issues, including asthma and infections, impacting indoor air quality and occupant health.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Building Science
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Water damage is prevalent in modern buildings, creating environments conducive to fungal proliferation.
  • Building occupants can be exposed to microbial agents from indoor fungi, including spores and toxins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the evidence linking fungal exposure in damp indoor environments to adverse respiratory health effects.
  • To investigate potential disease mechanisms associated with indoor fungal exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on indoor fungi and respiratory health.
  • Analysis of reported respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms in occupants of water-damaged buildings.

Main Results:

  • Damp buildings facilitate fungal growth and subsequent exposure to microbial agents.
  • Respiratory health complaints, such as asthma, cough, and infections, are common in damp buildings.
  • Emerging evidence suggests links between fungal exposure and conditions like rhinosinusitis and sarcoidosis.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal exposure in damp indoor environments poses significant risks to respiratory health.
  • Understanding the mechanisms of fungal-induced respiratory diseases is crucial for public health.
  • Mitigating moisture and fungal growth in buildings is essential for preventing adverse health outcomes.

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