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Zhang Y, Mei Y, Yu W, Guo M, Li B, Zhou H, Wang C, Du C. Association of indoor dampness indicators with rheumatic diseases/symptoms in older adults: A comparative cross-sectional study in Chongqing and Beijing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11633-11646. [PMID: 38221562 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31971-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Dampness is strongly associated with rheumatic diseases, which particularly affect the older adults. Tackling dampness is therefore important, especially given that climate change is expected to exacerbate rheumatic diseases; however, limited studies have compared the risk of rheumatic diseases in older adults based on humidity levels across different regions. To explore this, a comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to collect information on the residential characteristics, lifestyles, and health outcomes of 2000 individuals aged 60-74 years from Chongqing and Beijing. From this data, we tested for an association between six indoor dampness indicators and rheumatic related diseases/symptoms. The results showed that the risk values for joint pain were higher in Chongqing than in Beijing. Moreover, the risk of joint stiffness increased more strongly in Chongqing than in Beijing as the cumulative number of dampness exposure indicators increased. The key indoor dampness indicators affecting rheumatic diseases were different for Chongqing and Beijing. Overall, this study compared the risk of rheumatic diseases in older adults in the north and south of China because of dampness exposure and, from these, provided suggestions for modifying the indoor environments to prevent or reduce rheumatic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Yong Mei
- Institute of Defense Engineering, AMS, Beijing, 100036, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
| | - Miao Guo
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Haixia Zhou
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Chenyang Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Chenqiu Du
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
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Chawla H, Anand P, Garg K, Bhagat N, Varmani SG, Bansal T, McBain AJ, Marwah RG. A comprehensive review of microbial contamination in the indoor environment: sources, sampling, health risks, and mitigation strategies. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1285393. [PMID: 38074709 PMCID: PMC10701447 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1285393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The quality of the indoor environment significantly impacts human health and productivity, especially given the amount of time individuals spend indoors globally. While chemical pollutants have been a focus of indoor air quality research, microbial contaminants also have a significant bearing on indoor air quality. This review provides a comprehensive overview of microbial contamination in built environments, covering sources, sampling strategies, and analysis methods. Microbial contamination has various origins, including human occupants, pets, and the outdoor environment. Sampling strategies for indoor microbial contamination include air, surface, and dust sampling, and various analysis methods are used to assess microbial diversity and complexity in indoor environments. The review also discusses the health risks associated with microbial contaminants, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and their products in indoor air, highlighting the need for evidence-based studies that can relate to specific health conditions. The importance of indoor air quality is emphasized from the perspective of the COVID-19 pandemic. A section of the review highlights the knowledge gap related to microbiological burden in indoor environments in developing countries, using India as a representative example. Finally, potential mitigation strategies to improve microbiological indoor air quality are briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitikk Chawla
- Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Purnima Anand
- Department of Microbiology, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Kritika Garg
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - Neeru Bhagat
- Department of Microbiology, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Shivani G. Varmani
- Department of Biomedical Science, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Tanu Bansal
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Andrew J. McBain
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ruchi Gulati Marwah
- Department of Microbiology, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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Messina G, Amodeo D, Taddeini F, De Palma I, Puccio A, Cevenini G. Wind of change: Better air for microbial environmental control. CASE STUDIES IN CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2022; 6:100240. [PMID: 37520926 PMCID: PMC9339158 DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2022.100240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID19 epidemic highlighted the importance of air in the transmission of pathogens. Air disinfection is one of the key points to reduce the risk of transmission both in the health sector and in public, civil and industrial environments. All bacteria and viruses tested to date can be inactivated by UV-C rays. Laboratory tested UV-C systems are increasingly popular and proposed as effective technologies for air purification; few studies have evaluated their performance in populated indoor environments. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of a UV-C disinfection system for air in a real working context. Methods This experimental study was conducted between December 2020 and February 2021 in an office of the Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine of the University of Siena, Italy. A pre-final version air purifier (Cleaning Air T12), capable of treating 210 m3/h of air, was first tested for its ability to filter particulates and reduce microbial air contamination in the absence of people. Subsequently, the experiments were conducted in the presence of 3-5 subjects who worked for several hours in an office. During the tests, microbiological samples of air were collected in real time, switching the system on and off periodically. Air samples were collected and incubated on Petri dishes at 36 °C and 22 °C. Statistical analysis was performed with Stata 16 software assuming a significance level of 95%. An interpolating model was identified to describe the dynamics of contamination reduction when the device operates. Results Preliminary tests showed a significant 62.5% reduction in Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) with 36 °C incubation. Reductions in the particulate component were also observed. In the main test, comparison of CFU data, between the device-on phase (90 min) and the subsequent device-off phase (60 min), showed statistically significant increase (p = 0.001) of environmental contamination passing from a mean of 86.6 (65.8-107.4) to 171.1 (143.9-198.3) CFU/m3, that is a rise of about 100%. The interpolating model exhibited a good fit of CFU reduction trend with the device on. Conclusions The system, which mainly uses UV-C lamps for disinfection, was able to significantly reduce environmental and human contamination in real time. Experimental tests have shown that as soon as the device is switched off, after at least half an hour of operation, the healthiness of the air decreases drastically within 10 minutes, bringing the airborne microbial contamination (induced by the presence of operators in the environment) to levels even higher than 150% of the last value with the device on. Re-engineering strategies for system improvement were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Messina
- Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Italy
| | - D Amodeo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Italy
| | - F Taddeini
- Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena, Italy
| | - I De Palma
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Italy
| | - A Puccio
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Bioengineering Lab, University of Siena, Italy
| | - G Cevenini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Bioengineering Lab, University of Siena, Italy
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Almatawah QA, Al-Rashidi MS, Yassin MF, Varghese JS. Microbiological contamination of indoor and outdoor environments in a desert climate. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:355. [PMID: 35403921 PMCID: PMC8995910 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10032-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microbiological air contamination in the desert environment is becoming an essential subject for the health of office building occupants and public health. In this study, the concentrations and compositions of airborne microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) were assessed in indoor and outdoor environments using a multistory building complex in Kuwait as a case study. Airborne microorganism samples were collected from 12 sites within the building complex containing nineteen stories over four seasons. Culturable airborne bacteria and fungi were impacted on selected media to determine their concentrations and compositions with a Biolog Omnilog GEN III system and Biolog MicroStation. The indoor mean airborne bacterial count concentrations ranged from 35 to 18,463 CFU/m3, concentrations that are higher than 2,000 CFU/m3, demonstrating high-very high contamination levels in all seasons. Fungal contamination was high in winter and summer, with detected concentrations > 2,000 CFU/m3. Indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratios showed that airborne microbial contamination inside building floors originated from indoor air contamination. All the building floors showed bacterial and fungal concentrations ranging from less than 2,000 to more than 2,000 CFU/m3, indicative of a high to very high air contamination level. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between bacterial and fungal concentrations, demonstrating that they originated from unrelated sources. In the indoor building air, the most prevalent bacterial isolate was Bacillus pseudomycoides/cereus, whereas the most dominant fungal isolate was Aspergillus spp. The low count for indoor air bacterial species suggested no particular health risk for the occupants. In contrast, the high count of indoor air fungal species in the winter samples and the presence of potentially allergenic genera detected may suggest possible health risks for the occupants. The results obtained are the basis for the recommendation that the maintenance activities of the HVAC system and the periodical cleaning operation program be revised and preplanned as protective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qadreyah A Almatawah
- Environment & Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P. O. Box 24885, 13109, Safat, Kuwait.
| | - Mufaerh S Al-Rashidi
- Safety & Work Environment Department (QHSWED), Quality, Health, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P. O. Box 24885, 13109, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Mohamed F Yassin
- Environment & Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P. O. Box 24885, 13109, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Julie S Varghese
- Environment & Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P. O. Box 24885, 13109, Safat, Kuwait
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Haines SR, Hall EC, Marciniak K, Misztal PK, Goldstein AH, Adams RI, Dannemiller KC. Microbial growth and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from carpet and drywall under elevated relative humidity conditions. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:209. [PMID: 34666813 PMCID: PMC8524935 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01158-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbes can grow in indoor environments if moisture is available, and we need an improved understanding of how this growth contributes to emissions of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). The goal of this study was to measure how moisture levels, building material type, collection site, and microbial species composition impact microbial growth and emissions of mVOCs. We subjected two common building materials, drywall, and carpet, to treatments with varying moisture availability and measured microbial communities and mVOC emissions. RESULTS Fungal growth occurred in samples at >75% equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) for carpet with dust and >85% ERH for inoculated painted drywall. In addition to incubated relative humidity level, dust sample collection site (adonis p=0.001) and material type (drywall, carpet, adonis p=0.001) drove fungal and bacterial species composition. Increased relative humidity was associated with decreased microbial species diversity in samples of carpet with dust (adonis p= 0.005). Abundant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that accounted for >1% emissions were likely released from building materials and the dust itself. However, certain mVOCs were associated with microbial growth from carpet with dust such as C10H16H+ (monoterpenes) and C2H6SH+ (dimethyl sulfide and ethanethiol). CO2 production from samples of carpet with dust at 95% ERH averaged 5.92 mg hr-1 kg-1, while the average for carpet without dust at 95% ERH was 2.55 mg hr-1 kg-1. CONCLUSION Microbial growth and mVOC emissions occur at lower relative humidity in carpet and floor dust compared to drywall, which has important implications for human exposure. Even under elevated relative humidity conditions, the VOC emissions profile is dominated by non-microbial VOCs, although potential mVOCs may dominate odor production. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Haines
- Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A4 Canada
| | - Emma C. Hall
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | | | - Pawel K. Misztal
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | - Allen H. Goldstein
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Rachel I. Adams
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - Karen C. Dannemiller
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
- Sustainability Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, Environmental Health Sciences, Ohio State University, 470 Hitchcock Hall, 2070 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
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Kumar P, Kausar MA, Singh AB, Singh R. Biological contaminants in the indoor air environment and their impacts on human health. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2021; 14:1723-1736. [PMID: 34394766 PMCID: PMC8346343 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-021-00978-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air environment contains a complex mixture of biological contaminants such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, insects, and their by-products such as endotoxins, mycotoxins, volatile organic compounds, etc. Biological contaminants have been categorized according to whether they are allergenic, infectious, capable of inducing toxic or inflammatory responses in human beings. At present, there is a lack of awareness about biological contamination in the indoor environment and their potential sources for the spreading of various infections. Therefore, this review article examines the association of biological contaminants with human health, and it will also provide in-depth knowledge of various biological contaminants present in different places such as residential areas, hospitals, offices, schools, etc. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative data of bio-contaminants in various indoor environments such as schools, hospitals, residential houses, etc. have also been derived from the recent literature survey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Environmental Studies, Satyawati College, University of Delhi, Ashok Vihar III, Delhi-52, India
| | - Mohd. Adnan Kausar
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - A. B. Singh
- CSIR- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi University Campus, Delhi-07, India
| | - Rajeev Singh
- Department of Environmental Studies, Satyawati College, University of Delhi, Ashok Vihar III, Delhi-52, India
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Fakunle AG, Jafta N, Naidoo RN, Smit LAM. Association of indoor microbial aerosols with respiratory symptoms among under-five children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Health 2021; 20:77. [PMID: 34210330 PMCID: PMC8252236 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the recognition of the importance of indoor microbial exposures on children's health, the role of different microbial agents in development and aggravation of respiratory symptoms and diseases is only poorly understood. This study aimed to assess whether exposure to microbial aerosols within the indoor environment are associated with respiratory symptoms among children under-5 years of age. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, GreenFILE, ScienceDirect, EMBASE and Cochrane library through February 2020. Studies that investigated the exposure-response relationship between components of the indoor microbial communities and respiratory symptoms among under-five children were eligible for inclusion. A random-effect meta-analysis was applied to estimate pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for study specific high versus low microbial exposures. The potential effect of individual studies on the overall estimate was evaluated using leave-one-out analysis, while heterogeneity was evaluated by I2 statistics using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS Fifteen studies were eligible for inclusion in a meta-analysis. The pooled risk estimate suggested that increased microbial exposure was associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms [pooled relative risk (RR): 1.24 (1.09, 1.41), P = 0.001]. The association was strongest with exposure to a combination of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium and Alternaria species [pooled RR: 1.73 (1.30, 2.31), P = 0.0002]. Stratified analysis revealed an increased risk of wheeze [pooled RR: 1.20 (1.05, 1.37), P = 0.007 and allergic rhinitis [RR: 1.18 (0.94, 1.98), P = 0.16] from any microbial exposure. CONCLUSIONS Microbial exposures are, in general, associated with risk of respiratory symptoms. Future studies are needed to study the indoor microbiome more comprehensively, and to investigate the mechanism of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adekunle Gregory Fakunle
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200284 Nigeria
| | - Nkosana Jafta
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rajen N. Naidoo
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lidwien A. M. Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Environmental Epidemiology Division (IRAS-EEPI), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Aerated Cement Slurry and Controlling Fungal Growth of Low-Cost Biomass-Based Insulation Materials. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19237. [PMID: 31848382 PMCID: PMC6917723 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55626-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Wood chips or particles as well as shredded straw offer desired thermal insulation qualities. When exposed to a humid environment, however, fungal growth on wood and straw is an important consideration. An experimental investigation was conducted in order to evaluate the effectiveness of a simple treatment in mitigating fungal growth on wood- and straw-based insulation. This treatment involved blending of wood chips or particles, or shredded straw with an aerated slurry which offers the potential to mitigate fungal growth on biomass by a combination of physical and chemical effects without imposing a weight penalty. Experimental results verified the effectiveness of this treatment in controlling fungal growth on wood and straw subjected to different moisture conditions.
