A
risk assessment model for mycotoxin-producing molds on human health in
indoor environments
Miller RV,
Martinez-Miller C, Bolin V. Aerotech Monitor. 2000; 3:4-5. (Review)
Purpose: The authors proposed a risk assessment model that would
lower the threshold of mold exposure as compared to the model previously
proposed by Burge and colleagues.
Design: Hypothesis-generating proposal
Outcome: The authors reviewed the risk assessment model developed
by Harriet Burge in 1996. Burge's model indicated that most indoor mold
growth is insufficient to result in a sufficient amount of mycotoxins to
produce deleterious health effects. Miller and colleagues argued that
the high incidence of respiratory symptoms reported by individuals with
indoor mold exposure suggests that the threshold would be considerably
lower than predicted by Burge's model. Miller et al., pointed out that
other factors, including the immunosuppressive activity of mycotoxins,
render certain patient populations more vulnerable to the toxic effects
of indoor molds. The authors also hypothesized that multiplicative
rather than additive interactions may exist between various chemical
byproducts of the different molds growing together indoors, resulting in
the need for a lower amount of each mycotoxin to reach the threshold for
damaging tissue. Miller et al., proposed that the number of "contact
points" of mold spores with tissue may be a more reliable measure of
risk than the estimate from Burge's model, which estimated the dose of
toxin to which an individual would need to be exposed before health
effects occurred.
Significant Quotes: "Based on this model, it becomes apparent
that most exposures to mold-contaminated buildings would not be expected
to cause adverse health effects. However, the number of incidences where
individuals exposed to mold-contaminated buildings exhibit respiratory
distress suggests that the threshold may be considerably lower than
predicted in this model, or that a number of additional variables should
be factored into the model." (p. 4).
"Since the modes of activity of trichothecenes differ from aflatoxins
and other mycotoxins, the combinations of mycotoxins could be additive
or even synergistic, which could significantly reduce the amount of
either mycotoxin required to induce an immunosuppressive or toxic
effect. Immunosuppressive and combinational effects of multiple
mycotoxins may constitute major components in the adverse health effects
reported by many of the victims of mold exposure." (p. 4).
How to Obtain the Article:
www.erotechlabs.com/pres/newslett.asp
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