Indoor moulds, Sick Building Syndrome and building related illness

Humans are constantly exposed to fungi, or moulds, usually without suffering harm to health. However, in some instances inhalation of sufficient numbers of mould spores can trigger symptoms of asthma, rhinitis or bronchitis. Respiratory ill health associated with the built environment is often referred to either as Sick Building Syndrome [SBS] (i.e. building related symptoms) or building related illness. For many, the difference between SBS and building related illness is unclear and the two overlap. This review examines the differences between the two and describes in more detail the role of moulds in building related illness. Using as examples the after-effects of flooding in the UK in 2007, and Hurricane Katrina in USA in 2005, methods used to investigate exposure to indoor mould contamination are described, together with strategies for remediating mould contaminated buildings.