Sick House Syndrome Mold: Unraveling the Mysteries of Toxic Indoor Environments
What is the cause of sick building syndrome? Can mold growth be the culprit? Explore the latest research on how fungi release toxins directly into the air, potentially contributing to health issues in indoor environments.
Fungi Unleash Toxins Directly into the Air
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Toulouse in France has shed light on a potential mechanism behind sick building syndrome. The researchers found that common fungi found in indoor environments, such as Penicillium brevicompactum, Aspergillus versicolor, and Stachybotrys chartarum, can release their mycotoxins directly into the air.
These mycotoxins, which are toxic chemicals produced by the fungi, can then be easily inhaled by building occupants, potentially leading to a range of health issues. The researchers noted that the toxins can be released under normal air velocity conditions found in buildings, making them a significant concern for indoor air quality.
The Prevalence of Fungal Growth in Buildings
The researchers estimate that in Northern Europe and North America, 20 to 40 percent of buildings display visible fungal growth. One of the most common culprits is Aspergillus versicolor, a potent producer of the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin (STG), which can be found on building materials, in dust, or in air samples.
Inhalation Risks and Respiratory Tract Penetration
The researchers noted that the mycotoxin-containing particles released into the air are small, often as small as or smaller than fungal spores. This means they can be easily inhaled by building occupants and can penetrate deeply into the respiratory tract, potentially causing significant health problems.
Implications for Risk Assessment and Indoor Environmental Quality
The findings of this study highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing fungal contamination in indoor environments. Risk assessments related to fungal contamination should consider the potential toxicity associated with the inhalation of these mycotoxins, in addition to the more commonly recognized allergen-related health issues.
Mitigating the Risks of Sick Building Syndrome
To address the risks posed by indoor fungal growth and the release of mycotoxins, a multifaceted approach may be necessary. This could include improved moisture management, efficient remediation of mold-affected areas, and the implementation of effective air filtration and ventilation systems. By addressing the root causes of fungal growth and the subsequent release of toxins, building occupants can be better protected from the potential health impacts of sick building syndrome.
The Importance of Ongoing Research and Awareness
The study by the University of Toulouse researchers represents an important step forward in understanding the mechanisms behind sick building syndrome. As our understanding of the role of fungi and their toxins in indoor air quality continues to evolve, it will be crucial for building owners, managers, and occupants to stay informed and proactive in addressing these issues.
How can fungi release toxins directly into the air?
The researchers found that common indoor fungi, such as Penicillium brevicompactum, Aspergillus versicolor, and Stachybotrys chartarum, can release their mycotoxins directly into the air. These mycotoxins, which are toxic chemicals produced by the fungi, can then be easily inhaled by building occupants, potentially leading to health issues.
What is the prevalence of fungal growth in buildings?
The researchers estimate that in Northern Europe and North America, 20 to 40 percent of buildings display visible fungal growth. One of the most common culprits is Aspergillus versicolor, a potent producer of the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin (STG).
Why is the small size of the mycotoxin-containing particles a concern?
The researchers noted that the mycotoxin-containing particles released into the air are small, often as small as or smaller than fungal spores. This means they can be easily inhaled by building occupants and can penetrate deeply into the respiratory tract, potentially causing significant health problems.
How can the risks of sick building syndrome be mitigated?
To address the risks posed by indoor fungal growth and the release of mycotoxins, a multifaceted approach may be necessary. This could include improved moisture management, efficient remediation of mold-affected areas, and the implementation of effective air filtration and ventilation systems.
Why is ongoing research and awareness important in addressing sick building syndrome?
As our understanding of the role of fungi and their toxins in indoor air quality continues to evolve, it will be crucial for building owners, managers, and occupants to stay informed and proactive in addressing these issues. The study by the University of Toulouse researchers represents an important step forward in this regard.
What are the key takeaways from this research on the link between fungi, mycotoxins, and sick building syndrome?
The key takeaways from this research are:
1. Common indoor fungi can release their mycotoxins directly into the air, which can then be inhaled by building occupants.
2. Fungal growth is prevalent in 20-40% of buildings in North America and Northern Europe, with Aspergillus versicolor being a common culprit.
3. The small size of the mycotoxin-containing particles allows them to be easily inhaled and penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, potentially causing health issues.
4. Addressing the risks of sick building syndrome requires a multifaceted approach, including moisture management, mold remediation, and improved air filtration and ventilation.
5. Ongoing research and awareness are crucial to better understand and mitigate the impact of fungi and their toxins on indoor air quality and occupant health.
Fungi Release Toxin Directly Into Air, Study Finds
Health news
Sick Building Syndrome: Fungi Can Squirt Toxins Directly Into Air, Study Finds
Mold growth on an interior wall.D_Townsend / Shutterstock
By Maggie Fox
Toxins from mold can aerosolize directly into the air, which may help explain one cause of sick building syndrome, French researchers said Friday.
