An overview of the health effects due to mold exposure, An Overview of Residential Ventilation Activities in the Building America Program (Phase I)
Shum, M. and Goodman, M.
2002
AIHCE02
Shum, M. and Goodman, M., (2002), "An overview of the health effects due to mold exposure, An Overview of Residential Ventilation Activities in the Building America Program (Phase I)", AIHCE02.
| Abstract: |
| Mold has become the next asbestos in the industrial hygiene community. However, unlike asbestos, the toxic effects and dose-response relationship are largely unknown. This presentation reviews the available literature regarding mold in indoor air and toxic health effects. There is good evidence that links ingestion of certain molds, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, to health effects in animals and humans. Toxicological data has shown that ingestion or inhalation of large quantities of mycotoxins can cause various adverse health effects, but the epidemiological evidence is lacking. Some health studies have been completed such as the Cleveland study in 1994 investigating the link between S. chartarum and pulmonary hemorrhaging in infants. However, even this study has undergone scrutiny by the CDC, which has concluded that more study must be completed before a causal relationship can be established. Other health studies have used self-reported evaluations such as questionnaires to obtain information on health effects. Many times, these self-reported evaluations include a wide range of symptoms or illnesses that may not be appropriate for inclusion in a study of the adverse health effects of mold. Many publications discuss case studies of mold and health effects, but do not follow-up with confirmatory studies. In addition, there appears to be inadequate biomarkers for mold exposure. To assist in conducting a comprehensive epidemiological study, immunologic changes that occur as result of mold exposure should be identified. This type of biomarker testing would be species-specific. A potential epidemiological study could involve the review of IAQ surveillance data (i.e., compiled from mycological laboratories nationwide) and medical record data to ascertain causal relationships and perhaps dose-response relationships. Only with the completion of more comprehensive epidemiological studies, will the hygiene community better understand the health effects of mold and better understand how to deal with it. |
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