Spectrum of Noninfectious Health Effects From Molds
- 1 December 2006
- journal article
- review article
- Published by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in Pediatrics
- Vol. 118 (6), e1909-e1926
- https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2006-2829
Abstract
Molds are multicellular fungi that are ubiquitous in outdoor and indoor environments. For humans, they are both beneficial (for the production of antimicrobial agents, chemotherapeutic agents, and vitamins) and detrimental. Exposure to mold can occur through inhalation, ingestion, and touching moldy surfaces. Adverse health effects may occur through allergic, infectious, irritant, or toxic processes. The cause-and-effect relationship between mold exposure and allergic and infectious illnesses is well known. Exposures to toxins via the gastrointestinal tract also are well described. However, the cause-and-effect relationship between inhalational exposure to mold toxins and other untoward health effects (eg, acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants and other illnesses and health complaints) is controversial and requires additional investigation. In this report we examine evidence of fungal-related illnesses and the unique aspects of mold exposure to children. Mold-remediation procedures are also discussed.Keywords
This publication has 58 references indexed in Scilit:
- Aerosolized sodium hypochlorite inhibits viability and allergenicity of mold on building materialsJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2005
- Clinical use of immunoassays in assessing exposure to fungi and potential health effects related to fungal exposureAnnals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2004
- IgE-reactive proteins from Stachybotrys chartarumAnnals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2002
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Current concepts and future questionsJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2001
- Diagnosis and Management of Rhinitis: Complete Guidelines of the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters in Allergy, Asthma and ImmunologyAnnals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 1998
- Aspergillus infections of the lung: radiological signsMycoses, 1997
- Massenentwicklung von Stachybotrys chartarum auf kompostierbaren Pflanztöpfen aus AltpapierMycoses, 1997
- Airborne outbreak of trichothecene toxicosisAtmospheric Environment (1967), 1986
- Epidemiologic observations in idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosisThe Journal of Pediatrics, 1983
- New Orleans asthma: I. Characterization of individuals involved in epidemicsJournal of Allergy, 1967