Mold growing in buildings can make people sick, especially people who are allergic to various fungi. It’s also known that various molds and fungi produce mycotoxins — chemicals that can sicken and even kill people and animals.
Mold growth on an interior wall.D_Townsend / Shutterstock
What’s not been entirely clear is how mold growing in and on walls or elsewhere in buildings might make people sick.
Jean-Denis Bailly of the University of Toulouse in France and colleagues tested three common types of fungi that can grow inside buildings and found that their mycotoxins could and did disperse into the air until normal conditions.
“These toxins can subsequently be aerosolized, at least partly, from moldy material,” they wrote in their report in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, published by the American Society for Microbiology.
“This transfer to air requires air velocities that can be encountered in ‘real life conditions’ in buildings.
The three species they tested were Penicillium brevicompactum, Aspergillus versicolor and Stachybotrys chartarum, all of which grew on wallpaper in their lab.
They all also produce mycotoxins.
Related: These diseases are a growing threat, U.N. says
“It is estimated that, in Northern Europe and North America, 20 percent to 40 percent of buildings display macroscopically visible (visible to the eye) fungal growth,” they wrote.
“For instance, Aspergillus versicolor, a potent producer of sterigmatocystin (STG), is one of the most frequent fungal contaminant of indoor environments that can be found together on building materials, in dust or in the air samples.
”
The team first grew the three fungi on ordinary wallpaper, and then tested to see if the toxins they produce could get into the air without some sort of interference, such as tearing down walls.
Related: EPA workers say their building is a sick one
“We demonstrated that mycotoxins could be transferred from a moldy material to air, under conditions that may be encountered in buildings,” Bailly said in a statement.
The pieces were as small as or smaller than spores and “could be easily inhaled by occupants and deeply penetrate into (the) respiratory tract,” they wrote.
“It seems important to take these data in consideration for risk assessment related to fungal contamination of indoor environment and the possible toxicity associated to inhalation of these toxins.”
Maggie Fox
Maggie Fox is a senior writer for NBC News and TODAY, covering health policy, science, medical treatments and disease.
Molds, mycotoxins, and sick building syndrome
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Review
.
2009 Oct-Nov;25(9-10):617-35.
doi: 10.1177/0748233709348287.
David C Straus
1
Affiliations
Affiliation
- 1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA. [email protected]
PMID:
19854820
DOI:
10.1177/0748233709348287
Review
David C Straus.
Toxicol Ind Health.
2009 Oct-Nov.
. 2009 Oct-Nov;25(9-10):617-35.
doi: 10.1177/0748233709348287.
Author
David C Straus
1
Affiliation
- 1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA. [email protected]
PMID:
19854820
DOI:
10.1177/0748233709348287
Abstract
The following is a review of some of the work we have done since 2004 regarding the importance of molds and their mycotoxins in the phenomenon of sick building syndrome (SBS). In these studies we showed that the macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins (MTM) of Stachybotrys chartarum (SC) are easily dissociated from the surface of the organism as it grows and could therefore be consequently spread in buildings as the fungus experiences additional water events.
We then showed that SC and Penicillium chrysogenum (PC) colonies remain viable long after a water source has been removed, and the MTM produced by SC remain toxic over extended periods of time. We next showed that PC when inhaled, can release in vivo, a protease allergen that can cause a significant allergic inflammatory reaction in the lungs of mice. We then showed, in a laboratory study, that the MTM of SC can become airborne attached to spores or SC particulates smaller than spores. Following that study, we next showed that the same phenomenon actually occurred in SC infested buildings where people were complaining of health problems potentially associated with SBS. Finally, we were able to demonstrate the presence of MTM in the sera of individuals who had been exposed to SC in indoor environments. This last study was done with enough mold exposed individuals to allow for the statistical significance of SC exposure to be evaluated.
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Sick Building Syndrome: the doctor named 8 signs that mold has settled in your lungs. Maybe it’s because of the growing mold.
November 22, 2022
- Source:
- iStockphoto
Mold is a microscopic fungus that lives on walls and ceilings, and is especially common in old rooms with high humidity and poor ventilation.
It is not always easy to notice and not easy to completely remove. The biggest danger is that mold spores not only easily spread through the air and germinate in a new place, but can also enter the human body.
According to Olga Malinovskaya, head of the medical department of the federal network of medical laboratories KDL, mold spores most often enter the body after inhalation, and then settle in the bronchi and lungs . In the second half of the last century, a special term even appeared – “sick building syndrome” . This was the name of the painful condition that a person had when he was in certain rooms.
— Doctors and scientists have devoted more than one year to the search for the causes of the mysterious condition. It was noticed that while in a particular building or room, the symptoms intensify, and outside of it they weaken . The term “sick building syndrome” was coined, and even the World Health Organization recognized the problem.
