From American Academy of Aediatrics at  Source (www.aap.org/policy/re9736.html)
ABSTRACT.
This statement describes molds, their toxic properties, and their potential for causing toxic respiratory problems in infants. Guidelines for pediatricians are given to help reduce exposures to mold in homes of infants. This is a rapidly evolving area and more research is ongoing. The growth of molds is pervasive throughout the outdoor environment. Given the proper conditions, molds may also proliferate in the indoor setting. Because Americans spend 75% to 90% of their time indoors,1 they are exposed to molds that are growing indoors. Molds readily enter indoor environments by circulating through doorways, windows, heating, ventilation systems, and air conditioning systems. Spores in the air also deposit on people and animals, making clothing, shoes, bags, and pets common carriers of mold into indoor environments. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria.2,3 Molds proliferate in environments that contain excessive moisture, such as from leaks in roofs, walls, plant pots, or pet urine.4-6 Many building materials are suitable nutrient sources for fungal growth. Cellulose substrates, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly favorable for the growth of some molds. Other substrates such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery commonly support mold growth.3 Molds also may colonize near standing water.7-9 Some indoor molds have the potential to produce extremely potent toxins called mycotoxins.10-12 Mycotoxins are lipid-soluble and are readily absorbed by the intestinal lining, airways, and skin.13 Species of mycotoxin-producing molds include Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Stachybotrys. In general, the presence of these molds indicates a long-st anding water problem.
Direct toxic effects from mold exposure
The toxic effects from mold exposure are thought to be associated with exposure to toxins on the surface of the mold spores, not with the growth of the mold in the body. Until recently, there was only one published report in the United States linking airborne exposure to mycotoxins with health problems in humans.14 This report described upper respiratory tract irritation and rash in a family living in a Chicago home with a heavy growth of Stachybotrys atra (also known as Stachybotrys chatarum). The investigators documented that this mold was producing trichothecene mycotoxins. The symptoms disappeared when the amount of mold was substantially reduced. |