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Chaudhuri A, Basu C, Bhattacharyya S, Chaudhuri P. Developement of health risk rating scale for indoor airborne fungal exposure. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2019; 75:375-383. [PMID: 31612805 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2019.1676187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to quantify airborne fungal load in air-conditioned rooms and develop a health risk rating scale for different indoor environments. Five sampling locations in Kolkata frequented by a heterogeneous human population, containing various types of fungal growth-promoting substances (FGPS) like old documents, food items, waste hair, etc. were chosen as sampling locations where an Andersen Two-Stage Cascade Impactor was ran using Rose Bengal agar and Potato Dextrose agar media plates. Total spore load (CFU/m3), species diversity, species dominance, human exposure time, susceptible age and FGPS were considered the risk factors for this study. A risk rating scale was developed after evaluating the relative importance of these different factors in relation to human health. The most dominant genera were Aspergillus, followed by Penicillium. Maximum CFU was observed at library, followed by computer room.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Chaudhuri
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | - Chiradeep Basu
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
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Alharbi JS, Alawadhi Q, Leather SR. Monomorium ant is a carrier for pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:230. [PMID: 30992046 PMCID: PMC6469133 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4266-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Household ants are regarded as a major household pest and their close association with microorganisms and people means that they may constitute a disease risk. Our study is the first to provide information on the pathogenicity of Monomorium spp. a common insect in Kuwait by quantifying and identifying the exoskeleton bacterial burden. Samples of Monomorium were collected in June from indoor and outdoor sites of 30 houses located in two residential districts. Results The study identified a total of 16 different species of Gram-negative bacteria of which the indoor isolates were 75% greater in species count than the outdoor samples. Indoor isolates identified from both districts were more frequent than the outdoors and similar trends were obtained for a single district. Outdoor ant samples on the other hand carried a high percentage of bacteria but with less diversity in both districts. There was a significant variability in bacterial species in relation to sample sources, indoor and outdoor, and discrete geographical location. The presence of a high percentage of pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria indoor poses a great threat to domestic households, which would be further exacerbated in places with poor standards of hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenan S Alharbi
- Science Department, College of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) , Alardyia, PO Box: 23167, Safat, Kuwait.
| | - Qaderya Alawadhi
- Science Department, College of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) , Alardyia, PO Box: 23167, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Simon R Leather
- Crop & Environment Sciences, Harper Adams University, Edgmond, Newport, TF10 8NB, UK
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Casas L, Tischer C, Täubel M. Pediatric Asthma and the Indoor Microbial Environment. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 3:238-49. [PMID: 27230430 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-016-0095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The global increase in the prevalence of asthma has been related to several risk factors; many of them linked to the "westernization" process and the characteristics of the indoor microbial environment during early life may play an important role. Living in moisture damaged homes contributes to the exacerbation and development of asthma. However, living in homes with a rich variety and high levels of microbes (e.g., traditional farming environments) may confer protection. While the results of previous research are rather consistent when it comes to observation/report of indoor moisture damage or when comparing farming versus non-farming homes, when actual measures targeting indoor microbial exposure are included, the picture becomes less clear and the associations appear inconsistent. This may partly be due to limitations of sampling and measurement techniques that make comparisons difficult and provide an incomplete picture of the indoor microbial environment and in particular also human exposure. In this regard, new generation sequencing techniques represent a potential revolution in better understanding the impact of the indoor microbiome on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Casas
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain. .,University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Christina Tischer
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.,University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin Täubel
- Living Environment and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Neulaniementie 4, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
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Wiesmüller GA, Heinzow B, Aurbach U, Bergmann KC, Bufe A, Buzina W, Cornely OA, Engelhart S, Fischer G, Gabrio T, Heinz W, Herr CEW, Kleine-Tebbe J, Klimek L, Köberle M, Lichtnecker H, Lob-Corzilius T, Merget R, Mülleneisen N, Nowak D, Rabe U, Raulf M, Seidl HP, Steiß JO, Szewzyk R, Thomas P, Valtanen K, Hurrass J. Kurzfassung der AWMF-Leitlinie medizinisch klinische Diagnostik bei Schimmelpilzexposition in Innenräumen. ALLERGO JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s15007-017-1382-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Dai D, Prussin AJ, Marr LC, Vikesland PJ, Edwards MA, Pruden A. Factors Shaping the Human Exposome in the Built Environment: Opportunities for Engineering Control. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:7759-7774. [PMID: 28677960 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b01097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The "exposome" is a term describing the summation of one's lifetime exposure to microbes and chemicals. Such exposures are now recognized as major drivers of human health and disease. Because humans spend ∼90% of their time indoors, the built environment exposome merits particular attention. Herein we utilize an engineering perspective to advance understanding of the factors that shape the built environment exposome and its influence on human wellness and disease, while simultaneously informing development of a framework for intentionally controlling the exposome to protect public health. Historically, engineers have been focused on controlling chemical and physical contaminants and on eradicating microbes; however, there is a growing awareness of the role of "beneficial" microbes. Here we consider the potential to selectively control the materials and chemistry of the built environment to positively influence the microbial and chemical components of the indoor exposome. Finally, we discuss research gaps that must be addressed to enable intentional engineering design, including the need to define a "healthy" built environment exposome and how to control it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjuan Dai
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Aaron J Prussin
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Linsey C Marr
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Peter J Vikesland
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Marc A Edwards
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Amy Pruden
- Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Blacksburg Virginia 24061, United States
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Dannemiller KC, Weschler CJ, Peccia J. Fungal and bacterial growth in floor dust at elevated relative humidity levels. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:354-363. [PMID: 27272645 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Under sustained, elevated building moisture conditions, bacterial and fungal growth occurs. The goal of this study was to characterize microbial growth in floor dust at variable equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) levels. Floor dust from one home was embedded in coupons cut from a worn medium-pile nylon carpet and incubated at 50%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, and 100% ERH levels. Quantitative PCR and DNA sequencing of ribosomal DNA for bacteria and fungi were used to quantify growth and community shifts. Over a 1-wk period, fungal growth occurred above 80% ERH. Growth rates at 85% and 100% ERH were 1.1 × 104 and 1.5 × 105 spore equivalents d-1 mg dust-1 , respectively. Bacterial growth occurred only at 100% ERH after 1 wk (9.0 × 104 genomes d-1 mg dust-1 ). Growth resulted in significant changes in fungal (P<.00001) and bacterial community structure (P<.00001) at varying ERH levels. Comparisons between fungal taxa incubated at different ERH levels revealed more than 100 fungal and bacterial species that were attributable to elevated ERH. Resuspension modeling indicated that more than 50% of airborne microbes could originate from the resuspension of fungi grown at ERH levels of 85% and above.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C Dannemiller
- Department of Civil, Environmental & Geodetic Engineering, College of Engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - C J Weschler
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - J Peccia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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15
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Wiesmüller GA, Heinzow B, Aurbach U, Bergmann KC, Bufe A, Buzina W, Cornely OA, Engelhart S, Fischer G, Gabrio T, Heinz W, Herr CEW, Kleine-Tebbe J, Klimek L, Köberle M, Lichtnecker H, Lob-Corzilius T, Merget R, Mülleneisen N, Nowak D, Rabe U, Raulf M, Seidl HP, Steiß JO, Szewszyk R, Thomas P, Valtanen K, Hurraß J. Abridged version of the AWMF guideline for the medical clinical diagnostics of indoor mould exposure: S2K Guideline of the German Society of Hygiene, Environmental Medicine and Preventive Medicine (GHUP) in collaboration with the German Association of Allergists (AeDA), the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI), the German Society for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (DGAUM), the German Society for Hospital Hygiene (DGKH), the German Society for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine (DGP), the German Mycological Society (DMykG), the Society for Pediatric Allergology and Environmental Medicine (GPA), the German Federal Association of Pediatric Pneumology (BAPP), and the Austrian Society for Medical Mycology (ÖGMM). ALLERGO JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL 2017; 26:168-193. [PMID: 28804700 PMCID: PMC5533814 DOI: 10.1007/s40629-017-0013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This article is an abridged version of the AWMF mould guideline "Medical clinical diagnostics of indoor mould exposure" presented in April 2016 by the German Society of Hygiene, Environmental Medicine and Preventive Medicine (Gesellschaft für Hygiene, Umweltmedizin und Präventivmedizin, GHUP), in collaboration with the above-mentioned scientific medical societies, German and Austrian societies, medical associations and experts. Indoor mould growth is a potential health risk, even if a quantitative and/or causal relationship between the occurrence of individual mould species and health problems has yet to be established. Apart from allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and mould-caused mycoses, only sufficient evidence for an association between moisture/mould damage and the following health effects has been established: allergic respiratory disease, asthma (manifestation, progression and exacerbation), allergic rhinitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (extrinsic allergic alveolitis), and increased likelihood of respiratory infections/bronchitis. In this context the sensitizing potential of moulds is obviously low compared to other environmental