An association between symptoms and residential mold growth has been consistently observed in several countries, but the contribution of dust mites and bacterial endotoxins to this relation has nor been established. To address this issue, we studied a sample of 403 Canadian elementary school children during the winter months. Reported mold growth was compared to respiratory and nonspecific symptoms before and alter adjusting for dust mite antigens and bacterial endotoxin. A 12-50% relative increase in symptom prevalence was associated with reported mold growth both before and after adjusting for subject characteristics, dust mite antigens, and endotoxins. In conclusion, the association between residential fungal contamination and symptoms is not confounded by dust mites or bacterial endotoxins or other known disease-causing agents.

• fungi: health effects
• fungi: moisture damaged house -- indoor microbial concentrations

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. Adverse health effects in adults exposed to home dampness and molds
3. Exposure measures for studies of mold and dampness and respiratory health
4. Fungal contamination in public buildings: a guide to recognition and management
5. The influence of house characteristics in a Canadian community on microbiological contamination  

1. Building-associated pulmonary disease from exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus versicolor