Occupational Exposure to Moulds in Buildings

Abstract

Airborne moulds are ubiquitous and have evolved to exploit the man-made spatial ecosystems of our built environment. In the enclosed environment, especially where there is dampness and condensation, they manipulate the microclimates and ecological niches of our buildings and feed on a variety of substrates. Over the last century, the management of mould problems in buildings has largely relied on a misunderstanding and misdiagnosis of the biology, ecology and physiology of the causal organisms. Mould growth in buildings may affect the health of occupants in many ways and may contribute to the sick-building syndrome as well as allergy and other environmental health problems. The consequences of occupational exposure to moulds are gaining prominence because of demands for better working conditions. There is a need to look after and hopefully improve the health, comfort and productivity of a building’s occupants.

Seasonal variation of fungal spore populations in the atmosphere of Zarqa area, Jordan

“…Some species of fungi such as Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. herbarum, Penicillium brevicompactum, P. chrysogenum, Aspergillus candidus, A. niger and A. versicolor can provoke extreme allergic reactions in humans (Simeray et al 1995), and these bioaerosols may cause eye and sinus irritation, sore throat, headache, fatigue and dizziness (Buttner et al 2001). Mould growth may contribute to sick-building syndrome as well as to allergy and other environmental health problems (Singh 2001). Fungal propagules can serve as infective agents of plant diseases and, moreover, airborne fungi cause spoilage of foods and are responsible for many adverse health effects; the mycotoxins which they produce may affect humans and animals.…”

Airborne Fungi and Actinomycetes Concentrations in the Air of Eskisehir City (Turkey)

“…can provoke extreme allergic reactions in humans [5]. According to Singh [6], mould growth may contribute to the sick-building syndrome as well as to allergy and other environmental health problems. Furthermore, airborne fungi cause spoilage of foods and are responsible for many adverse health effects; the mycotoxins which they produce may affect human and animals, and fungal propagules can serve as an infective agent of plant disease.…”

Final Clearance Criteria After Mould Remediation

“…When evaluating a building for problems, it is necessary to first conduct a visual inspection and determine the probable location of water leaks or sources [14,19]. Water leaks and humidity are the primary causes of mould growth and contamination [3,[26][27][28].…”