NAHB Scientific Literature Review of Mold

John P. Lapotaire, CIEC

A Report on the Health Effects of Indoor Mold

During the past few years the alleged link between indoor mold and serious human illness has been the subject of much debate by diverse groups including public health officials, federal and state legislators, homeowners and building occupants, attorneys, and the media. To help NAHB members sort through the complex and often conflicting information regarding the health effects of mold, the association convened a panel of experts in the fields of mycology, industrial hygiene, immunology, and toxicology. The panel was instructed to review the existing English-language scientific literature to determine whether it provides a reliable and reasonable scientific basis for one to conclude that there is a causal link between indoor molds and any medically recognized human ailment. The panel was also asked to identify future research that might be beneficial toward determining the links between indoor molds and their related health effects.

The report includes an Executive Summary and three parts. Part I of the report provides the scientific background for studying mold based on the area of expertise of the four panelists. They follow in sequence: mycology, industrial hygiene, immunology, and toxicology. In Part II of the report, which follows the same sequence, each panelist reviews the relevant scientific literature pertaining to the question presented. Part III of the report contains short summaries of what the panelists considered to be the approximately 100 most important documents. A list of references is provided at the end of the report.

Download parts of the report: http:// www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=14147&fromGSA=1

•John P. Lapotaire, CIEC•Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant•Microshield Environmental Services, LLC• www.Microshield-ES.com