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| Essay:fungi: health effectHealth effectHealth and welfare associated to the fungi have been an important concern (Health and Welfare Canada, 1987) and have been targets of much research (Miller, 1992; Dales, et al., 1991; Beneke and Rogers, 1996; de Hoog and Guarro, 1995; Kwong-Chung and Bennett, 1992; Spengler et al., 1992). The main sources of the fungal exposure are the spores, fungal hyphae threads, fungal metabolites, and allergens in digestive enzyme. Although there have been many studies conducted to reveal the exact microbial responsible agents, no specific microbe or toxin has been identified as the dominating cause (Peltola, 2000). The adverse effects of mold and fungi can be seen in three folds: allergy, medical complaints, and real health effects (Figure 8). Allergy Allergy is the most common symptom associated with exposure to elevated levels of fungi. Most fungi produce antigenic proteins that can cause allergic reactions in allergy sensitive individuals including conjunctivitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (Peart and Gatley, 1992). "Upto 10% of the general population is skin test positive to fungal extracts." Certain individuals will develop asthma and nasal symptoms if they breathe in spores and thus have a mold allergy. The higher level of spore concentration in the air the worse the reaction is likely to be. The cause of the allergy reaction is due to that some molds can produce toxins that can act as immuno suppressors. Complaints Mold exposure can produce a large variety of symptoms that are reported in everyday medical complaints. These include depression, irritability, anger, fear, coughing, wheezing, runny eyes and nose, muscular aches, chills, fever, headaches, confusion, inability to concentrate, tiredness, fatigue, sleep disorders, hay fever, allergy type symptoms, loss of appetite, skin rashes, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Health risk Mold can cause allergies and respiratory disease, and the toxins it produces can wear down the immune system - leaving people, especially children, vulnerable to many illnesses (CMHC, 1996). CDC (1997) has found an apparent link between mold contamination in the homes and cases of infant pulmonary hemorrhage. Mold has been linked to instances of subclinical, acute and chronic respiratory disease (Peart and Gatley, 1992). Table 3 listed possible adverse heath effects of fungi on different parts of humans. Figure 9 shows photos of some extreme fungus infestation. Studies on the health effects of fungi exposure include Bernstein et al. (1983) on airborne spore in contaminated ventilation system; Horner et al. (1995) on fungal allergens; Samson and Flannigan (1994) on the IAQ aspect.
Table 3. Adverse health effects due to exposures to fungi Body Location Common Symptoms Central Nervous System headaches, memory loss, dizziness, depression Digestive Tract stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea Ears fluid in the middle of ear, ear infections Eyes itching, redness, swelling, tearing Lungs, shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest, coughing Nose nasal itching, congestion, sneezing, post-nasal drip, runny-watery discharge, nosebleeds Skin lips, inside of mouth, hives (itchy welts of varying sizes) Source: NewsChannel 9, nbcin.ktsm.com
(Source: J. Rao, 1999) References for mold and fungi studies for a list of related reference.
Related links
fungi overview
molds as visible part of fungi Encyclopeadia Britannica reference of fungi Encyclopeadia Britannica definitions related to fungi References for mold and fungi studies for a list of related reference. Mycotoxins in water damaged buildings Mycology and Building Mycology Essay: References for mold and fungi studies
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