Mold Health Effects

8 Key excerpts on "Mold Health Effects"

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  eBook - PDF

  Synergic Influence of Gaseous, Particulate, and Biological Pollutants on Human Health

  • Jozef S. Pastuszka(Author)
  • 2015(Publication Date)
  • CRC Press

    (Publisher)

  In homes that have observed dampness, moisture, or mold, there is a risk for adverse health effects such as irritative, allergic, or other respiratory health effects including an increased risk for asthma (e.g., Norbäck et al. 2013). In farming homes, a protective effect from allergies is seen (Genuneit 2012) while they have higher microbial concentrations due to many natural sources in their immediate surroundings (Ege et al. 2011). However, the farming environment does not necessarily protect from adverse effects of moisture damage exposure (Karvonen et al. 2009). It is evident that microbial concentrations as such do not explain either the bene fi cial or the adverse health effects observed in domestic environments. However, when this phenomenon that appears as a paradox at a fi rst glance is analyzed in more Health Effects of Fungi, Bacteria, and Other Bioparticles 181 detail, it is clear that it is a question of different environments with different sources of microbial exposures. Microbial exposures are not a uniform concept but a highly variable range of microbial species, their cellular components, and metabolic products, with a wide array of potential biological effects. Not only do microorganisms have health-relevant potential but also other agents, such as pollen, protozoa, and animal allergens may contribute to the health effects of biological particles. The knowledge on the complex interactions with these agents and other air pollutants will increase in the future, facilitated with the signi fi cant methodological progress in the assessment of biological exposures. Occupational diseases linked with biological particles In occupational environments where organic material is being handled and processed, exposure levels to organic dusts and biological particles may be very high. Such occupational environments are found in, e.g., agriculture, food processing, animal care, tobacco processing, and waste handling and processing.

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  The Praeger Handbook of Environmental Health

  [4 volumes]

  • Robert H. Friis(Author)
  • 2012(Publication Date)
  • Praeger

    (Publisher)

  For the majority of adverse health outcomes related to mold exposure, a higher level of exposure to living molds or a higher concentration of allergens on spores and mycelia results in a greater likelihood of illness. However, no standardized method exists to measure the magnitude of exposure to molds. In addition, data are limited about the relation between the level of exposure to mold and how that causes adverse health effects and how this relation is affected by the interaction between molds and other microorganisms and chemicals in the environment. For this reason, it is not possible to sample an environment, measure the mold level in that sample, and make a determination about whether the level is low enough to be safe or high enough to be associated with adverse health effects.

  People affected by major hurricanes or floods probably will be exposed to a wide variety of hazardous substances distributed by or contained within the floodwater. This chapter does not provide a comprehensive discussion of all such potential hazards; such situations will of necessity require case by case evaluation and assessment. Guidance has been provided by the CDC for such issues in a number of documents, including NIOSH Hazard Based Interim Guidelines: Protective Equipment for Workers in Hurricane Flood Response9 and Protect Yourself from Chemicals Released during a Natural Disaster.10

  Factors That Cause Disease from Mold

  Numerous species of mold cause infection through respiratory exposure. In general, persons who are immunosuppressed are at increased risk for infection from mold.11 Immunosuppression can result from immunosuppressive medication, from medical conditions and diseases that cause it, or from therapy for cancer that causes transient immunosuppression. Although certain species of mold cause infection,5 8, 11 many mold species do not. Infections from mold might be localized to a specific organ or disseminated throughout the body.

  Many of the major noninfectious health effects of mold exposure have an immunologic (i.e., allergic) basis.6 Exposure to mold can sensitize persons, who then might experience symptoms when re-exposed to the same mold species. For sensitized people, hay fever symptoms and asthma exacerbations are prominent manifestations of mold allergy.6 Although different mold species might have different propensities to cause allergy, available data do not permit a relative ranking of species by risk for creating or exacerbating allergies. In addition, exposure to beta glucans might have an inflammatory effect on the respiratory system.12

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  Damp Indoor Spaces and Health

  • (Author)
  • 0(Publication Date)
  • The National Academies Press

    (Publisher)

  FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND RESEARCH NEEDS On the basis of its review of the papers, reports, and other informa- tion presented in this chapter, the committee has reached several findings and recommendations and has identified several research needs regard- ing the nonallergic effects of molds and bacteria found in damp indoor environments. • Molds that can produce mycotoxins under the appropriate environ- mental and competitive conditions can and do grow indoors. Damp indoor spaces may also facilitate the growth of bacteria that can have toxic and inflammatory effects. Little information exists on the toxic potential of chemical releases resulting from dampness-related degradation of building materials, furniture, and the like. • In vitro and in vivo studies have established that exposure to micro- bial toxins can occur via inhalation and dermal exposure and through ingestion of contaminated food. Animal studies provide information on possible target organs, the underlying mechanisms of action, and the po- tency of many toxins isolated from environmental samples and substrates from damp buildings. The dose required to cause adverse health effects in humans has not been determined. • In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated adverse effects— including immunotoxic, neurologic, respiratory, and dermal responses— after exposure to specific toxins, bacteria, molds, or their products. • In vitro and in vivo research on Stachybotrys chartarum suggests that effects in humans may be biologically plausible; these observations require validation from more extensive research before conclusions can be drawn. • Information on DNA, RNA, and protein adducts resulting from interactions with toxins is available. However, research is needed to further develop techniques for detecting and quantifying mycotoxins in tissues in order to inform the question of interactions and the determination of expo- sures resulting in adverse effects.

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  Sick Building Syndrome and Related Illness

  Prevention and Remediation of Mold Contamination

  • Walter E. Goldstein(Author)
  • 2010(Publication Date)
  • CRC Press

    (Publisher)

  2.6.5 P OSSIBLE M YCOTOXIN -R ELATED H EALTH E FFECTS In late 2008, the GAO reported to the Committee of Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, that federal agencies should better coordinate their research on health effects of indoor mold and deliver more consistent guidance to the public (GAO, 2008). One of the observations was that federal and federally sponsored research had not extensively studied mycotoxins in relation to the indoor environment includ-ing acute pulmonary hemorrhage in infants, dose– or exposure–response relations, techniques to quantify mycotoxins in tissue and environmental samples, and health effects from long-term exposure to mycotoxins. The WHO guidelines discussed mycotoxins in the section on clinical aspects of health effects and stated that the evidence that mycotoxins play a role in health prob-lems related to damp indoor environments is very weak (WHO, 2009). An indication of biological effects of indoor exposure to mycotoxins comes from a small study on people exposed to mycotoxins from Stachybotrys chartarum in their homes. Albumin adducts were found to form in their blood, as found in rats exposed experi-mentally to these mycotoxins (Yike et al., 2006). Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi for survival from envi-ronmental challenges such as nutrient starvation or the presence of competing organ-isms. More than 400 mycotoxins in at least 21 different groups produced by more than 350 fungi have been isolated thus far (Hussein and Brasel, 2001; Kuhn and Ghannoum, 2003), and many mycotoxins have the potential of being toxic to human beings and animals even at very low concentrations. In vitro and animal studies suggest that some mycotoxins can produce immu-notoxicity by either suppressing or stimulating immune systems (IOM, 2004). As an immune suppressor, mycotoxins can inhibit protein syntheses or cell prolifera-tion. Immune stimulating effects can lead to hypersensitivity reactions (Sharma, 1993).

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  Indoor Environmental Quality

  • Thad Godish(Author)
  • 2016(Publication Date)
  • CRC Press

    (Publisher)

