Review Article
Jack Dwayne Thrasher
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-b-Dglucans (glucans) and (9) lipopolysaccharides LPS (endotoxins). When mold species exceed those outdoors contamination is deduced. However, there are no current recommendations by the EPA, OSHA, NIOSH, WHO and the Medical and Toxicology professions as to what constitutes a safe level of indoor molds and bacteria and their toxins in a water-damaged indoor environment. The thrust of his review is to discuss the role of fungi and their toxins on the health of occupants of damp indoor spaces.