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Fungi as contaminants in indoor air

Miller, J. D.
1992
Atmospheric Environment, v 26A, n 12, p 2163-2172

Miller, J. D., (1992), "Fungi as contaminants in indoor air", Atmospheric Environment, v 26A, n 12, p 2163-2172.
Abstract:
This article reviews the subject of contamination of indoor air with fungal spores. In the last few years there have been advances in several areas of research on this subject. A number of epidemiological studies have been conducted in the UK, U.S.A. and Canada. These suggest that exposure to dampness and mold in homes is a significant risk factor for a number of respiratory symptoms. Well-known illnesses caused by fungi include allergy and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. There is now evidence that other consequences of exposure to spores of some fungi may be important. In particular, exposure to low molecular weight compounds retained in spores of some molds such as mycotoxins and β 1,3 glucans appears to contribute to some symptoms reported. Fungal contamination of building air is almost always caused by poor design and/or maintenance. Home owners and building operators need to take evidence of fungal contamination seriously.
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Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Miller, J. D.
J. David Miller, Professor of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa. NSERC Industrial Research Chair, Fungal Toxins & Allergens, Visiting Scientist, Air Health Effects, Health Canada
  1. A comparison of airborne ergosterol, glucan and Air-O-Cell data in relation to physical assessments of mold damage and some other parameters
  2. Acute pulmonary hemorrhage in infants associated with exposure to Stachybotrys atra and other fungi
  3. Air sampling results in relation to extent of fungal colonization of building materials in some water-damaged buildings
  4. Collection of spores of various fungi by a Reuter centrifugal sampler
  5. Exposure measures for studies of mold and dampness and respiratory health
  6. Field guide for the determination of biological contaminants in environmental samples
  7. Fungi and fungal products in some Canadian houses
  8. Microbial contamination of indoor air
  9. Microbial volatile organic compounds with emphasis on those arising from filamentous fungal contaminants of buildings
  10. Microorganisms in home and indoor work environments
  11. Quantification of health effects of combined exposures: a new beginning
  12. Review of methods applicable to the assessment of mold exposure to children
  13. Significance of fungi in indoor air: report from a working group
  14. The use of ergosterol to measure exposure to fungal propagules in indoor air
  15. Transportation energy embodied in construction materials  


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