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Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
12:02

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

Published on: May 2, 2018

Adverse health effects of indoor moulds

Elena Piecková1

  • 1Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia.

Arhiv Za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju
|January 22, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Poor indoor air quality in buildings is linked to illnesses like sick building syndrome (SBS). Fungal growth and its toxic metabolites, such as beta-D-glucan and mycotoxins, are key contributors to these health issues.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Mycology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is linked to poor indoor air quality.
  • Indoor humidity is a significant factor associated with SBS symptoms.
  • Indoor fungal growth is increasingly recognized as a contributor to building-associated illnesses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of fungal metabolites in building-associated illnesses.
  • To identify the carriers and toxic potential of fungal metabolites in indoor environments.
  • To understand the impact of chronic low-level exposure to fungal toxicants.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of fungal metabolites (beta-D-glucan, mycotoxins, VOCs) found in indoor environments.
  • Investigation of fungal propagules, aerosols, detritus, and house dust as metabolite carriers.
  • Consideration of particle deposition in the respiratory tract, from upper airways to alveoli.

Main Results:

  • Fungal metabolites like beta-D-glucan, mycotoxins, and VOCs act as irritants and immunomodulators.
  • Micromycetal propagules, aerosols, detritus, and house dust carry toxic fungal metabolites.
  • Particles reaching the alveoli possess the highest toxic potential, while larger spores are often trapped in the upper respiratory tract.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal metabolites are significant contributors to building-associated illnesses.
  • Understanding the carriers and deposition of fungal toxicants is crucial for assessing health risks.
  • Chronic exposure to mixed fungal toxicants and indoor stressors may lead to synergistic adverse health effects, including neuroendocrine-immune changes.

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