allergens. Recent studies show a comparatively low sensitizing prevalence of 3-10% in the general population across Europe. Limited or suspected evidence for an association exist with respect to mucous membrane irritation and atopic eczema (manifestation, progression and exacerbation). Inadequate or insufficient evidence for an association exist for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in children, rheumatism/arthritis, sarcoidosis and cancer. The risk of infection posed by moulds regularly occurring indoors is low for healthy persons; most species are in risk group 1 and a few in risk group 2 (Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus) of the German Biological Agents Act (Biostoffverordnung). Only moulds that are potentially able to form toxins can be triggers of toxic reactions. Whether or not toxin formation occurs in individual cases is determined by environmental and growth conditions, above all the substrate. In the case of indoor moisture/mould damage, everyone can be affected by odour effects and/or mood disorders. However, this is not a health hazard. Predisposing factors for odour effects can include genetic and hormonal influences, imprinting, context and adaptation effects. Predisposing factors for mood disorders may include environmental concerns, anxiety, condition, and attribution, as well as various diseases. Risk groups to be protected particularly with regard to an infection risk are persons on immunosuppression according to the classification of the German Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (Kommission für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektionsprävention, KRINKO) at the Robert Koch- Institute (RKI) and persons with cystic fibrosis (mucoviscidosis); with regard to an allergic risk, persons with cystic fibrosis (mucoviscidosis) and patients with bronchial asthma should be protected. The rational diagnostics include the medical history, physical examination, and conventional allergy diagnostics including provocation tests if necessary; sometimes cellular test systems are indicated. In the case of mould infections the reader is referred to the AWMF guideline "Diagnosis and Therapy of Invasive Aspergillus Infections". With regard to mycotoxins, there are currently no useful and validated test procedures for clinical diagnostics. From a preventive medicine standpoint it is important that indoor mould infestation in relevant dimension cannot be tolerated for precautionary reasons. With regard to evaluating the extent of damage and selecting a remedial procedure, the reader is referred to the revised version of the mould guideline issued by the German Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard A. Wiesmüller
- Institute for Occupational Medicine and Social Medicine, University Hospital, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Authority, Neumarkt 15–21, 50667 Cologne, Germany
| | - Birger Heinzow
- Formerly: Regional Social Security Authorities (LAsD) for Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ute Aurbach
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Dr. Wisplinghoff Laboratory, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Albrecht Bufe
- Experimental Pneumology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Walter Buzina
- Institute for Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Oliver A. Cornely
- Department I for Internal Medicine and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Steffen Engelhart
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn University Hospital, Bonn, Germany
| | - Guido Fischer
- Baden-Württemberg Regional Health Authorities at the Regional Council Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Gabrio
- Formerly: Baden-Württemberg Regional Health Authorities at the Regional Council in Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Werner Heinz
- Medical Clinic and Outpatient Clinic II with Special Focus on Infectiology, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Caroline E. W. Herr
- Bavarian Office for Health and Food Safety, Munich, Germany
- Adj. Prof. “Hygiene and Environmental Medicine”, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ludger Klimek
- Wiesbaden Centre for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Martin Köberle
- Clinic and Outpatient Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology am Biederstein, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Herbert Lichtnecker
- Medical Institute for Environmental and Occupational Medicine MIU GmbH, Erkrath, Germany
| | | | - Rolf Merget
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Member of the German Centre for Lung Research, Munich University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Uta Rabe
- Centre for Allergology and Asthma, Johanniter Hospital im Fläming Treuenbrietzen GmbH, Treuenbrietzen, Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Hans Peter Seidl
- Formerly: Chair of Microbiology and Clinic and Outpatient Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology am Biederstein, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens-Oliver Steiß
- Centre for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Gießen and Marburg GmbH, Gießen, Germany
- Specialist Practice for Allergology and Pediatric Pneumology, Fulda, Germany
| | - Regine Szewszyk
- FG (specialist field) II 1.4 Microbiological Risks, Federal Environmental Agency, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Thomas
- Department and Outpatient Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Kerttu Valtanen
- FG (specialist field) II 1.4 Microbiological Risks, Federal Environmental Agency, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Hurraß
- Department of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Authority, Neumarkt 15–21, 50667 Cologne, Germany
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Park JH, Cox-Ganser JM, White SK, Laney AS, Caulfield SM, Turner WA, Sumner AD, Kreiss K. Bacteria in a water-damaged building: associations of actinomycetes and non-tuberculous mycobacteria with respiratory health in occupants. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:24-33. [PMID: 26717439 PMCID: PMC5035226 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We examined microbial correlates of health outcomes in building occupants with a sarcoidosis cluster and excess asthma. We offered employees a questionnaire and pulmonary function testing and collected floor dust and liquid/sludge from drain tubing traps of heat pumps that were analyzed for various microbial agents. Forty-nine percent of participants reported any symptom reflecting possible granulomatous disease (shortness of breath on exertion, flu-like achiness, or fever and chills) weekly in the last 4 weeks. In multivariate regressions, thermophilic actinomycetes (median = 529 CFU/m2 ) in dust were associated with FEV1 /FVC [coefficient = -2.8 per interquartile range change, P = 0.02], percent predicted FEF25-75% (coefficient = -12.9, P = 0.01), and any granulomatous disease-like symptom [odds ratio (OR) = 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.45-6.73]. Mycobacteria (median = 658 CFU/m2 ) were positively associated with asthma symptoms (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 0.97-2.43). Composite score (median = 11.5) of total bacteria from heat pumps was negatively associated with asthma (0.8, 0.71-1.00) and positively associated with FEV1 /FVC (coefficient = 0.44, P = 0.095). Endotoxin (median score = 12.0) was negatively associated with two or more granulomatous disease-like symptoms (OR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.67-0.98) and asthma (0.8, 0.67-0.96). Fungi or (1→3)-β-D-glucan in dust or heat pump traps was not associated with any health outcomes. Thermophilic actinomycetes and non-tuberculous mycobacteria may have played a role in the occupants' respiratory outcomes in this water-damaged building.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-H Park
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - J M Cox-Ganser
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - S K White
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - A S Laney
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Vermont Department of Health, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - S M Caulfield
- Turner Building Science & Design, LLC, Harrison, ME, USA
| | - W A Turner
- Turner Building Science & Design, LLC, Harrison, ME, USA
| | - A D Sumner
- Vermont Department of Health, Burlington, VT, USA
- University of Vermont Health Network Occupational Medicine, Berlin, VT, USA
| | - K Kreiss
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
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17
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Hurraß J, Heinzow B, Aurbach U, Bergmann KC, Bufe A, Buzina W, Cornely OA, Engelhart S, Fischer G, Gabrio T, Heinz W, Herr CEW, Kleine-Tebbe J, Klimek L, Köberle M, Lichtnecker H, Lob-Corzilius T, Merget R, Mülleneisen N, Nowak D, Rabe U, Raulf M, Seidl HP, Steiß JO, Szewszyk R, Thomas P, Valtanen K, Wiesmüller GA. Medical diagnostics for indoor mold exposure. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 220:305-328. [PMID: 27986496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In April 2016, the German Society of Hygiene, Environmental Medicine and Preventative Medicine (Gesellschaft für Hygiene, Umweltmedizin und Präventivmedizin (GHUP)) together with other scientific medical societies, German and Austrian medical societies, physician unions and experts has provided an AWMF (Association of the Scientific Medical Societies) guideline 'Medical diagnostics for indoor mold exposure'. This guideline shall help physicians to advise and treat patients exposed indoors to mold. Indoor mold growth is a potential health risk, even without a quantitative and/or causal association between the occurrence of individual mold species and health effects. Apart from the allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and the mycoses caused by mold, there is only sufficient evidence for the following associations between moisture/mold damages and different health effects: Allergic respiratory diseases, asthma (manifestation, progression, exacerbation), allergic rhinitis, exogenous allergic alveolitis and respiratory tract infections/bronchitis. In comparison to other environmental allergens, the sensitizing potential of molds is estimated to be low. Recent studies show a prevalence of sensitization of 3-10% in the total population of Europe. The evidence for associations to mucous membrane irritation and atopic eczema (manifestation, progression, exacerbation) is classified as limited or suspected. Inadequate or insufficient evidence for an association is given for COPD, acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in children, rheumatism/arthritis, sarcoidosis, and cancer. The risk of infections from indoor molds is low for healthy individuals. Only molds that are capable to form toxins can cause intoxications. The environmental and growth conditions and especially the substrate determine whether toxin formation occurs, but indoor air concentrations are always very low. In the case of indoor moisture/mold damages, everyone can be affected by odor effects and/or impairment of well-being. Predisposing factors for odor effects can be given by genetic and hormonal influences, imprinting, context and adaptation effects. Predisposing factors for impairment of well-being are environmental concerns, anxieties, conditioning and attributions as well as a variety of diseases. Risk groups that must be protected are patients with immunosuppression and with mucoviscidosis (cystic fibrosis) with regard to infections and individuals with mucoviscidosis and asthma with regard to allergies. If an association between mold exposure and health effects is suspected, the medical diagnosis includes medical history, physical examination, conventional allergy diagnosis, and if indicated, provocation tests. For the treatment of mold infections, it is referred to the AWMF guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of invasive Aspergillus infections. Regarding mycotoxins, there are currently no validated test methods that could be used in clinical diagnostics. From the perspective of preventive medicine, it is important that mold damages cannot be tolerated in indoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hurraß
- Abteilung Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Gesundheitsamt der Stadt Köln, Germany.
