The possible role of fungal contamination in sick building syndrome

Abstract

The following is a review of some of the work that we have done since 2007 regarding the importance of molds in the phenomenon of sick building syndrome (SBS). In these studies we first examined mold contamination in air handling units (AHU). Our results showed that Cladosporium sp. were commonly recovered in AHU as growth sites and free spores. They were found mainly on the blower wheel fan blades, the ductwork, and cooling coil fans. Our results showed that the presence of species of molds other than Cladosporium in locations other than the blower wheel blades indicated that the AHU condition was not optimal. In a series of three papers, we examined growth and mycotoxin production by Chaetomium globosum (CG). In these studies we showed that CG produces two potent mycotoxins, chaetoglobosin A (Ch-A) and chaetoglobosin C (Ch-C) when grown on building material. We discovered that these toxins break down when exposed to temperatures in excess of 75 degrees C. We also showed that growth and mycotoxin production by CG is favored at a neutral pH. In another study, we showed that mycotoxins can be detected in body fluids and human tissues from patients exposed to mycotoxin producing molds, and we showed which human tissues or fluids were the most likely to give positive results for detection of these compounds. Finally, we showed that the macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins (MTM) produced by Stachybotrys chartarum (SC) are detectable in experimental animals soon after exposure and we described the dynamics of MTM tissue loading.

Overview of Stachybotrys (Memnoniella) and current species status

“…com.). Macrocyclic trichothecenes were detected from urine and tissue samples of patients (Straus 2011). Exposure to S. chartarum or the mycotoxins originating from this fungus is considered a potentially serious public health threat (Yike and Dearborn 2011).…”

Airborne Fungi in Tabriz, Comparing Airborne and Clinical Samples of <italic>A. fumigatus</italic> (2011), Survey and Literature Review

“…(8,9). Citizens in city environments are not only at risk of harm to their health through environmental degradation as a result of the worsening air pollution problems such as fungal spores, but are also constantly threatened by emerging and recurring asthma, rhinitis, bronchopulmonary disorders, mycoses and hypersensitivity pneumonitis epidemics (2,3).…”

“…Therefore, better understanding of this phenomenon demands a detailed survey of the airborne particles. Some studies have emphasized that fungal spores' concentration can be a scientific indicator of indoor air quality, and that it is necessary to deepen the studies of indoor atmospheres in order to promote the air quality, the health/hygiene, and a better consideration of the biology of indoor fungi (8,9).…”

“…Moreover, the increase in respiratory allergy parallels an increase in air pollution. The most abundant air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, microbial and fungal microflora (7)(8)(9) in urban areas with high levels of vehicle traffic are a remediable issue.…”

Carcinogen Role of Food by Mycotoxins and Knowledge Gap

“…The molds associated with buildings comprise a narrow group of species that grow thanks to the nutrients present in building materials and to the available water (Jarvis & Miller, 2005;Straus, 2011).…”