What is known (and
not!) about mold health effects
Bruce Jarvis, Ph.D.,
University of Maryland
Mycotoxins are
readily
absorbed by the
intestinal lining, airways and
skin
Can
cause flu-like symptoms; act to
suppress immune system
response
“Chemistry and Toxicology of
Molds Isolated from
Water-Damaged Buildings”,
presented at the 220thNational
Meeting of the American
Chemical Society, August
20-24, 2000
E.H. Page and
D.B. Trout, NIOSH
(literature review)
“Important issues…are
inadequately addressed in the
literature reviewed, making it
difficult to implicate
mycotoxins as a cause of
building-related illness.”
“…currently, there is
inadequate evidence
supporting a
causal
relationship between
symptoms or illness…and exposure
to mycotoxins.”
“The Role of Stachybotrys
Mycotoxins in
Building-Related Illness”,
AIHA Journal,
62:644-648 (2001)
C.A. Robbins,
et al
(literature review)
“…the current literature
does
not provide compelling evidence
that exposure [to mycotoxins] at
levels expected in most
mold-contaminated indoor
environments is likely to result
in measurable health effects.”
“…the point at which mold
contamination
becomes
a threat to health is
unknown.”
“Health Effects of
Mycotoxins in Indoor Air: A
Critical Review”,
Appl. Occ. Env. Hygiene,
15(10):773-784 (2000)