| | - Birger Heinzow
- Formerly: Landesamt für soziale Dienste (LAsD) Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ute Aurbach
- Abteilung Mikrobiologie und Mykologie, Labor Dr. Wisplinghoff, Köln, Germany
| | | | - Albrecht Bufe
- Experimentelle Pneumologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
| | - Walter Buzina
- Institut für Hygiene, Mikrobiologie und Umweltmedizin, Medizinische Universität Graz, Austria
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- Klinik I für Innere Medizin, ZKS Köln und Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Universität zu Köln, Germany
| | - Steffen Engelhart
- Institut für Hygiene und Öffentliche Gesundheit, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Germany
| | - Guido Fischer
- Landesgesundheitsamt Baden-Württemberg im Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Gabrio
- Formerly: Landesgesundheitsamt Baden-Württemberg im Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Werner Heinz
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Schwerpunkt Infektiologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Germany
| | - Caroline E W Herr
- Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit, München, Germany; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, apl. Prof. "Hygiene und Umweltmedizin", Germany
| | | | - Ludger Klimek
- Zentrums für Rhinologie und Allergologie, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Martin Köberle
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie am Biederstein, Technische Universität München, Germany
| | | | | | - Rolf Merget
- Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung, Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Germany
| | | | - Dennis Nowak
- Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin, Mitglied Deutsches Zentrum für Lungenforschung, Klinikum der Universität München, Germany
| | - Uta Rabe
- Zentrum für Allergologie und Asthma, Johanniter-Krankenhaus im Fläming Treuenbrietzen GmbH, Treuenbrietzen, Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung, Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Germany
| | - Hans Peter Seidl
- Formerly: Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie sowie Dermatologische Klinik der Technischen Universität München, Germany
| | - Jens-Oliver Steiß
- Zentrum für Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Gießen, Germany
| | - Regine Szewszyk
- Umweltbundesamt, FG II 1.4 Mikrobiologische Risiken, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Thomas
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Kerttu Valtanen
- Umweltbundesamt, FG II 1.4 Mikrobiologische Risiken, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerhard A Wiesmüller
- Abteilung Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Gesundheitsamt der Stadt Köln, Germany; Institut für Arbeitsmedizin und Sozialmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät der RWTH Aachen, Germany
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Walls KL, Boulic M, Boddy JWD. The Built Environment-A Missing "Cause of the Causes" of Non-Communicable Diseases. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:E956. [PMID: 27690064 PMCID: PMC5086695 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13100956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The United Nations "25 × 25 Strategy" of decreasing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, by 25% by 2025 does not appear to take into account all causes of NCDs. Its focus is on a few diseases, which are often linked with life-style factors with "voluntary" "modifiable behavioral risk factors" causes tending towards an over-simplification of the issues. We propose to add some aspects of our built environment related to hazardous building materials, and detailed form of the construction of infrastructure and buildings, which we think are some of the missing causes of NCDs. Some of these could be termed "involuntary causes", as they relate to factors that are beyond the control of the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin L Walls
- Building Code Consultants Ltd., P.O. Box 99613, Newmarket, Auckland 1149, New Zealand.
| | - Mikael Boulic
- School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand.
| | - John W D Boddy
- Urban Planning and Environmental Services, MWH Stantec, Level 3, 111 Carlton Gore Road, Auckland 0745, New Zealand.
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19
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Alum A, Isaacs GZ. Aerobiology of the built environment: Synergy between Legionella and fungi. Am J Infect Control 2016; 44:S138-43. [PMID: 27590698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The modern built environment (BE) design creates unique ecological niches ideal for the survival and mutual interaction of microbial communities. This investigation focused on the synergistic relations between Legionella and the fungal species commonly found in BEs and the impact of these synergistic relationships on the survival and transmission of Legionella. METHODS A field study was conducted to identify the types and concentrations of fungi in BEs. The fungal isolates purified from BEs were cocultured with Legionella to study their synergistic association. Cocultured Legionella cells were aerosolized in an air-tight chamber to evaluate the efficacy of ultraviolet (UV) to inactivate these cells. RESULTS Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Cladosporium were the most common fungi detected in samples that tested positive for Legionella. After coculturing, Legionella cells were detected inside fungal hyphae. The microscopic observations of Legionella internalization in fungal hyphae were confirmed by molecular analyses. UV disinfection of the aerosolized Legionella cells that were cocultured with fungi indicated that fungal spores and propagules act as a shield against UV radiation. The shield effect of fungal spores on Legionella cells was quantified at >2.5 log10. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence, to our knowledge, of Legionella cell presence inside fungi detected in an indoor environment. This symbiotic relationship with fungi results in longer survival of Legionella under ambient conditions and provides protection against UV rays.
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20
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Rintala H, Pitkäranta M, Täubel M. Microbial communities associated with house dust. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2016; 78:75-120. [PMID: 22305094 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394805-2.00004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
House dust is a complex mixture of inorganic and organic material with microbes in abundance. Few microbial species are actually able to grow and proliferate in dust and only if enough moisture is provided. Hence, most of the microbial content originates from sources other than the dust itself. The most important sources of microbes in house dust are outdoor air and other outdoor material tracked into the buildings, occupants of the buildings including pets and microbial growth on moist construction materials. Based on numerous cultivation studies, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and about 20 other fungal genera are the most commonly isolated genera from house dust. The cultivable bacterial flora is dominated by Gram-positive genera, such as Staplylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Lactococcus. Culture-independent studies have shown that both the fungal and the bacterial flora are far more diverse, with estimates of up to 500-1000 different species being present in house dust. Concentrations of microbes in house dust vary from nondetectable to 10(9) cells g(-1) dust, depending on the dust type, detection method, type of the indoor environment and season, among other factors. Microbial assemblages in different house dust types usually share the same core species; however, alterations in the composition are caused by differing sources of microbes for different dust types. For example, mattress dust is dominated by species originating from the user of the mattress, whereas floor dust reflects rather outdoor sources. Farming homes contain higher microbial load than urban homes and according to a recent study, temperate climate zones show higher dust microbial diversity than tropical zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Rintala
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 95, Kuopio, Finland.
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21
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Weikl F, Tischer C, Probst AJ, Heinrich J, Markevych I, Jochner S, Pritsch K. Fungal and Bacterial Communities in Indoor Dust Follow Different Environmental Determinants. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154131. [PMID: 27100967 PMCID: PMC4839684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
People spend most of their time inside buildings and the indoor microbiome is a major part of our everyday environment. It affects humans’ wellbeing and therefore its composition is important for use in inferring human health impacts. It is still not well understood how environmental conditions affect indoor microbial communities. Existing studies have mostly focussed on the local (e.g., building units) or continental scale and rarely on the regional scale, e.g. a specific metropolitan area. Therefore, we wanted to identify key environmental determinants for the house dust microbiome from an existing collection of spatially (area of Munich, Germany) and temporally (301 days) distributed samples and to determine changes in the community as a function of time. To that end, dust samples that had been collected once from the living room floors of 286 individual households, were profiled for fungal and bacterial community variation and diversity using microbial fingerprinting techniques. The profiles were tested for their association with occupant behaviour, building characteristics, outdoor pollution, vegetation, and urbanization. Our results showed that more environmental and particularly outdoor factors (vegetation, urbanization, airborne particulate matter) affected the community composition of indoor fungi than of bacteria. The passage of time affected fungi and, surprisingly, also strongly affected bacteria. We inferred that fungal communities in indoor dust changed semi-annually, whereas bacterial communities paralleled outdoor plant phenological periods. These differences in temporal dynamics cannot be fully explained and should be further investigated in future studies on indoor microbiomes.
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MESH Headings
- Air Microbiology
- Air Pollution/analysis
- Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis
- Air Pollution, Indoor/statistics & numerical data
- Bacteria/classification
- Bacteria/genetics
- Bacteria/growth & development
- DNA Fingerprinting/methods
- DNA, Bacterial/analysis
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- DNA, Fungal/analysis
- DNA, Fungal/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/analysis
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
- Dust/analysis
- Environmental Monitoring/methods
- Environmental Monitoring/statistics & numerical data
- Family Characteristics
- Fungi/classification
- Fungi/genetics
- Fungi/growth & development
- Germany
- Housing/statistics & numerical data
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Microbiota/genetics
- Microbiota/physiology
- Particulate Matter/analysis
- Population Dynamics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- Seasons
- Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods
- Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Weikl
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- * E-mail: ;
| | - Christina Tischer
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexander J. Probst
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Iana Markevych
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Division of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Jochner
- Physical Geography / Landscape Ecology and Sustainable Ecosystem Development, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany
| | - Karin Pritsch
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
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Application of the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index in Finland. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 82:578-84. [PMID: 26546428 PMCID: PMC4711148 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02785-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The environmental relative moldiness index (ERMI) metric was previously developed to quantify mold contamination in U.S. homes. This study determined the applicability of the ERMI for quantifying mold and moisture damage in Finnish residences. Homes of the LUKAS2 birth cohort in Finland were visually inspected for moisture damage and mold, and vacuumed floor dust samples were collected. An ERMI analysis including 36 mold-specific quantitative PCR assays was performed on the dust samples (n = 144), and the ERMI metric was analyzed against inspection-based observations of moisture damage and mold. Our results show that the ERMI was significantly associated with certain observations of visible mold in Finnish homes but not with moisture damage. Several mold species occurred more frequently and at higher levels in Finnish than in U.S. homes. Modification of the ERMI toward Finnish conditions, using a subsample of LUKAS2 homes with and without moisture damage, resulted in a simplified metric based on 10 mold species. The Finnish ERMI (FERMI) performed substantially better in quantifying moisture and mold damage in Finnish homes, showing significant associations with various observations of visible mold, strongest when the damage was located in the child's main living area, as well as with mold odor and moisture damage. As shown in Finland, the ERMI as such is not equally well usable in different climates and geographic regions but may be remodeled to account for local outdoor and indoor fungal conditions as well as for moisture damage characteristics in a given country.
