Author: Rockwell, William

Source: Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 26, Number 4, July-August 2005 , pp. 316-318(3)

Publisher: OceanSide Publications, Inc

Abstract:

More patients are turning to their allergists with symptoms compatible with allergic rhinitis, allergic sinusitis, and/or bronchial asthma after exposure to mold-contaminated indoor environments. These patients often seek guidance from their allergists in the remediation of the contaminated home or office. The aim of this study was to determine baseline mold spore counts for noncontaminated homes and report a successful mold remediation in one mold-contaminated home. Indoor air quality was tested using volumetric spore counts in 50 homes where homeowners reported no mold-related health problems and in one mold-contaminated home that was remediated. The health of the occupant of the mold-contaminated home also was assessed. Indoor volumetric mold spore counts ranged from 300 to 1200 spores/m³ in the baseline homes. For the successful remediation, the mold counts started at 300 spores/m³, increased to 2800 spores/m³ at the height of the mold contamination, and then fell to 800 spores/m³ after remediation. The occupant's allergic symptoms ceased on complete remediation of the home. Indoor volumetric mold counts taken with the Allergenco MK-3 can reveal a potential indoor mold contamination, with counts above 1000 spores/m³ suggesting indoor mold contamination. Once the presence of indoor mold growth is found, a prompt and thorough remediation can bring mold levels back to near-baseline level and minimize negative health effects for occupants.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2005-07-01

More about this publication?

• Allergy and Asthma Proceedings is a peer reviewed publication dedicated to distributing timely scientific research regarding advancements in the knowledge and practice of allergy, asthma and immunology. Its primary readership consists of allergists and pulmonologists.
  
  The goal of the Proceedings is to publish articles with a predominantly clinical focus which directly impact quality of care for patients with allergic disease and asthma.
  
  Featured topics include asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, food allergies, allergic skin diseases, diagnostic techniques, allergens, and treatment modalities. Published material includes peer-reviewed original research, clinical trials and review articles.
  
  The journal is indexed in Thomson Reuters Web of Science and Science Citation Index Expanded, plus the National Library of Medicine's PubMed service.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Information for Advertisers
• Reprint Requests
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Allergy & Immunology
• By this author: Rockwell, William

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers