December 12th, 2017
Research indicates that certain molds can cause a variety of adverse human health effects, including allergic reactions and immune responses (e.g., asthma), infectious disease (e.g., histoplasmosis1), and toxic effects (e.g., aflatoxin-induced liver cancer) (ACGIH, 1999). Molds are thought to play a role in asthma in several ways. They are known to produce a large number of proteins that are potentially allergenic, and there is sufficient evidence to support associations between fungal allergen exposure and asthma exacerbation and upper respiratory disease (NAS, 2000). In addition, molds may play a role in asthma via release of irritants that increase potential for sensitization, or release of toxins (mycotoxins) that affect immune response (NAS, 2000). Finally, mold toxins can cause direct lung damage leading to pulmonary diseases other than asthma (NAS, 2000).