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Published on: May 2, 2018
Exposure and Health Effects of Fungi on Humans
Sachin N Baxi1, Jay M Portnoy2, Désirée Larenas-Linnemann3
1Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass.
Abstract:
Fungi are ubiquitous microorganisms that are present in outdoor and indoor environments. Previous research has found relationships between environmental fungal exposures and human health effects. We reviewed recent articles focused on fungal exposure and dampness as risk factors for respiratory disease development, symptoms, and hypersensitivity. In particular, we reviewed the evidence suggesting that early exposure to dampness or fungi is associated with the development of asthma and increased asthma morbidity. Although outdoor exposure to high concentrations of spores can cause health effects such as asthma attacks in association with thunderstorms, most people appear to be relatively unaffected unless they are sensitized to specific genera. Indoor exposure and dampness, however, appears to be associated with an increased risk of developing asthma in young children and asthma morbidity in individuals who have asthma. These are important issues because they provide a rationale for interventions that might be considered for homes and buildings in which there is increased fungal exposure. In addition to rhinitis and asthma, fungus exposure is associated with a number of other illnesses including allergic bronchopulmonary mycoses, allergic fungal sinusitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Additional research is necessary to establish causality and evaluate interventions for fungal- and dampness-related health effects.
Insights
Fungal exposure and damp indoor environments are linked to respiratory issues, particularly asthma development in children and worsening symptoms in asthmatics. Interventions in buildings may reduce these health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Fungi are widespread microorganisms found indoors and outdoors.
- Previous studies indicate links between environmental fungal exposure and adverse human health outcomes.
- Dampness and fungal presence are recognized as potential risk factors for respiratory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on fungal exposure and dampness as risk factors for respiratory diseases.
- To examine the association between early-life exposure to dampness/fungi and asthma development.
- To assess the impact of fungal exposure on asthma morbidity and other related illnesses.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of recent articles on fungal exposure, dampness, and respiratory health.
- Analysis of evidence linking environmental fungi to asthma development and exacerbation.
- Evaluation of studies on indoor vs. outdoor fungal exposure effects.
Main Results:
- Early exposure to dampness or fungi is associated with asthma development and increased asthma morbidity.
- Indoor dampness and fungal exposure pose a higher risk for developing asthma in young children.
- Outdoor fungal spore exposure can trigger asthma attacks in sensitized individuals, but indoor exposure is more consistently linked to disease development.
Conclusions:
- Indoor fungal exposure and dampness are significant risk factors for asthma development and morbidity.
- Findings support the need for interventions in buildings to mitigate fungal exposure.
- Further research is required to confirm causality and develop effective interventions for fungal-related health effects.
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