Microbiological threat from buildings and rooms and its influence on human health (sick building syndrome)

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Microbiological threat from buildings and rooms and its influence on human

health (sick building syndrome).

Ochmanski W, Barabasz W.

I Katedra i Klinika Chorob Wewnetrznych Collegium Medicum, Uniwersytetu

Jagiellonskiego w Krakowie.

In buildings we can observe many different strains of bacteria, over 400

species of mould fungi, many strains of fungus causing the rotting of wood

and

wood like materials, many species of algae, aphids, and other types of

growths

and seed plants and also over 30 types of mites especially those seen in

house

dust. Buildings, especially their interiors have a very specific

microclimate.

Within it areas of so called ecological lows are formed in which conditions

for

settlement, growth and reproduction of these organisms take place. A

building,

which is a hazard to the health of its residents, is called a " sick

building "

from the term " sick building syndrome " . The incidence and development of

some

types of mould fungus is associated with the production of very toxic

metabolites which are called secondary metabolites i.e. mycotoxins. Long

term

human, especially in relation to children, contact with the species

producing

the most potent mycotoxins like aflatoxin--Apergillus flavus,

ochratoxins--Aspergillus ochraceus, rubratoxins--Penicillium rubrum or

strachybotrytoxins--Strachybotrys chartarum may even be the cause of death.

Mould fungus or just mould is a saprophytic fungus derived from many

different

systemic groups (Mucor, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarinum). Fungi can

produce

lethal mycotoxins such as: alternariol, aflatoxins, gliotoxins, ochratoxins,

nivalenol, cytinine, dicumarol, rugulosine, trichoviridine and about 200

more

which considering their mutagenicity are potentially dangerous to humans,

animals, flora and microorganisms. Research which was begun by Prof. n

Aleksandrowicz and Prof. Boleslaw Smyk in 1970 and 1971 showed that the so

called " leukaemia houses " of leukaemia victims had an abundance of

toxinogenic

fungus in them, particularly the most potent fungus which turned out to be

Aspergillus flavus. Toxinogenic funguses are abundant in many living spaces

and

cellars in older and also in new housing. Mycotoxins have been shown to be

very

toxic and harmful and it is no wonder that many inhabitants of these living

spaces are constantly ill, mainly upper respiratory tract infections,

lethargy,

constant headaches, nausea and a general ill feeling. Inhabiting these

living

spaces for a considerable period may lead to cancer.