Gradually it became clear that the mold is to blame, which often covers the walls of the room, for a long time remaining unnoticed and causing harm to human health,” explained Olga Malinovskaya.
See also
How to tell if mold is already inside
According to Olga Malinovskaya, the most common symptoms that occur when mold spores enter the body are:
cough;
lacrimation;
conjunctivitis and other signs of allergy;
headaches;
constant fatigue;
fatigue;
asthma;
pneumonia.
Of course, for most of these manifestations, it is difficult to immediately suspect mold – they occur with a variety of health problems. According to the expert, sometimes it takes a lot of time to find the causes of ailment. One of the diagnostic options – taking a blood test to detect antibodies to mold fungi .
Based on its results, the doctor will be able to conclude whether fungi are really to blame for your poor health or not.
– But it is important not only to identify the cause of the allergy, but also to take measures to eliminate mold. If this is not done, then the symptoms will appear again and again, and health will deteriorate,” added Olga Malinovskaya.
See also
4 most dangerous types of house mold
Scientists divide mold into two large groups – pathogenic and noble, which can be used for the benefit of people.
As physician-therapist Lidia Golubenko said earlier, most types of mold are considered pathogenic, so contact with them is dangerous for human health (and animals too). The severity of body lesions depends on the type of fungus, the amount of toxin it releases and its ability to accumulate.
Aspergillus flavus ( emits a yellow-green toxin ) is called the most dangerous type of mold. These fungi provoke a disease such as aspergillosis.
They are absolutely omnivorous – they can infect foods (especially they like starchy ones), settle on damp walls and even grow inside trees.Cladosporium ( brown, red, greenish mold colonies with a smooth surface or velvety appearance ) . This group of heterogeneous representatives of mold fungi especially loves old houses that have not seen major repairs for a long time, apartments where there is poor ventilation and windows are often curtained. They have a strong allergenic potential. In addition, they can provoke skin diseases, lung problems, as well as mental disorders – tearfulness, melancholy and depression.
Bipolaris fungus ( black-grey mold ). It populates houses, but it does not appear immediately, being in a latent stage for a long time. At the same time, its invisible spores hovering in the air can cause sinusitis, as well as problems with the respiratory system and disorders of the nervous system.
Penicillium . This is a large and aggressive group of fungi that infect food and can colonize kitchen furniture, utensils and household appliances. They have a high allergenic potential, provoke swelling of the respiratory system, attacks of eczema, asthma, as well as poisoning and damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
They are absolutely omnivorous – they can infect foods (especially they like starchy ones), settle on damp walls and even grow inside trees.
Text author: Anastasia Romanova
“Sick House Syndrome” and how to solve it with the help of EM
08/17/2020
“Sick House Syndrome”… you know what it is?
This is not a made-up term, but a completely scientific name for the space where you can feel bad.
And there can be many reasons:
✅ noise exceeding the permissible norms
✅ light, the rays and shade of which can adversely affect you indoors
✅ dust and harmful bacteria, as well as mold – small, invisible, but very significant in terms of rendering impact on human health
✅ chemical odors from various chemicals, building materials that are used in everyday life or during repairs
✅ electromagnetic waves from household appliances and communications
and so on.
All this and more has a huge impact on the space around us and on our health, feelings and mood.
And we must not turn a blind eye to this.
Moreover, you can check how much the “sick home syndrome” interferes with your life and to what extent it affects you in your space.
For example, we recently got acquainted with the company EcoStandard, which has been specializing in independent environmental assessments of premises for more than 20 years. And having taken the Analyzes, the laboratory can show what affects you, what is exceeded, and what is even unacceptable and suggest how this can be corrected.
Elementary – dry mucous membranes, stuffy nose in the morning, constant sore throat or poor sleep… and this is exactly at home or at work – in other places everything is in order.
And sometimes the syndrome even affects the mood and relationships with loved ones…
Worth considering!
For our part, we also want to suggest what to do in this case and how EM can help, because for us this term “sick home syndrome” is far from new and we can share the real results of our users.
But! This topic is large, and you can write endlessly, so we will periodically return to it.
In general, Effective Microorganisms can help address or at least reduce the effects of several overt “sick home syndrome” factors:
☘️ eliminate dust, odors and mold
To do this, make an aerosol treatment with EM-Spray in the required concentration of air and surfaces – this removes a possible unfavorable microbiological background that can cause allergies and chronic rhinitis, cough, skin rashes, etc.
☘️ replace household chemicals with EM-Spray and EM-soap and start cleaning in an environmentally friendly way, and when carrying out repairs, add EM-powder or EM-Spray to the mixture, wallpaper glue and solutions.
Why is this done – just to minimize chemical odors and neutralize their harmful effects on the human body. Plus, the pronounced antioxidant effect of EM, which contributes to the preservation and strength of materials.
☘️ Adding EM during repairs also reduces the electromagnetic load of devices and Internet connections per person.