Bioaerosols are airborne particles derived from microbial, viral and related sources. Human response to bioaerosols can range from innocuous effects (minor eye or respiratory irritation) to serious disease (chronic bronchitis) and depend on the specific agent and susceptibility factors within the person.
Bioaerosols can cause two general conditions: infectious disease such as Legionnaires disease, tuberculosis and allergic reactions such as asthma. Infections are generally the result of growth of microbes inside humans; allergic reactions are the result of exposure to antigens. Sources of airborne antigens include bacteria, fungi, pollen, insect body parts and animal dander. Potential sources of exposure can include water intrusion, open windows, poor housekeeping (dust mites, cockroaches) and household animals.
Molds can be a potential health hazard and can cause allergies, infections and toxicosis due to the ingestion of significant quantities of mycotoxin-contaminated foods such as peanuts (afflatoxins) and bioaerosols within the agricultural industry due to the inhalation of agricultural-based dust.
The mere presence of mold growth does not necessarily indicate that people present in the area will exhibit adverse health effects. However, as the level of mold contaminated materials increases, so do potential exposures. Certain exposures may represent a significant risk such as occupational exposures to high concentrations of fungi and chronic exposures, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma or allergies.
