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Sick Building Syndrome Linked To Certain Molds

LONDON, ENGLAND -- Aug. 25, 1998 -- Certain types of fungal molds seem to be strongly associated with sick building syndrome, finds a study in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Sick building syndrome was first recognized in 1982 and as yet no single cause has been identified. Symptoms typically include allergic rhinitis, breathing difficulties, headaches, flu and watering eyes.

Researchers analyzed the indoor and outdoor air quality of 48 United States schools where complaints had been made about air quality in the buildings and where symptoms such as runny noses, congestion and itchy or watering eyes were common. More than half the occupants of these schools had also complained of increased levels of respiratory infections such as tonsillitis, bronchitis and even pneumonia. Swabs and samples were taken from areas of visible mold growth and dampness, ventilation and heating systems, standing water, dead air spaces and dusty surfaces.

The results showed that in complaint areas two types of fungi -- Penicillin and Stachybotrys -- were significantly more common in indoor air than in outdoor air samples or in non-complaint areas. A high prevalence of Penicillin molds was found in 25 schools. In 11 schools in areas of high humidity, Strachybotrys molds were found under damp carpets, on damp walls and under vinyl wall coverings. Cladosporium and Aspergillus species were also found, although to a lesser extent, in some of the other schools. Penicillin species can easily adapt to most human environments, the authors write. They can grow at mild temperatures (50 F or 10 C) and in conditions of relatively little moisture. The spores are small and can easily enter the lungs. Unattended water leaks and poorly maintained heating and ventilation systems can encourage the molds to develop, the authors write.