Critical Reviews in Toxicology, Volume 39

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Fungal spores: A critical review of the toxicological and epidemiological

evidence as a basis for occupational exposure limit setting

Author: Eduard, Wijnand1

Source: Critical Reviews in Toxicology, Volume 39, Number 10, November 2009 ,

pp. 799-864(66)

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/apl/btxc/2009/00000039/00000010/art00001;j\

sessionid=qlq0qifq7lpn.alexandra

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

Abstract:

Fungal spores are ubiquitous in the environment. However, exposure levels in

workplaces where mouldy materials are handled are much higher than in common

indoor and outdoor environments. Spores of all tested species induced

inflammation in experimental studies. The response to mycotoxin-producing and

pathogenic species was much stronger. In animal studies, nonallergic responses

dominated after a single dose. Allergic responses also occurred, especially to

mycotoxin-producing and pathogenic species, and after repeated exposures.

Inhalation of a single spore dose by subjects with sick building syndrome

indicated no observed effect levels of 4 & #8201;× & #8201;103 Trichoderma harzianum

spores/m3 and 8 & #8201;× & #8201;103 Penicillium chrysogenum spores/m3 for lung

function, respiratory symptoms, and inflammatory cells in the blood. In

asthmatic patients allergic to Penicillium sp. or Alternaria alternata, lowest

observed effect levels (LOELs) for reduced airway conductance were

1 & #8201;× & #8201;104 and 2 & #8201;× & #8201;104 spores/m3, respectively. In

epidemiological studies of highly exposed working populations lung function

decline, respiratory symptoms and airway inflammation began to appear at

exposure levels of 105 spores/m3. Thus, human challenge and epidemiological

studies support fairly consistent LOELs of approximately 105 spores/m3 for

diverse fungal species in nonsensitised populations. Mycotoxin-producing and

pathogenic species have to be detected specifically, however, because of their

higher toxicity.

Keywords: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis; irritation; occupational exposure limit;

organic dust toxic syndrome; review; toxicity

Document Type: Review article

DOI: 10.3109/10408440903307333

Affiliations: 1: National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway