[Non-allergenic impact of indoor mold exposure]

Abstract

The proportion of moldy housing in France is around 20%. It is not simple to establish that a health impact of mold is not allergic, because the identification of allergy is itself difficult. Moreover, exposure to molds and their metabolites may have a protective effect. Non-allergic health impacts may occur due to the multiple aerocontaminants found in damp or mold-containing dwellings: glucans, microbial volatile organic compounds, mycotoxins, bacteria and endotoxins. The heath impacts of indoor mold have been addressed by numerous toxicologic and epidemiologic investigations, the results of which have been summarized in three notable reports. These conclude that mold exposure is linked to a risk of ENT and bronchial symptoms, both the genesis and exacerbation of asthma and, lastly, hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Finally, other studies highlight the protective role of fungal metabolites with respect to asthma and allergy. Pulmonologists should be aware of these data, which can be useful in clinical practice and also in legal work.

Keywords: Allergie; Allergy; Environment; Environnement; Habitat; Health; Housing; Moisissures; Molds; Santé.