A review of mycotoxins in indoor air

Abstract

Mycotoxins are chemical compounds, produced by a variety of fungi, that can cause illness in humans and animals. This paper is a review of literature on mycotoxins with emphasis on mycotoxins in indoor air. Consideration is given to specific mycotoxins identified in indoor air, indoor sources of the mycotoxins, factors affecting mycotoxin production, potential health effects indicated by animal laboratory studies, and case studies of possible human inhalation health effects of these mycotoxins. Historically, mycotoxicoses have been associated with consumption of moldy grain. In recent years, some attention has been given to mycotoxins in dust from agricultural environments, but relatively few studies have examined mycotoxins or mycotoxin-producing molds in indoor environments. The few indoor studies suggest that mycotoxicoses may occur in some indoor environments. More studies are needed to understand the potential for mycotoxin occurrence and significance in indoor environments.

Microsatellite typing of Aspergillus flavus from clinical and environmental avian isolates

“…However, the potential health problems in turkeys should not be underestimated, because A. flavus is a toxigenic species. The presence of mycotoxins within, as well as on, the surface of A. flavus spores has been shown (Hendry & Cole, 1993). Furthermore, a higher toxicity has been associated with the respiratory route, compared with that of the oral route.…”

“…Furthermore, a higher toxicity has been associated with the respiratory route, compared with that of the oral route. The dose of mycotoxin required to cause particular effects when administered by inhalation is one order of magnitude lower than that required by ingestion (Hendry & Cole, 1993).…”

Influence of Waste Disposal Sites on the Environment in Miedzyzdoje of 2005 - 2007

“…Składowiska odpadów i oczyszczalnie ścieków są źródłem emisji wielu związków substancji chemicznych i biologicznych w postaci bioaerozoli, które mogą negatywnie oddziaływać na środowisko naturalne i zdrowie ludzkie [Gonzalez 2000, Hendry 1993, Horner 1995 Wśród wielu czynników szkodliwych występujących w bioaerozolach na szczególną uwagę zasługują drobnoustroje, które występując w postaci przetrwalników, zarodników, konidii, fragmentów grzybni czy nawet form wegetatywnych (bakterie, wirusy) mogą stwarzać poważne niebezpieczeństwo chorobotwórcze dla zdrowia ludzi, zwierząt i roślin [Barabasz i in. 1998, 2001a, 2001b2003, Daniszewski i in.…”

Combination of High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulins and Itraconozole in Treating Chronic Mycotic Demyelinating Optic Neuritis

“…The resulting demyelination leads to general cell losses with the consequent reduction in cell density, axonal damage, and ganglion cell deaths, thereby affecting the visual transmission. Because of the propensity to produce extremely potent lipid-soluble mycotoxins that are readily absorbed by the intestinal lining, airways, and skin [2], toxic mold exposures result in adverse health consequences to the exposed individuals.…”