Groundbreaking room air research searches for toxins in mouldy buildings

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Groundbreaking room air research searches for toxins in mouldy buildings

Universitas Helsingiensis - Finland

http://www.helsinki.fi/news/archive/7-2009/23-13-58-22.html

The effect of toxins on morbidity rates has not been researched much in Finland,

and even less so internationally.

Many Finns have complained of peculiar symptoms while living in or otherwise

occupying buildings which have significant moisture damage. The symptoms include

shivering, high temperatures, nausea or symptoms related to the nervous system

or heart muscle. These symptoms subside when leaving such premises, but return

quickly when coming back to them. The symptoms may continue even though the

moisture damage has been repaired.

According to Professor Emerita Mirja Salkinoja-Salonen from the University of

Helsinki, the symptoms are not caused by any known microbe.

" It is known that the question is not only about mould content. Concentrations

inside a building can be high but residents are healthy. Or concentrations can

be small but people are still showing symptoms. "

The cause of the symptoms is now being researched from two directions: from

toxic compounds in building materials colonized by microbe growth and from

toxins discharged into a room's air by microbes. Five toxin types have been

found in buildings with moisture damage and in which people have suffered from

serious illness.

" Toxins and the microbes that produce them may enter your body through the

respiratory organs, skin contact or the eyes. It depends on factors such as the

dosage and the route entered and how fast and effectively the toxin starts to

take effect. "

The toxin dosages are collected from room air using equipment developed by the

Finnish company Inspectorsec Oy. The toxins collected with the equipment are

measured by the biocentre of the University of Helsinki.

" The measurement of a toxin from room air is challenging and has been successful

only recently, " says Salkinoja-Salonen.

The targets of the research project were schools and workplaces.

" We researched homes on a small scale with the help of financing from the

Academy of Finland. We would be happy to research them even further if we get

the financing.

In addition to people with health problems, the research results are interesting

to those carrying out renovations. Nowadays, damage is repaired mostly by

removing moisture. It does not remove the microbe growth created in the building

and so does not remove the health problems.

The research hypothesis of Salkinoja-Salonen is also of interest to the Finnish

Work Environment Fund which finances the projects of leading units of the

University of Helsinki and the National Public Health Institute with more than

EUR 100,000. The first results may be available in the autumn of the next year.

Additional information:

Integrative Photosynthesis and Bioactive Compound Research >>

Text: na Rautio

Photo: University of Helsinki

23.7.2009

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