Sections of this Paper will Be Updated when New Information is published.

Abstract:  A comprehensive review of published literature regarding the complexity of biocontaminants in damp indoor environments resulting from microbial growth is presented.  For convenience the contaminants are discussed in categories: 1) Indicator molds; 2) Gram negative and positive bacteria; 3) Microbial particulates; 4) Mycotoxins; 5) Volatile organic compounds, both microbial (MVOCs) and nonmicrobial (VOCs); 6) Proteins; 7) Galactomannans; 8) 1-3-beta-D- glucans (glucans); 9) Lipopolysaccharides (LPS – endotoxins).  These agents impact upon the occupants residing or working in affected buildings.  Conclusions drawn from the peer-reviewed literature include the following:  Indoor mold contamination is determined by comparing mold spores by species indoors versus outdoors.  The gram negative bacteria release endotoxins (Lipopolysaccharides, aka LPS) into indoor environments, working synergistically with mycotoxins.  The gram positive organisms include Bacillus species and Actinomycetes (Streptomyces, Nocardia and Mycobacterium), which produce exotoxins.  The Actinomycetes are potential human pathogens associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, lung and invasive infections.  Nontuberculin mycobacterium (NTM) infections are increasing worldwide in immunocompetent individuals.   In animal models LPS enhance the toxicity of Roridin A, Satratoxins G and Aflatoxin B1 with respect to damage to the olfactory epithelium, tract and bulbs (Roridin A, Satratoxin G) and liver (Aflatoxin B1).  Aflatoxin B1 and probably trichothecenes are transported along the olfactory tract into the olfactory bulb.  The spores from co-cultured Streptomyces californicus and Stachybotrys chartarum produce a cytotoxic compound that is just as toxic as doxorubicin and actinomycin D (chemotherapeutic agents). Trichothecenes, aflatoxins, gliotoxin and other mycotoxins have been identified in dust, bulk samples and in the air and ventilation systems of infested buildings.  Macrocyclic trichothecenes are present in airborne particles <2 microns.  Trichothecenes and stachylysin are present in the sera of individuals exposed to S. chartarum in contaminated indoor environments.  Hemolysins are produced by S. chartarum, Memnoniella echinata and several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Galactomannans, glucans and LPS are irritating to the mucous membranes of the upper and lower respiratory tract.  Gliotoxin, an immunosuppressive mycotoxin, was identified in the lung secretions and sera of cancer patients with aspergillosis.  Clinical and environmental isolates of A. fumigatus, A. terreus, A. niger and A. flavus produce gliotoxin.  This information will interest people ill from exposure to damp indoor spaces and their attending physicians.

Introduction:  Damp or wet building materials occur from a variety circumstances:  water intrusion from floods, hurricanes, construction defects, roof leaks, condensation, appliance and plumbing leaks, poorly designed foundations, etc.  Furthermore, building materials can become wet during storage, transportation and/or construction.  For simplicity, we will use the phrase “water intrusion” as an all encompassing term.

Water intrusion into buildings permits amplification of growth of fungi, bacteria and protozoa (Andersson et aI., 1997; Peltola et al., 2001a, b; Gorny et al., 2001, 2002; Gorny, 2004; Hirvonen et al., 2005; Rintala et al., 2001, 2002, 2004). The increased health risks and economic impact from microbial growth resulting from indoor dampness are recognized as significant public health problems