  Best known are cases associated with specific occupations. These include malt worker’s lung associated with Aspergillus, cheese worker’s lung associated with Penicillium, sequoiaosis associated with Aureobasidium, and outbreaks of hypersensitivity pneumoni- tis associated with ventilation systems. Chapter six: Biological contaminants — mold 183 C. Nonallergenic illness 1. Fungal MVOCs Because of their ubiquitous presence in mold-infested buildings, fungal MVOCs have been the subject of scientific speculation related to their poten- tial role in causing nasal irritation and stuffiness. Reports linking fungal MVOCs to illness symptoms have been anecdotal, and studies to test the effects of fungal MVOCs on humans have yet to be conducted. Limited laboratory studies indicate that MVOCs produced by Paecilomyces variotii are ciliatoxic (adversely affect the hair-like structures, i.e., cilia, in the respiratory tract that are responsible for removing foreign particles). In other studies, MVOCs from Penicillium sp. and Trichoderma veride increased ciliary beat frequency in respiratory airway cells of animals. It is likely that fungal MVOCs do have significant biological effects. At present there is little scientific data to indicate that such biological effects occur at the relatively low exposure concentrations present in mold-infested buildings. 2. Mycotoxicoses Mycotoxin intoxication or poisonings have historically been associated with contaminated livestock feed and human foodstuffs. Outbreaks of mycotox- icoses in animals are associated with climatic or seasonal conditions favoring fungal growth on grain and other crops. Mycotoxins have a broad range of toxic potentials. Substances such as saratoxin H and cyclochorotine have LD 50 s (dose required to kill 50% of animals under test) of <1 mg/kg (1 ppm w/w) and are extremely toxic. Other mycotoxins have LD 50 s as high as 800 mg/kg. The primary route of mycotoxin exposure in humans is ingestion.

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  Microbiological Corrosion of Buildings

  A Guide to Detection, Health Hazards, and Mitigation

  • Rafał Górny, Rafal L. Górny, Rafał Górny, Rafal L. Górny(Authors)
  • 2020(Publication Date)
  • CRC Press

    (Publisher)

  Figure 3.1 ). Such a situation from both medical and epidemiological points of view makes precise estimation of the number of adverse cases (directly related to microbiological contamination of premises or resulting from the presence of water damage) very complicated.

  FIGURE 3.1 Health effects and diseases resulting from indoor dampness and mould exposure.

  3.2 Health Significance of Microbiological Hazards

  3.2.1 Allergic Reactions

  Microorganisms colonising water-damaged buildings play an important role in the pathogenesis of many allergic diseases, including asthma, allergic alveolitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and sinusitis, allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa, sarcoidosis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Allergic reactions to moulds are quite common and can affect about 20% of the world’s population (3–10% in Europe). The most allergenic fungi include those of Alternaria , Aspergillus , Cladosporium , Mucor , Penicillium and Trichoderma genera [Górny and Dutkiewicz 2002; Denning et al. 2014; Kurup et al. 2002; Hurraß et al. 2017]. Hypersensitivity to fungal allergens is a significant risk factor for the development of severe bronchial asthma. It is estimated that, among 22 million people with asthma, about 5 million cases are caused by poor living conditions, in particular increased humidity and associated exposure to moulds [Mudarri and Fisk 2007]. According to the ‘Healthy Homes Barometer 2017’ report, about 2.2 million Europeans suffer from asthma caused by their living conditions [Rasmussen et al. 2017].

  The latest studies indicate the relationship between exposure to moulds in early childhood and the development of atopic diseases, including asthma, later in life. Increased humidity and visible traces of moulds or their odours in the building are considered to be determinants of the development of asthma and other respiratory or skin diseases in exposed individuals [Platt et al. 1989; Koskinen et al. 1995; Meklin et al. 2002; Quansah et al. 2012; Karvonen et al. 2015; Oluwole et al. 2016; Moses et al. 2019; Wang et al. 2019]. The results of a meta-analysis conducted by Sharpe et al. [2015] suggest that the presence of fungi in the air, in particular of Aspergillus , Penicillium , Cladosporium and Alternaria genera, exacerbates the existing symptoms of asthma in children and adults. In some patients with asthma, the inhaled conidia Aspergillus fumigatus (commonly found in damp houses) are not effectively eliminated from the airways and form colonies growing in the bronchial lumen. This may lead to the development of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a very serious disease caused by hypersensitivity to the antigens of this fungus. In a medical history, ABPA is very rarely diagnosed without bronchial asthma, which results in the lack of data on the incidence of the disease in the general population [Denning et al. 2014; Shah and Panjabi 2014]. In turn, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a complex of diseases caused by inhalation exposure to microbial antigens including fungi such as Aspergillus , Penicillium , Cladosporium , Trichosporon and Aureobasidium

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  Biological Risk Engineering Handbook

  Infection Control and Decontamination

  • Martha J. Boss, Dennis W. Day, Martha J. Boss, Dennis W. Day(Authors)
  • 2016(Publication Date)
  • CRC Press

