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Inflammatory and cytotoxic responses in mouse lungs exposed to purified toxins from building isolated Penicillium brevicompactum

Mahooti-brooks, N., Storey, E., Yang, C., Simcox, N. J., Turner, W., Hodgson, M.
2004
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 1(12): 826-839

Mahooti-brooks, N., Storey, E., Yang, C., Simcox, N. J., Turner, W., Hodgson, M., (2004), "Inflammatory and cytotoxic responses in mouse lungs exposed to purified toxins from building isolated Penicillium brevicompactum", Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 1(12): 826-839.
Abstract:
As studies increasingly support the presence of health risks associated with mold and moisture, understanding fungal concentrations and physical measurements as they relate to the microenvironment becomes more important. We conducted a cross-sectional study in the homes of 64 subjects. The primary objective of this study was to use trained inspectors' list of indicators in rooms (bathroom, bedroom, and basement) and determine whether these indicators are associated with higher fungal levels or physical measurements. A new category for combining the concentrations of fungal species, referred to as moisture indicator fungi (MIF), is used in the analysis. Our results show that basements with a musty odor, efflorescence, water sources, or mold have a two- to threefold increase in fungal concentrations over basements without these indicators. The regression model for the basement was highly predictive of indoor MIF concentrations (r2 = .446, p = .017). Basement water sources are substantial predictors of indoor total fungi, MIF, and Aspergillus/Penicillium spp. MIF concentrations are higher in homes with basement water sources, and most notably, the increase in MIF concentrations is significant in other living spaces (bathroom and bedroom) of the dwelling. Basement water sources are important moisture/mold indicators for epidemiologists to use in exposure assessments performed in residential dwellings.
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Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Mahooti-brooks, N.
     
Storey, E.
  1. Building-associated pulmonary disease from exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus versicolor  
Yang, C.
  1. Comparative studies of collection efficiency of airborne fungal matter using Andersen single-stage sampler and Air-O-Cell cassettes
  2. Moisture storage and non-isothermal transport properties of common building materials  
Simcox, N. J.
     
Turner, W.
     
Hodgson, M.
  1. Building-associated pulmonary disease from exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus versicolor  


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