Resumen de Do Indoor Molds in Nonindustrial Environments Threaten Workers’ Health?: A Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence
Henrik A. Kolstad, Charlotte Brauer
Since the early 1980s, mucosal, skin, and respiratory symptoms, in addition to general symptoms such as fatigue and headache, have been related to the indoor climate of nonindustrial workplaces. Mold growth has been suggested as a causal factor because the health complaints frequently have been related to indicators of microbial contamination: visible signs of mold growth, moisture, and water damage (1).
Molds refer to growing colonies of different species of fungi. Fungi are nonphotosynthetic plant bodies that are ubiquitous in nature and decompose organic material. The species differ in size, but most are about 10 µm in diameter. Fungi are able to grow at a relative humidity of between 75 percent and 95 percent at normal room temperature. Fungi reproduce by spores that spread by air, depending on climatic factors, activity in the surrounding environment, and physiologic properties of the individual species (2, 3). Growing fungi may produce metabolites to protect a nutrient source from bacteria. Mycotoxins are metabolites that are able to initiate a toxic response in vertebrates when ingested, inhaled, or otherwise absorbed.