    (Publisher)

  Asthma is a complex disease that varies in individuals. Allergic sensitization to environmental antigens appear to play a role both in the initiation of asthma as a disease and in the initiation of asthmatic attacks. Exposure to cold, to respiratory irritants, odors, and even exercise can initiate asthmatic attacks, depending on the characteristics of disease in the individual. 4.5.3 Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Inhalation of spores from fungus-like bacteria (e.g., actinomycetes) and from molds can cause the lung disease termed hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which may develop following either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) exposure to molds. The disease resembles bacterial pneumonia. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is often associated with specific occupations and develops in people who live or work in environments with high concentrations of aerosolized fungus and bacteria. Symptomatically, hypersensitivity pneumonitis resembles bacterial or viral infections such as the flu or pneumonia and may lead to serious heart and lung problems. 4.5.4 Irritant Effects Exposure to irritant substances can cause irritation of the mucous membrane in the eyes and respiratory system or irritation of the nerve endings, resulting in strange sensations and cognitive and other central nervous system changes (described more fully in Chapter 5). Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) are compounds produced by molds; they are vaporous and are released directly into the air. Because these compounds often have strong and/or unpleasant odors, they can be the source of odors and irritants associated with molds. Exposure to VOCs has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Measurement of mVOCs is considered by some researchers to be a diagnostic tool for determining mold growth in a building. TOXICOLOGY 107 4.6 TOXICITY Both bacteria and mold can produce biological poisons known as toxins.

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  Reversibility of Chronic Disease and Hypersensitivity, Volume 5

  Treatment Options of Chemical Sensitivity

  • William J. Rea, Kalpana D. Patel(Authors)
  • 2017(Publication Date)
  • CRC Press

    (Publisher)

  CBS Laboratory Manual Series 2 , p. 390. Utrecht, The Netherlands: CBS-Fungal Biodiversity Centre.

  3. American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA): Facts about Mold. December 2011. Accessed February 12, 2013. http://www.aiha.org/newspubs/newsroom/Documents/Facts%20About%20Mold%20December%202011.pdf

  4. Curtis, L., A. Lieberman, M. Stark, W. Rea, M. Vetter. 2004. Adverse health effects of indoor molds. J. Nutr. Environ. Med. 14(3):1–14.

  5. Kurup, V. P., H. D. Shen, H. Vijay. 2002. Immunotherapy of fungal allergens. Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol. 129:181–188.

  6. Prester, L. 2011. Indoor exposure to mold allergens. Arh. Hig. Rada. Toksikol. 62:371–380.

  7. Rea, W. J. 1997. Environmentally triggered small vessel vasculitis. Ann. Allergy 38:245–251.

  8. Institute of Medicine. 2000. Clearing the Air. Asthma and Indoor Exposures . Washington, DC: The National Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/9610

  9. Rea, W. J., K. Patel. 2014. Reversibility of chronic degenerative disease and hypersensitivity, V. II. In The Effects of Environmental Pollutants on the Organ Systems . Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Chapter 7, p. 542.

  10. Rea, W. J. 1994. Chemical sensitivity. In Sources of Total Body Load . Vol. 2. Ch. 17. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, pp. 1031–1039.

  11. Rall, T. W., L. S. Schleifer. 1985. Drugs affecting uterine motility. In The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics , A. G. Gilmann, L. S. Goodman, T. W. Rall, F. Murad, Eds., p. 938. New York: Macmillan.

  12. Hintikka, E. L., M. Salkinoja-Salonen. 1997. Bacteria, molds, and toxins, in water-damaged building materials. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 63:387–393.

  13. Nielsen, K. F., S. Gravesen, P. A. Neilsen. 1999. Production of mycotoxins on artificially and naturally infested building materials. Mycopathologia 145:43–56.

  14. Randolph, T. G. 1962. Human Ecology and Susceptibility to the Chemical Environment . Springfield, IL: C.C. Thomas.

  15. American Society for Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): Limiting Indoor Mold and Dampness in Buildings Position Document. June 27, 2012. Accessed February 12, 2013. https://www.ashrae.org/File%20Library/docLib/About%20Us/PositionDocuments/Position-Document---Limiting-Indoor-Mold-and-Dampness-in-Buildings.pdf

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