As a result, there have been many studies of moisture- and mold-damaged buildings. This has caused concern regarding potential health effects of moldy indoor environments. To address issues of indoor mold-related illness, there is an urgent need for studies using objective markers of illness, relevant animal models, proper epidemiologic techniques, and examination of confounding factors.ĭamp buildings often have a moldy smell or obvious mold growth, and some molds are known human pathogens. As a result, we have not found well-substantiated supportive evidence of serious illness due to Stachybotrys exposure in the contemporary environment.

While many papers suggest a similar relationship between Stachybotrys and human disease, the studies nearly uniformly suffer from significant methodological flaws, making their findings inconclusive. Review of the literature reveals certain fungus-disease associations in humans, including ergotism (Claviceps species), alimentary toxic aleukia (Fusarium), and liver disease (Aspergillys). Some valid concerns exist regarding the relationship between indoor mold exposure and human disease. We discuss the Cleveland infant idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage reports in detail, since they provided important impetus for concerns about Stachybotrys. We also examine possible end-organ effects, including pulmonary, immunologic, neurologic, and oncologic disorders. Here, we review the evidence regarding indoor mold exposure and mycotoxicosis, with an emphasis on S.

While many authors describe a direct relationship between fungal contamination and illness, close examination of the literature reveals a confusing picture. Recently, there have been reports of severe illness as a result of indoor mold exposure, particularly due to Stachybotrys chartarum. This has caused concern regarding health effects of moldy indoor environments and has resulted in many studies of moisture- and mold-damaged buildings. Damp buildings often have a moldy smell or obvious mold growth some molds are human pathogens.

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