Position paper from American Academy of Environmental Medicine on Mold

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June 10, 2008

Molds and Mycotoxins (Toxic Molds) in Human Health

American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM)

by aaemonline.org

It is commonly recognized that a large body of medical literature and

extensive clinical experience indicates that sufficiently high exposures to

indoor

airborne mold can lead to disease in otherwise healthy individuals. Since

environmental health has not been a focus of medical education, many physicians

are not fully aware of the scope of mold related health problems and are

inadequately equipped to investigate and manage possible cases of mold exposure

in a timely fashion.

Exposure to significant levels of indoor mold can cause acute or chronic

dysfunction or injury to all organ systems including the respiratory,

neurological, cardiovascular, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal,

immune

(through both immediate and non-IgE mechanisms) and hematological systems. In

addition to the resulting more commonly considered respiratory conditions

such as asthma and rhinosinusitis, exposure to mold proteins and mycotoxins has

been associated with fatigue, reduced concentration, imbalance, poor memory

and hemorrhagic disorders.

Mold contaminated buildings may well require prompt, serious remediation

since avoiding further exposure is the first step in treatment as well as a

major part of disease prevention.

The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) recommends continuing

research regarding mold related health problems and suggests that experienced

health authorities disseminate knowledge about this public health issue in

order to achieve widespread clinical competence among health professionals in

the investigation and management of actual or alleged mold exposure.

Supporting medical and scientific literature on this issue, along with

opportunities for formal training in environmental health, are available

through

the AAEM.

Approved by the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Environmental

Medicine on March 1, 2008.

_http://www.aaemonline.org/images/MoldStatement.pdf_

(http://www.aaemonline.org/images/MoldStatement.pdf)

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