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23
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Mensah-Attipoe J, Reponen T, Salmela A, Veijalainen AM, Pasanen P. Susceptibility of green and conventional building materials to microbial growth. INDOOR AIR 2015; 25:273-84. [PMID: 24975616 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Green building materials are becoming more popular. However, little is known about their ability to support or limit microbial growth. The growth of fungi was evaluated on five building materials. Two green, two conventional building materials and wood as a positive control were selected. The materials were inoculated with Aspergillus versicolor, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Penicillium brevicompactum, in the absence and presence of house dust. Microbial growth was assessed at four different time points by cultivation and determining fungal biomass using the N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAHA) enzyme assay. No clear differences were seen between green and conventional building materials in their susceptibility to support microbial growth. The presence of dust, an external source of nutrients, promoted growth of all the fungal species similarly on green and conventional materials. The results also showed a correlation coefficient ranging from 0.81 to 0.88 between NAHA activity and culturable counts. The results suggest that the growth of microbes on a material surface depends on the availability of organic matter rather than the classification of the material as green or conventional. NAHA activity and culturability correlated well indicating that the two methods used in the experiments gave similar trends for the growth of fungi on material surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mensah-Attipoe
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Kuopio, Finland
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24
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Tischer C, Zock JP, Valkonen M, Doekes G, Guerra S, Heederik D, Jarvis D, Norbäck D, Olivieri M, Sunyer J, Svanes C, Täubel M, Thiering E, Verlato G, Hyvärinen A, Heinrich J. Predictors of microbial agents in dust and respiratory health in the Ecrhs. BMC Pulm Med 2015; 15:48. [PMID: 25929252 PMCID: PMC4425915 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-015-0042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dampness and mould exposure have been repeatedly associated with respiratory health. However, less is known about the specific agents provoking or arresting health effects in adult populations. We aimed to assess predictors of microbial agents in mattress dust throughout Europe and to investigate associations between microbial exposures, home characteristics and respiratory health. Methods Seven different fungal and bacterial parameters were assessed in mattress dust from 956 adult ECRHS II participants in addition to interview based home characteristics. Associations between microbial parameters and the asthma score and lung function were examined using mixed negative binomial regression and linear mixed models, respectively. Results Indoor dampness and pet keeping were significant predictors for higher microbial agent concentrations in mattress dust. Current mould and condensation in the bedroom were significantly associated with lung function decline and current mould at home was positively associated with the asthma score. Higher concentrations of muramic acid were associated with higher mean ratios of the asthma score (aMR 1.37, 95%CI 1.17-1.61). There was no evidence for any association between fungal and bacterial components and lung function. Conclusion Indoor dampness was associated with microbial levels in mattress dust which in turn was positively associated with asthma symptoms. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12890-015-0042-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Tischer
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1,German Research Centre for Environmental Health, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany. .,Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jan-Paul Zock
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain. .,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain. .,Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Maria Valkonen
- Living Environment and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Gert Doekes
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Division Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Stefano Guerra
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain. .,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain. .,Arizona Respiratory Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Dick Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Division Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Deborah Jarvis
- Respiratory Epidemiology and Public Health Group, Imperial College London, London, UK. .,MRC-HPA Centre for Environment Health, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Dan Norbäck
- The Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mario Olivieri
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain. .,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain. .,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cecilie Svanes
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen and , Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Martin Täubel
- Living Environment and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Elisabeth Thiering
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1,German Research Centre for Environmental Health, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany. .,Division of Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Medicine, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
| | - Giuseppe Verlato
- Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Anne Hyvärinen
- Living Environment and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute of Epidemiology I, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1,German Research Centre for Environmental Health, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
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25
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Tischer C, Standl M, Lehmann I, Schaaf B, von Berg A, Heinrich J. Sleeping on animal fur is related to asthma outcomes in later childhood. Eur Respir J 2015; 46:107-14. [PMID: 25837030 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00204914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Animal furs might represent a "proxy" for high and diverse microbial exposures within a critical time window of immune development. We assessed whether sleeping on animal fur shortly after birth is associated with asthma and atopy up to the age of 10 years. LISAplus participants (n=2441) from Munich and Leipzig, Germany, were included in the analysis. Animal fur exposure, cofactors and health outcomes were obtained periodically up to 10 years of age by parental questionnaires. Information on specific IgE to aeroallergens was available at 10 years. Cytokine-producing peripheral T-cells were assessed in a subgroup of children at 2 and 3 years. Confounder-adjusted associations were evaluated using logistic regression analyses. Sleeping on animal fur was very common (55%). In adjusted logistic regression analyses, sleeping on animal fur was inversely associated with recurrent early wheezing at 4 years (adjusted OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61-0.93) and current asthma at 6 years (adjusted OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.31-1.01). Furthermore, sleeping on animal fur during the first 3 months of life was significantly associated with a persistently stimulated interferon-γ response until the age of 3 years. Animal fur could be an effective measure of creating environments associated with higher microbial exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Tischer
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology I, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marie Standl
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology I, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Irina Lehmann
- Dept of Environmental Immunology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Joachim Heinrich
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology I, Neuherberg, Germany
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26
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Xiong Y, Krogmann U, Mainelis G, Rodenburg LA, Andrews CJ. Indoor air quality in green buildings: A case-study in a residential high-rise building in the northeastern United States. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2015; 50:225-242. [PMID: 25594117 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2015.981101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Improved indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the critical components of green building design. Green building tax credit (e.g., New York State Green Building Tax Credit (GBTC)) and certification programs (e.g., Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)) require indoor air quality measures and compliance with allowable maximum concentrations of common indoor air pollutants. It is not yet entirely clear whether compliance with these programs results in improved IAQ and ultimately human health. As a case in point, annual indoor air quality measurements were conducted in a residential green high-rise building for five consecutive years by an industrial hygiene contractor to comply with the building's GBTC requirements. The implementation of green design measures resulted in better IAQ compared to data in references of conventional homes for some parameters, but could not be confirmed for others. Relative humidity and carbon dioxide were satisfactory according to existing standards. Formaldehyde levels during four out of five years were below the most recent proposed exposure limits found in the literature. To some degree, particulate matter (PM) levels were lower than that in studies from conventional residential buildings. Concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) with known permissible exposure limits were below levels known to cause chronic health effects, but their concentrations were inconclusive regarding cancer health effects due to relatively high detection limits. Although measured indoor air parameters met all IAQ maximum allowable concentrations in GBTC and applicable LEED requirements at the time of sampling, we argue that these measurements were not sufficient to assess IAQ comprehensively because more sensitive sampling/analytical methods for PM and VOCs are needed; in addition, there is a need for a formal process to ensure rigor and adequacy of sampling and analysis methods. Also, we suggest that a comprehensive IAQ assessment should include mixed mode thermal comfort models, semi-volatile organic compounds, assessment of new chemicals, and permissible exposure levels of many known indoor VOCs and bioaerosols. Plus, the relationship between energy consumption and IAQ, and tenant education on health effects of indoor pollutants and their sources may need more attention in IAQ investigations in green buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youyou Xiong
- a Department of Environmental Sciences , Rutgers University , New Brunswick , New Jersey , USA
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27
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Lax S, Smith DP, Hampton-Marcell J, Owens SM, Handley KM, Scott NM, Gibbons SM, Larsen P, Shogan BD, Weiss S, Metcalf JL, Ursell LK, Vázquez-Baeza Y, Van Treuren W, Hasan NA, Gibson MK, Colwell R, Dantas G, Knight R, Gilbert JA. Longitudinal analysis of microbial interaction between humans and the indoor environment. Science 2014; 345:1048-52. [PMID: 25170151 DOI: 10.1126/science.1254529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 590] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The bacteria that colonize humans and our built environments have the potential to influence our health. Microbial communities associated with seven families and their homes over 6 weeks were assessed, including three families that moved their home. Microbial communities differed substantially among homes, and the home microbiome was largely sourced from humans. The microbiota in each home were identifiable by family. Network analysis identified humans as the primary bacterial vector, and a Bayesian method significantly matched individuals to their dwellings. Draft genomes of potential human pathogens observed on a kitchen counter could be matched to the hands of occupants. After a house move, the microbial community in the new house rapidly converged on the microbial community of the occupants' former house, suggesting rapid colonization by the family's microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lax
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Institute for Genomic and Systems Biology, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Daniel P Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Institute for Genomic and Systems Biology, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA. Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jarrad Hampton-Marcell
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Institute for Genomic and Systems Biology, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Sarah M Owens
- Institute for Genomic and Systems Biology, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA. Computation Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kim M Handley
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Institute for Genomic and Systems Biology, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Nicole M Scott
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Institute for Genomic and Systems Biology, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Sean M Gibbons
- Institute for Genomic and Systems Biology, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA. Graduate Program in Biophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Peter Larsen
- Department of Bioscience, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA. Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Benjamin D Shogan
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sophie Weiss
- Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80304, USA. Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80304, USA
| | - Jessica L Metcalf
- Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80304, USA
| | - Luke K Ursell
- Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80304, USA. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80304, USA
| | - Yoshiki Vázquez-Baeza
- Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80304, USA. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80304, USA. Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80304, USA
| | - Will Van Treuren
- Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80304, USA
| | - Nur A Hasan
- CosmosID, 387 Technology Drive, Suite 3119, College Park, MD 20742, USA. Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Molly K Gibson
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA. Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Rita Colwell
- CosmosID, 387 Technology Drive, Suite 3119, College Park, MD 20742, USA. Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Gautam Dantas
- Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA. Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Rob Knight
- Biofrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80304, USA. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80304, USA. Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Jack A Gilbert
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Institute for Genomic and Systems Biology, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439, USA. Graduate Program in Biophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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28
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Wang J, Engvall K, Smedje G, Norbäck D. Rhinitis, asthma and respiratory infections among adults in relation to the home environment in multi-family buildings in Sweden. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105125. [PMID: 25136984 PMCID: PMC4138153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk factors for rhinitis, asthma and respiratory infections in the home environment were studied by a questionnaire survey. Totally 5775 occupants (≥ 18 years old) from a stratified random sample of multi-family buildings in Sweden participated (46%). 51.0% had rhinitis in the last 3 months (current rhinitis); 11.5% doctor diagnosed asthma; 46.4% respiratory infections in the last 3 months and 11.9% antibiotic medication for respiratory infections in the last 12 months. Associations between home environment and health were analyzed by multiple logistic regression, controlling for gender, age and smoking and mutual adjustment. Buildings constructed during 1960-1975 were risk factors for day time breathlessness (OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.03-2.29). And those constructed during 1976-1985 had more current rhinitis (OR = 1.43, 95%CI 1.12-1.84) and respiratory infections (OR = 1.46, 95%CI 1.21-1.78). Cities with higher population density had more current rhinitis (p = 0.008) and respiratory infections (p<0.001). Rented apartments had more current rhinitis (OR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.07-1.40), wheeze (OR = 1.20, 95%CI 1.02-1.41), day time breathlessness (OR = 1.31, 95%CI 1.04-1.66) and respiratory infections (OR = 1.13, 95%CI 1.01-1.26). Living in colder parts of the country was a risk factor for wheeze (p = 0.03) and night time breathlessness (p = 0.002). Building dampness was a risk factor for wheeze (OR = 1.42, 95%CI 1.08-1.86) and day time breathlessness (OR = 1.57, 95%CI 1.09-2.27). Building dampness was a risk factor for health among those below 66 years old. Odor at home was a risk factor for doctor diagnosed asthma (OR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.08-2.06) and current asthma (OR = 1.52, 95%CI 1.03-2.24). Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was a risk factor for current asthma (OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.09-2.16). Window panel condensation was a risk factor for antibiotic medication for respiratory infections (OR = 1.41, 95%CI 1.10-1.82). In conclusion, rhinitis, asthma and respiratory infections were related to a number of factors in the home environment. Certain building years (1961-1985), building dampness, window panel condensation and odor in the dwelling may be risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Karin Engvall
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Greta Smedje
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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29
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Jacobs J, Borràs-Santos A, Krop E, Täubel M, Leppänen H, Haverinen-Shaughnessy U, Pekkanen J, Hyvärinen A, Doekes G, Zock JP, Heederik D. Dampness, bacterial and fungal components in dust in primary schools and respiratory health in schoolchildren across Europe. Occup Environ Med 2014; 71:704-12. [PMID: 25035116 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2014-102246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory health effects of damp housing are well recognised, but less is known about the effect of dampness and water damage in schools. The HITEA study previously reported a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in pupils from moisture damaged schools, but the role of specific microbial exposures remained unclear. OBJECTIVES To study associations between school dampness, levels of fungal and bacterial markers, respiratory symptoms and lung function in children. METHODS Primary schools in Spain, the Netherlands and Finland were selected on the basis of the observed presence (n=15) or absence (n=10) of moisture, dampness and/or mould. Settled dust was repeatedly sampled in 232 classrooms and levels of 14 different microbial markers and groups of microbes were determined. Parental reports of respiratory symptoms were available from 3843 children aged 6-12 years, of whom 2736 provided acceptable forced spirometry testing. Country-specific associations between exposure and respiratory health were evaluated by multilevel mixed-effects logistic and linear regression models and combined using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher in moisture damaged schools, being more pronounced in Finnish pupils. Effects on lung function were not apparent. Levels of microbial markers were generally higher in moisture damaged schools, varied by season and were lower in Finnish schools. Wheeze tended to be inversely associated with microbial levels. All other respiratory symptoms were not consistently associated with microbial marker levels. CONCLUSIONS Health effects of moisture and microbial exposures may vary between countries, but this requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Jacobs
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alicia Borràs-Santos
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esmeralda Krop
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Täubel
- Department Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna Leppänen
- Department Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Juha Pekkanen
- Department Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne Hyvärinen
- Department Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Gert Doekes
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Paul Zock
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dick Heederik
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Indoor environments play important roles in human health. The health hazards posed by polluted indoor environments include allergy, infections and toxicity. Life style changes have resulted in a shift from open air environments to air tight, energy efficient, environments, in which people spend a substantial portion of their time. Most indoor air pollution comes from the hazardous non biological agents and biological agents. Fungi are ubiquitous in distribution and are a serious threat to public health in indoor environments. In this communication, we have reviewed the current status on biotic indoor air pollution, role of fungi as biological contaminants and their impact on human health.
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Tischer CG, Gref A, Standl M, Bauer M, Bergström A, Brauer M, Carlsten C, Gehring U, Granell R, Henderson J, Kerkhof M, MacNutt M, Melén E, Wickman M, Heinrich J. Glutathione-S-transferase P1, early exposure to mould in relation to respiratory and allergic health outcomes in children from six birth cohorts. A meta-analysis. Allergy 2013; 68:339-46. [PMID: 23330922 DOI: 10.1111/all.12093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are conflicting study results regarding the association of exposure to visible mould and fungal components in house dust with respiratory and allergic diseases in children. It has been suggested that functional polymorphisms of the GSTP1 gene may influence the risk for allergic disorders through an impaired defence against oxidant injury. METHODS We examined in six birth cohorts of over 14 000 children whether the association between early exposure to reported mould at home in relation to respiratory and allergic diseases is modified by a single nucleotide polymorphism of the GSTP1 gene. RESULTS We observed a positive association of mould exposure with nasal symptoms (2-10 year) aOR: 1.19 (1.02-11.38). Further, there was a borderline significant increased risk of rhinoconjunctivitis (6-8 year) in children homozygous for the minor allele Val/Val, aOR: 1.25 (0.98-1.60). In stratified analyses, subjects homozygous for the minor allele and exposed to mould at home were at increased risk for early wheezing aOR: 1.34 (1.03-1.75), whereas the major allele may confer susceptibility for later nasal outcomes, (6-8 year) aOR: 1.20 (1.00-1.45) and (2-10 year) aOR: 1.30 (1.04-1.61), respectively. For none of the health outcomes studied, we found gene by environment interactions. CONCLUSION A genetic influence of the GSTP1 gene cannot be ruled out, but the magnitude of the effect is a matter of further research. In conclusion, the interplay between gene and environments is complex and remains subject of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. G. Tischer
- Helmholtz Centre Munich; German Research Centre for Environmental Health; Institute of Epidemiology I; Neuherberg; Germany
| | - A. Gref
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; Centre for Allergy Research; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm; Sweden
| | - M. Standl
- Helmholtz Centre Munich; German Research Centre for Environmental Health; Institute of Epidemiology I; Neuherberg; Germany
| | - M. Bauer
- Department of Environmental Immunology; UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research; Leipzig; Germany
| | - A. Bergström
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; Centre for Allergy Research; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm; Sweden
| | - M. Brauer
- School of Population and Public Health & Department of Medicine - Atmospheric Science Programme; Faculty of Medicine; University of British Columbia; Vancouver; BC; Canada
| | - C. Carlsten
- Respiratory Medicine Division; University of British Columbia; Vancouver; BC; Canada
| | - U. Gehring
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences; Utrecht University; Utrecht; the Netherlands
| | - R. Granell
- School of Social and Community Medicine; University of Bristol; Bristol; UK
| | - J. Henderson
- School of Social and Community Medicine; University of Bristol; Bristol; UK
| | - M. Kerkhof
- Department of Epidemiology; University Medical Centre Groningen; University of Groningen; Groningen; the Netherlands
| | - M. MacNutt
- Respiratory Medicine Division; University of British Columbia; Vancouver; BC; Canada
| | - E. Melén
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; Centre for Allergy Research; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm; Sweden
| | - M. Wickman
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; Centre for Allergy Research; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm; Sweden
| | - J. Heinrich
- Helmholtz Centre Munich; German Research Centre for Environmental Health; Institute of Epidemiology I; Neuherberg; Germany
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Abstract
The majority of people in the developed world spend more than 90% of their lives indoors. Here, we examine our understanding of the bacteria that co-inhabit our artificial world and how they might influence human health.
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Haleem Khan A, Mohan Karuppayil S. Fungal pollution of indoor environments and its management. Saudi J Biol Sci 2012; 19:405-26. [PMID: 23961203 PMCID: PMC3730554 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Revised: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoor environments play important roles in human health. The health hazards posed by polluted indoor environments include allergy, infections and toxicity. Life style changes have resulted in a shift from open air environments to air tight, energy efficient, environments, in which people spend a substantial portion of their time. Most indoor air pollution comes from the hazardous non biological agents and biological agents. Fungi are ubiquitous in distribution and are a serious threat to public health in indoor environments. In this communication, we have reviewed the current status on biotic indoor air pollution, role of fungi as biological contaminants and their impact on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.A. Haleem Khan
- DST-FIST Sponsored School of Life Sciences, SRTM University, Nanded 431606, MS, India
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Peitzsch M, Sulyok M, Täubel M, Vishwanath V, Krop E, Borràs-Santos A, Hyvärinen A, Nevalainen A, Krska R, Larsson L. Microbial secondary metabolites in school buildings inspected for moisture damage in Finland, The Netherlands and Spain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 14:2044-53. [PMID: 22714101 DOI: 10.1039/c2em30195d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Secondary metabolites produced by fungi and bacteria are among the potential agents that contribute to adverse health effects observed in occupants of buildings affected by moisture damage, dampness and associated microbial growth. However, few attempts have been made to assess the occurrence of these compounds in relation to moisture damage and dampness in buildings. This study conducted in the context of the HITEA project (Health Effects of Indoor Pollutants: Integrating microbial, toxicological and epidemiological approaches) aimed at providing systematic information on the prevalence of microbial secondary metabolites in a large number of school buildings in three European countries, considering both buildings with and without moisture damage and/or dampness observations. In order to address the multitude and diversity of secondary metabolites a large number of more than 180 analytes was targeted in settled dust and surface swab samples using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) based methodology. While 42%, 58% and 44% of all samples collected in Spanish, Dutch and Finnish schools, respectively, were positive for at least one of the metabolites analyzed, frequency of detection for the individual microbial secondary metabolites - with the exceptions of emodin, certain enniatins and physcion - was low, typically in the range of and below 10% of positive samples. In total, 30 different fungal and bacterial secondary metabolites were found in the samples. Some differences in the metabolite profiles were observed between countries and between index and reference school buildings. A major finding in this study was that settled dust derived from moisture damaged, damp schools contained larger numbers of microbial secondary metabolites at higher levels compared to respective dust samples from schools not affected by moisture damage and dampness. This observation was true for schools in each of the three countries, but became statistically significant only when combining schools from all countries and thus increasing the sample number in the statistical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Peitzsch
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Sölvegatan 23, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden.
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Exposure assessment of residential mould, fungi and microbial components in relation to children's health: achievements and challenges. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2012; 216:109-14. [PMID: 22704485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Revised: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Each day we are exposed to a complex mixture of microbial agents and components in indoor environments. A major part of this mixture derives from fungal and bacterial origin. The impact between those microbial agents in the home environment in relation to respiratory health in children is still a major issue in research. There is little known about the causal agents that provoke or arrest the development of allergic respiratory disorders in children. Identification is complicated by the biodiversity and variability of microbial components in indoor air as well as the lack of validated and standardized exposure assessment methods. In this review, we aim to consider all important aspects in terms of research which may encounter an epidemiological study. Apart from the need for standardized exposure assessment methods which consider cost, handling and effort, especially for the participants, we suggest that a combination of different analysis methods such as chemical and molecular methods may have the potential to best describe the microbial milieu in indoor environments at present. Further, the impact of mould and moisture remediation activities on health is still heavily under investigated, especially in larger prospective cohorts of children and should be a topic of future research. Moreover, the exposure to mould and microbial agents might be embedded in a broader spectrum of children's health such as behavior and cognitive development.
