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Exposure measures for studies of mold and dampness and respiratory health

Miller, J. D., Dales, R., White, I.
1999
In "Bioaerosols, Fungi and Mycotoxins: Health Effects, Assessment, Prevention and Control", Edited by Johanning, E., Boyd Printing, Albany, New York, 298-305
molds, health, exposure assessment, air samples

Miller, J. D., Dales, R., White, I., (1999), "Exposure measures for studies of mold and dampness and respiratory health", In "Bioaerosols, Fungi and Mycotoxins: Health Effects, Assessment, Prevention and Control", Edited by Johanning, E., Boyd Printing, Albany, New York, 298-305.
Abstract

This paper reviews some basic principles underlying the measurement of fungi in air samples and dust to describe their quantitative and qualitative value. We compare the results of such measurements with our experience in the Wallaceburg study wherein ca. 400 homes in southern Ontario were studied for various exposure and health outcomes. Until more powerful methods to determine quantitative and qualitative exposures to fungi are developed, the attributable risk of fungal contamination in residential housing for public health cannot be estimated with accuracy. The most reliable information on mold exposures in residential housing can be obtained by measuring moisture source strength, detailed study of areas of visible mold plus some mycological testing of building materials to determine where the growth is occurring beyond that visible to the naked eye and qualitative and quantitative analysis of molds in settled dust.
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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. Field guide for the determination of biological contaminants in environmental samples
  6. Fungi and fungal products in some Canadian houses
  7. Fungi as contaminants in indoor air
  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  
Dales, R.
  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. Fungal contamination in public buildings: a guide to recognition and management
  4. Residential fungal contamination and health: Microbial cohabitants as covariates
  5. The influence of house characteristics in a Canadian community on microbiological contamination  
White, I.
     


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