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Updated: Dec 17, 2025
Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
Moist and Mold Exposure is Associated With High Prevalence of Neurological Symptoms and MCS in a Finnish Hospital
Saija Hyvönen1, Jouni Lohi2,3, Tamara Tuuminen4
1Työterveys Meditare, Finland.
Background:
Indoor air dampness microbiota (DM) is a big health hazard. Sufficient evidence exists that exposure to DM causes new asthma or exacerbation, dyspnea, infections of upper airways and allergic alveolitis. Less convincing evidence has yet been published for extrapulmonary manifestations of dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome ).
Methods:
We investigated the prevalence of extrapulmonary in addition to respiratory symptoms with a questionnaire in a cohort of nurses and midwives (n = 90) exposed to DM in a Helsinki Obstetric Hospital. The corresponding prevalence was compared with an unexposed cohort (n = 45). Particular interest was put on neurological symptoms and multiple chemical sensitivity.
Results:
The results show that respiratory symptoms were more common among participants of the study vs. control cohort, that is, 80 vs 29%, respectively (risk ratio [RR]: 2.56, p < 0.001). Symptoms of the central or peripheral nervous system were also more common in study vs. control cohort: 81 vs 11% (RR: 6.63, p < 0.001). Fatigue was reported in 77 vs. 24%, (RR: 3.05, p < 0.001) and multiple chemical sensitivity in 40 vs. 9%, (RR: 3.44, p = 0.01), the so-called "brain fog", was prevalent in 62 vs 11% (RR: 4.94, p < 0.001), arrhythmias were reported in 57 vs. 2.4% (RR: 19.75, p < 0.001) and musculoskeletal pain in 51 vs 22% (RR: 2.02, p = 0.02) among participants of the study vs. control cohort, respectively.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that the exposure to DM is associated with a plethora of extrapulmonary symptoms. Presented data corroborate our recent reports on the health effects of moist and mold exposure in a workplace.
Insights
Exposure to indoor air dampness microbiota (DM) is linked to numerous health issues beyond respiratory problems. This study found significantly higher rates of neurological symptoms, fatigue, and "brain fog" in exposed individuals compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Indoor air dampness microbiota (DM) poses significant health risks, including respiratory conditions like asthma and infections.
- While respiratory effects are established, evidence for extrapulmonary manifestations of DM exposure remains less conclusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of both respiratory and extrapulmonary symptoms in healthcare workers exposed to DM.
- To compare symptom prevalence between exposed and unexposed cohorts, with a focus on neurological and chemical sensitivity symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted on nurses and midwives (n=90) exposed to DM in a Helsinki Obstetric Hospital.
- A control group (n=45) with no DM exposure was used for comparison.
- Specific attention was given to neurological symptoms and multiple chemical sensitivity.
Main Results:
- The exposed group reported significantly higher rates of respiratory symptoms (80% vs. 29%), neurological symptoms (81% vs. 11%), fatigue (77% vs. 24%), and "brain fog" (62% vs. 11%).
- Increased prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivity (40% vs. 9%), arrhythmias (57% vs. 2.4%), and musculoskeletal pain (51% vs. 22%) was observed in the exposed cohort.
- Risk ratios indicated substantial increases in symptom prevalence for all measured outcomes in the DM-exposed group.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to indoor air dampness microbiota is associated with a wide range of extrapulmonary symptoms.
- The findings support previous research linking workplace dampness and mold exposure to adverse health effects.
- This study highlights the significant impact of DM on both respiratory and non-respiratory health in occupational settings.