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36
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Tischer CG, Hohmann C, Thiering E, Herbarth O, Müller A, Henderson J, Granell R, Fantini MP, Luciano L, Bergström A, Kull I, Link E, von Berg A, Kuehni CE, Strippoli MPF, Gehring U, Wijga A, Eller E, Bindslev-Jensen C, Keil T, Heinrich J. Meta-analysis of mould and dampness exposure on asthma and allergy in eight European birth cohorts: an ENRIECO initiative. Allergy 2011; 66:1570-9. [PMID: 21923669 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2011.02712.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several cross-sectional studies during the past 10 years have observed an increased risk of allergic outcomes for children living in damp or mouldy environments. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate whether reported mould or dampness exposure in early life is associated with the development of allergic disorders in children from eight European birth cohorts. METHODS We analysed data from 31 742 children from eight ongoing European birth cohorts. Exposure to mould and allergic health outcomes were assessed by parental questionnaires at different time points. Meta-analyses with fixed- and random-effect models were applied. The number of the studies included in each analysis varied based on the outcome data available for each cohort. RESULTS Exposure to visible mould and/or dampness during first 2 years of life was associated with an increased risk of developing asthma: there was a significant association with early asthma symptoms in meta-analyses of four cohorts [0-2 years: adjusted odds ratios (aOR), 1.39 (95% CI, 1.05-1.84)] and with asthma later in childhood in six cohorts [6-8 years: aOR, 1.09 (95% CI, 0.90-1.32) and 3-10 years: aOR, 1.10 (95% CI, 0.90-1.34)]. A statistically significant association was observed in six cohorts with symptoms of allergic rhinitis at school age [6-8 years: aOR, 1.12 (1.02-1.23)] and at any time point between 3 and 10 years [aOR, 1.18 (1.09-1.28)]. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that a mouldy home environment in early life is associated with an increased risk of asthma particularly in young children and allergic rhinitis symptoms in school-age children.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Tischer
- Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology I, Neuherberg, Germany
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Sordillo JE, Alwis UK, Hoffman E, Gold DR, Milton DK. Home characteristics as predictors of bacterial and fungal microbial biomarkers in house dust. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:189-95. [PMID: 20965804 PMCID: PMC3040605 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measurement of fungal and bacterial biomarkers can be costly, but it is not clear whether home characteristics can be used as a proxy of these markers, particularly if the purpose is to differentiate specific classes of biologic exposures that have similar sources but may have different effects on allergic disease risk. OBJECTIVE We evaluated home characteristics as predictors of multiple microbial biomarkers, with a focus on common and unique determinants and with attention to the extent of their explanatory ability. METHODS In 376 Boston-area homes enrolled in a cohort study of home exposures and childhood asthma, we assessed the relationship between home characteristics gathered by questionnaire and measured gram-negative bacteria (GNB) (endotoxin and C10:0, C12:0, and C14:0 3-hydroxy fatty acids), gram-positive bacteria (GPB) (N-acetyl muramic acid), and fungal biomarkers [ergosterol and (1→6) branched, (1→3) β-D glucans] in bed and family room dust. RESULTS Home characteristics related to dampness were significant predictors of all microbial exposures; water damage or visible mold/mildew in the home was associated with a 20-66% increase in GNB levels. Report of cleaning the bedroom at least once a week was associated with reduced GNB, GPB, and fungi. Presence of dogs or cats predicted increases in home bacteria or fungi. The proportion of variance in microbial biomarkers explained by home characteristics ranged from 4.2% to 19.0%. CONCLUSIONS Despite their associations with multiple microbial flora, home characteristics only partially explain the variability in microbial biomarker levels and cannot substitute for specific microbial measurements in studies concerned with distinguishing effects of specific classes of microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E Sordillo
- Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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Aydogdu H, Asan A, Tatman Otkun M. Indoor and outdoor airborne bacteria in child day-care centers in Edirne City (Turkey), seasonal distribution and influence of meteorological factors. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2010; 164:53-66. [PMID: 19404760 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-009-0874-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2008] [Accepted: 03/10/2009] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents information about airborne mesophilic bacteria in the indoor and outdoor air of child day-care centers (CDCCs) in the city of Edirne, Turkey. Air samples were collected using the Petri plate gravitational settling method from the indoor and outdoor air of CDCCs. Counts of airborne bacteria were measured as colony forming units (CFU) collected by gravity onto Brain Heart Infusion Agar plates (with 5% sheep blood). Samples were taken monthly over a period of 12 months between January and December 2004. A total of 3,120 bacteria colonies were counted on 192 Petri plates. Four groups of culturable bacteria were identified: gram-positive cocci, gram-positive bacilli, endospore-forming gram-positive bacilli, and gram-negative bacteria. Airborne gram-positive bacteria were the most abundant at more than 95% of the measured population. While gram-positive cocci were more common in indoor environments, gram-positive bacilli were more dominant in outdoor air. Bacteria commonly isolated from CDCCs were identified at a genus level. Staphylococcus (39.16%), Bacillus (18.46%), Corynebacterium (16.25%), and Micrococcus (7.21%) were dominant among the genera identified in the present study. The dominant genera identified in the day-care centers were Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, and Corynebacterium for indoor air and Bacillus, Corynebacterium, and Staphylococcus for outdoor air. Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, and Corynebacterium genera were found in samples from every month. Bacterial colony counts were compared by sampling location (indoors and outdoors), seasons, and meteorological factors. We found negative correlations between the monthly total outdoor bacterial counts and the sampling day's average relative humidity and average rainfall, and the monthly average rainfall. Fluctuations in bacterial counts in different seasons were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halide Aydogdu
- Food Technology Programme, Trakya University Arda Vocational College, 22030, Edirne, Turkey
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39
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New-onset adult asthma in relation to damp and moldy workplaces. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2010; 83:855-65. [PMID: 20127354 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-010-0507-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Damp and moldy indoor environments aggravate pre-existing asthma. Recent meta-analyses suggest that exposure to such environments may also induce new-onset asthma. We assessed the probability of molds being the cause of asthma in a patient series examined because of respiratory symptoms in relation to workplace dampness and molds. METHODS Altogether 694 such patients had been clinically assessed between 1995 and 2004. According to their histories, they had all been exposed to molds at work and had suffered from work-related lower respiratory symptoms. The investigations had included specific inhalation challenge (SIC) tests with mold extracts and serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) recordings. Using internationally recommended diagnostic criteria for occupational asthma (OA), we categorized the patients into three groups: probable, possible, and unlikely OA (156, 45, and 475 patients, respectively). The clinical details of 258 patients were analyzed, and their levels of microbial exposure were evaluated. RESULTS The agreement between the serial PEF recordings and SIC tests (both being either positive or negative) was 56%. In the group of probable OA, mold sensitization was found in 20%. The level of exposure and sensitization to molds was associated with probable OA. At 6 months, the follow-up examinations of 136 patients with probable OA showed that the symptoms were persistent, and no improvement in spirometry was noted despite adequate treatment. Only 58% of the patients had returned to work. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to damp and moldy workplaces can induce new-onset adult asthma. IgE mediation is a rare mechanism, whereas other mechanisms are unknown.
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Bonetta S, Bonetta S, Mosso S, Sampò S, Carraro E. Assessment of microbiological indoor air quality in an Italian office building equipped with an HVAC system. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2010; 161:473-83. [PMID: 19224384 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-009-0761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2008] [Accepted: 01/27/2009] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level and composition of bacteria and fungi in the indoor air of an Italian office building equipped with a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Airborne bacteria and fungi were collected in three open-space offices during different seasons. The microbial levels in the outdoor air, supply air diffusers, fan coil air flow and air treatment unit humidification water tank were used to evaluate the influence of the HVAC system on indoor air quality (IAQ). A medium-low level of bacterial contamination (50-500 CFU/m(3)) was found in indoor air. Staphylococcus and Micrococcus were the most commonly found genera, probably due to human presence. A high fungal concentration was measured due to a flood that occurred during the winter. The indoor seasonal distribution of fungal genera was related to the fungal outdoor distribution. Significant seasonal and daily variation in airborne microorganisms was found, underlining a relationship with the frequency of HVAC system switching on/off. The results of this monitoring highlight the role of the HVAC system on IAQ and could be useful to better characterise bacterial and fungal population in the indoor air of office buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa Bonetta
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e della Vita, University of Piemonte Orientale Amedeo Avogadro, Via Bellini 25/G, 15100, Alessandria, Italy
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Thrasher JD, Crawley S. The biocontaminants and complexity of damp indoor spaces: more than what meets the eyes. Toxicol Ind Health 2009; 25:583-615. [DOI: 10.1177/0748233709348386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nine types of biocontaminants in damp indoor environments from microbial growth are discussed: (1) indicator molds; (2) Gram negative and positive bacteria; (3) microbial particulates; (4) mycotoxins; (5) volatile organic compounds, both microbial (MVOCs) and non-microbial (VOCs); (6) proteins; (7) galactomannans; (8) 1-3-β-D-glucans (glucans) and (9) lipopolysaccharides (LPS — endotoxins). When mold species exceed those outdoors contamination is deduced. Gram negative bacterial endotoxins, LPS in indoor environments, synergize with mycotoxins. The gram positive Bacillus species, Actinomycetes (Streptomyces, Nocardia and Mycobacterium), produce exotoxins. The Actinomycetes are associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, lung and invasive infections. Mycobacterial mycobacterium infections not from M. tuberculosis are increasing in immunocompetent individuals. In animal models, LPS enhance the toxicity of roridin A, satratoxins G and aflatoxin B1 to damage 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 to the temporal lobe. Co-cultured Streptomyces californicus and Stachybotrys chartarum produce a cytotoxin similar to doxorubicin and actinomycin D (chemotherapeutic agents). Trichothecenes, aflatoxins, gliotoxin and other mycotoxins are found in dust, bulk samples, air and ventilation systems of infested buildings. Macrocyclic trichothecenes are present in airborne particles <2 μm. Trichothecenes and stachylysin are present in the sera of individuals exposed to S. chartarum in contaminated indoor environments. Haemolysins are produced by S. chartarum, Memnoniella echinata and several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Galactomannans, glucans and LPS are upper and lower respiratory tract irritants. Gliotoxin, an immunosuppressive mycotoxin, was identified in the lung secretions and sera of cancer patients with aspergillosis produced by A. fumigatus, A. terreus, A. niger and A. flavus.
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Vishwanath V, Sulyok M, Labuda R, Bicker W, Krska R. Simultaneous determination of 186 fungal and bacterial metabolites in indoor matrices by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2009; 395:1355-72. [PMID: 19669641 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-009-2995-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2009] [Revised: 07/16/2009] [Accepted: 07/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the application of a previously published multi-mycotoxin method for food and feed matrices based on liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS/MS) to the analysis of microbial metabolites in indoor matrices. The range of investigated analytes has been extended by 99 fungal and bacterial metabolites to cover now 186 compounds overall. The method is based on a single extraction step using an acidified acetonitrile/water mixture (which has been determined to be preferable to methanol and ethyl acetate) followed by analysis of the diluted crude extract. The analytical signal of one third of the investigated analytes was reduced by more than 50% due to matrix effects in a spiked extract of house dust, whereas the other investigated materials were less critical in that aspect. For determination of method performance characteristics, a spiked reference material for house dust was chosen as a model sample for an extremely complex matrix. With few exceptions, coefficients of variation of the whole procedure of <10% and limits of detection of <50 microg kg(-1) were obtained. The apparent recoveries were below 50% for half of the investigated analytes due to incomplete extraction and/or detection-related matrix effects. The application of the method to 14 samples from damp buildings revealed the presence of 20 different analytes at concentrations of up to 130 mg kg(-1). Most of these compounds have never been identified before in real-world samples, although they are known to be produced by indoor-relevant fungi. This underlines the great value of the described method for the on-site determination of microbial metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Vishwanath
- Department IFA-Tulln, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Konrad Lorenz Str. 20, A-3430 Tulln, Austria
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Laney AS, Cragin LA, Blevins LZ, Sumner AD, Cox-Ganser JM, Kreiss K, Moffatt SG, Lohff CJ. Sarcoidosis, asthma, and asthma-like symptoms among occupants of a historically water-damaged office building. INDOOR AIR 2009; 19:83-90. [PMID: 19191928 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2008.00564.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology with evidence of association with exposure to microbial agents. In June 2006, we investigated a sarcoidosis cluster among office workers in a water-damaged building. In the course of the investigation, we became aware of a high rate of respiratory complaints including asthma and asthma-like symptoms. We conducted case finding for physician-diagnosed sarcoidosis and asthma and administered a health questionnaire survey and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to consenting occupants. We compared prevalence ratios (PRs) to the Environmental Protection Agency's Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation study (BASE) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We identified six sarcoidosis cases. The current building prevalence is 2206 cases/100,000 population, elevated, compared with the US population range of <1-40 cases/100,000. Of current occupants, 77% (105) participated in the health questionnaire survey and 64% (87) in PFTs. Physician-diagnosed asthma was elevated, compared with the US adult population. Adult asthma incidence was 3.3/1000 person-years during the period before building occupancy and 11.5/1000 person-years during the period after building occupancy. Comparisons with US office workers (BASE) yielded elevated PRs for shortness of breath [PR, 9.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 6.1-15.2], wheeze (PR, 9.1; 95% CI 5.6-14.6), and chest tightness (PR, 5.1; 95% CI 2.8-9.0). PFT results supported reports of respiratory symptoms and diagnoses. Based on our findings building occupants were relocated. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The remission of occupational asthma caused by certain known antigens improves with early diagnosis and removal from exposure. As a suspected antigen-mediated disease, sarcoidosis might also benefit if affected persons are isolated from continued exposure. Our investigation identified a high prevalence of new-onset sarcoidosis, and asthma among workers of a water damaged building with a history of indoor environmental quality complaints. Removal of all individuals from such environments until completion of building diagnostics, environmental sampling and complete remediation is a prudent measure when feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Laney
- Division of Health Surveillance, Vermont Department of Health, Burlington, VT, USA.
