MacFarlane, 1997, Beware the mold Stachybotrys, J. Such knowledge is critical to the diagnosis of potential fungus-related disease and is necessary to assuage fears instilled by extensive media coverage (34 J. As we will see, while there is cause for concern about the potential effects of indoor mold exposure, particularly to Stachybotrys species, there is no well-substantiated evidence linking the presence of this fungus to health concerns elaborated in the scientific and lay press.Īs patients and society at large become increasingly concerned that illnesses may be due to the home or work environment, an understanding of mycotoxins by microbiologists and clinicians (especially infectious-disease subspecialists) is of growing importance. We discuss the Cleveland infant idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage (IPH) reports in some detail, since they provided much of the fuel for current concerns about Stachybotrys exposure. These illnesses include pulmonary, immunologic, neurologic, and oncologic disorders. We also discuss specific organ effects, focusing on illnesses purportedly caused by indoor mold. chartarum and its toxins (due to the breadth of the topic, we will not discuss better understood areas such as invasive disease caused by Aspergillus). In this review, we discuss indoor environmental mold exposure and mycotoxicosis, with an emphasis on S. However, while many authors report a clear relationship between fungal contaminated indoor environments and illness, close examination of the literature reveals a much more confusing picture. More recently, there have been a growing number of articles in the media and of lawsuits claiming severe illness as a result of indoor mold exposure, particularly to Stachybotrys chartarum. 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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