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Chemistry and Toxicology of Molds Isolated from Water-Damaged Buildings

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Book cover Mycotoxins and Food Safety

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 504))

Abstract

There is increasing evidence of health risks associated with damp buildings and homes in which high levels of microbes are found. Although concerns have traditionally centered on microbial pathogens and allergenic effects, recent work has suggested that fungi pose the more serious risk. Evidence is accumulating that certain toxigenic molds are particularly a risk for human health through exposure, via inhalation, of fungal spores. Many of these fungi produce toxins (mycotoxins) some of which have been shown to cause animal and human intoxications, usually in an agricultural setting. The fungusStachybotrys chartarum (S. atra)is considered to be one of the more serious threats to people living and working in water-damaged buildings. This mold has a long history of being responsible for animal toxicoses, and in recent years, being associated with infant pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding in the lungs) of infants exposed to spores of this fungus in their homes. S. atraproduces a variety of potent toxins and immunosuppressant agents, including a novel class of diterpenes (atranones) of unusual structure. More research is needed to determine the impact to health resulting from inhalation of toxigenic mold spores.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742

    Bruce B. Jarvis

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  1. Bruce B. Jarvis
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Medallion Laboratories Division, General Mills, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

    Jonathan W. DeVries

  2. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Division of Natural Products, Food and Drug Administration, Washington, D.C., USA

    Mary W. Trucksess

  3. National Center for Food Safety & Technology, Food and Drug Administration, Summit-Argo, Illinois, USA

    Lauren S. Jackson

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Jarvis, B.B. (2002). Chemistry and Toxicology of Molds Isolated from Water-Damaged Buildings. In: DeVries, J.W., Trucksess, M.W., Jackson, L.S. (eds) Mycotoxins and Food Safety. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 504. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0629-4_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0629-4_5

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