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Karvala K, Nordman H, Luukkonen R, Nykyri E, Lappalainen S, Hannu T, Toskala E. Occupational rhinitis in damp and moldy workplaces. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 22:457-62. [PMID: 18954502 DOI: 10.2500/ajr.2008.22.3209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies confirm the association between exposure to indoor air dampness and molds and different health outcomes. Of these, upper respiratory tract problems are the most commonly reported work-related symptoms in damp indoor environments. The aim of this study was to describe a clinically investigated patient series with occupational rhinitis induced by molds. METHODS Nasal provocation test (NPT) with commercial fungal allergens was performed in 369 patients during 1995-2004 at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. Of these, 60 (16%) were positive. In addition to positive NPT, the diagnosis of occupational rhinitis was based on verified exposure to molds, work-related nasal symptoms, and clinical investigations. We wanted to review the patient files of these 60 patients retrospectively, and 56 patients gave their informed consent. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 43.7 years (SD +/- 9.5). Fifty (89.3%) patients were women. In 23% of the patients, IgE-mediated allergy to molds could be established. Atopy significantly increased IgE sensitization to molds (OR, 10.3 [95% CI, 2.0-52.5]). The most common mold to induce occupational rhinitis was Aspergillus fumigatus. Exposure time was over 5 years in 63% of the patients. Association between the IgE sensitization to molds and exposure level was statistically significant (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.046). CONCLUSION This is the first clinically investigated series on occupational rhinitis in relation to a moldy environment. Based on our findings, we conclude that molds growing in conjunction with moisture damages can induce occupational rhinitis. IgE-mediated allergy to molds was not common. Atopy and significant exposure level increased IgE sensitization to molds. zri00508.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi Karvala
- Occupational Medicine Team, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
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45
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Tham KW, Zuraimi MS, Koh D, Chew FT, Ooi PL. Associations between home dampness and presence of molds with asthma and allergic symptoms among young children in the tropics. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2007; 18:418-24. [PMID: 17617809 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2007.00544.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Existing literature has shown that home dampness increases indoor mold burden and is associated with increased allergic symptoms among young children in temperate environments. There is no report of any studies of similar nature in the tropics where conditions are characterized typically by high temperatures and humidity with rainfall throughout the year. To evaluate if there are associations between the prevalence of current asthma and allergic symptoms in young children (age 1.5-6 yr) with dampness and indoor mold in children's bedrooms in a tropical environment. A cross-sectional study adopting an expanded and modified ISAAC--International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Children--questionnaire for the evaluation of asthma and allergies was conducted on 6794 children (4759 responded--70%) attending 120 randomly selected daycare centers. Specific information on demographics, home dampness, and the visible presence of indoor molds were obtained. The prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined by Cox proportional hazard regression model with assumption of a constant risk period as recommended for cross-sectional studies. The calculated PRs were controlled for age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, type of housing, maternal and paternal atopy, respiratory infections, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure, and food allergy. After adjusting for potential confounding effects, home dampness was observed to be significantly associated with current symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis (adjusted PR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.00-2.33). The visible presence of mold was significantly associated with current symptoms of rhinitis (PR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.16-2.07) and rhinoconjunctivitis (PR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.51-3.75). Indoor dampness and mold in children's bedroom are important risk factors associated with allergic symptoms in young children in Singapore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwok Wai Tham
- Department of Building, School of Design & Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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46
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Yli-Pirilä T, Huttunen K, Nevalainen A, Seuri M, Hirvonen MR. Effects of co-culture of amoebae with indoor microbes on their cytotoxic and proinflammatory potential. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2007; 22:357-67. [PMID: 17607727 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae are ubiquitous environmental protozoa found in both natural and man-made environments, including moisture-damaged buildings. Furthermore, the interaction between amoebae and bacteria has been shown to enhance the virulence and pathogenicity of some bacteria. While the inhabitants of moisture damaged buildings are known to be at risk of suffering adverse health effects, the exact causative agents and mechanisms are still obscure. To examine the possible role of amoebae in the health effects associated with moisture damages, the effects of amoebae on the cytotoxicity and proinflammatory potential of nonpathogenic microbes common in moisture-damaged buildings were investigated. First, two bacterial and three fungal strains were cultured both individually and in coculture with Acanthamoeba polyphaga. Then, mouse RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to the cocultures as well as the individually grown bacteria, fungi, and amoebae. Finally, cell viability and production of proinflammatory mediators, i.e., nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), were measured in macrophages after the exposure. The results revealed that cocultivation with amoebae increased the cytotoxicity of the bacterium Streptomyces californicus and the fungus Penicillium spinulosum. Moreover, the macrophages produced up to 10 times higher concentrations of NO after the exposure to these cocultures than after the exposure to individually grown microbes. Finally, the production of the cytokines was up to two orders of magnitude higher (IL-6) and up to four times higher (TNF-alpha) after exposure to the cocultures when compared to individually grown microbes. We conclude that amoebae are able to potentiate the cytotoxicity and proinflammatory properties of certain microbes associated with moisture damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terhi Yli-Pirilä
- Department of Environmental Health, National Public Health Institute, P.O. Box 95, FI-70701 Kuopio, Finland.
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47
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Zuraimi MS, Tham KW, Chew FT, Ooi PL. The effect of ventilation strategies of child care centers on indoor air quality and respiratory health of children in Singapore. INDOOR AIR 2007; 17:317-27. [PMID: 17661928 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2007.00480.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This paper reports the effects of ventilation strategies on indoor air quality (IAQ) and respiratory health of children within 104 child care centers (CCCs) in a hot and humid climate. The CCCs were categorized by ventilation strategies: natural (NV), air-conditioned and mechanically ventilated (ACMV), air-conditioned using split units (AC), and hybrid (NV and AC operated intermittently). The concentration levels of IAQ parameters in NV CCCs are characterized by the influence of the outdoors and good dilution of indoor pollutants. The lower ventilation rates in air-conditioned CCCs result in higher concentrations of occupant-related pollutants but lower outdoor pollutant ingress. This study also revealed lower prevalence for most asthma and allergy, and respiratory symptoms in children attending NV CCCs. In multivariate analyses controlled for the effects of confounders, the risk of current rhinitis among children is significantly higher if they attend mechanically ventilated CCCs compared to NV CCCs. Air-conditioned CCCs were also associated with higher adjusted prevalence ratio of severe phlegm and cough symptoms and lower respiratory illness. Finally, children attending CCCs with hybrid ventilation are at high risk for almost all the respiratory symptoms studied. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS This large field study indicates that different ventilation strategies employed by child care centers can cause significant variations in the indoor air quality and prevalence of asthma, allergies and respiratory symptoms of attending children. The higher prevalence rates of allergic and respiratory symptoms among young children, whose immune system is still under-developed, in child care centers, whether fully or partially air-conditioned, suggest that ventilation and plausible growth and propagation mechanisms of allergens and infectious agents be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Zuraimi
- Department of Building, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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48
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Bloom E, Bal K, Nyman E, Must A, Larsson L. Mass spectrometry-based strategy for direct detection and quantification of some mycotoxins produced by Stachybotrys and Aspergillus spp. in indoor environments. Appl Environ Microbiol 2007; 73:4211-7. [PMID: 17483261 PMCID: PMC1932766 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00343-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Dampness in buildings has been linked to adverse health effects, but the specific causative agents are unknown. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by molds and toxic to higher vertebrates. In this study, mass spectrometry was used to demonstrate the presence of mycotoxins predominantly produced by Aspergillus spp. and Stachybotrys spp. in buildings with either ongoing dampness or a history of water damage. Verrucarol and trichodermol, hydrolysis products of macrocyclic trichothecenes (including satratoxins), and trichodermin, predominately produced by Stachybotrys chartarum, were analyzed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, whereas sterigmatocystin (mainly produced by Aspergillus versicolor), satratoxin G, and satratoxin H were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. These mycotoxin analytes were demonstrated in 45 of 62 building material samples studied, in three of eight settled dust samples, and in five of eight cultures of airborne dust samples. This is the first report on the use of tandem mass spectrometry for demonstrating mycotoxins in dust settled on surfaces above floor level in damp buildings. The direct detection of the highly toxic sterigmatocystin and macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins in indoor environments is important due to their potential health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Bloom
- Dept of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Medical Microbiology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 23, Lund, Sweden
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49
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Abstract
Mold is ubiquitous, and exposure to mold and its products of metabolism is unavoidable, whether indoors or outdoors. Mold can produce a variety of adverse health outcomes by four scientifically validated pathophysiologic mechanisms: hypersensitivity, toxicity, infection, and irritation. Some adverse health outcomes have been attributed to mold for which mechanisms of injury are not well defined or are implausible. This article discusses these adverse health outcomes, focusing predominantly on those for which valid associations have been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Seltzer
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 5201 California Avenue, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92617, USA.
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50
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Vesper SJ, McKinstry C, Yang C, Haugland RA, Kercsmar CM, Yike I, Schluchter MD, Kirchner HL, Sobolewski J, Allan TM, Dearborn DG. Specific molds associated with asthma in water-damaged homes. J Occup Environ Med 2007; 48:852-8. [PMID: 16902378 DOI: 10.1097/01.jom.0000224736.52780.2f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to determine if specific molds were found in significantly higher concentrations in the water-damaged homes of asthmatic children compared with homes with no visible water damage. METHODS The mold concentrations in the dust in asthmatic children's bedrooms in water-damaged homes (N = 60) and control homes (N = 22) were measured by mold-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Two molds, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Trichoderma viride, had significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentrations in asthmatics' homes compared with control homes and three other molds (Penicillium crustosum group, Stachybotrys chartarum, and Wallemia sebi) had P values <0.1. CONCLUSIONS A relative moldiness index was developed to predict the likely development of asthma in water-damaged homes in Cleveland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Vesper
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, USA.
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