Damp building-related illnesses

Stachybotrys chartarum is one of the most commonly noted agents associated with so-called sick building or damp building-related syndrome and damp building-related illnesses (DBRI). While upper and some lower respiratory tract symptoms have been accepted as causally linked to human exposure to moldy damp indoor environments, other reported effects, including airflow obstruction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hemorrhage, neurologic effects and cancer, have not (Institute of Medicine, 2004). An excellent recent review of S. chartarum, associated trichothecene mycotoxins, and DBRI is available (Pestka et al, 2008). 

Pestka, J.J., Yike, I., Dearborn, D.G., Ward, M.D., Harkema, J.R. (2008). Stachybotrys chartarum, trichothecene mycotoxins, and damp building-related illness new insights into a public health enigma. Toxicol. Sci. 104 4-26. 

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