Shining a Light on Mold

Mold in petri dish

Molds grow everywhere in the environment where moisture is present. They can be found indoors and outdoors and can cause health problems for those who are sensitive to the microscopic fungi. But do they lead to development of asthma and allergies, especially among susceptible groups such as children? That is the focus of study for a research team in EPA's Human Health Research Program in the Office of Research and Development (ORD) It's an important area of research, given that approximately six million children have asthma in this country.

Specifically, scientists are gauging the potential for a variety of mold contaminants to either induce or exacerbate allergic reactions. In the laboratory, scientists are able to study several areas of interest, one of which is to compare allergic responses to mold with allergic responses to house dust mites, a well characterized indoor allergen. The goal: is to gain a better understanding of the capacity molds may have to induce allergic asthma.

EPA Research Biologist Marsha Ward, Ph.D., in Research Triangle Park, NC, and her research team conducted a study comparing the allergic responses of mice to a fungal bio-pesticide (Metarhizium anisopliae) and a mold found in water-damaged buildings (Stachybotrys chartarum) to the responses to house dust mites. The M. anisopliae induced a similar response to the dust mites; the S. chartarum-induced response was about half as potent.

"This is a great illustration of how research conducted by the Agency's ORD contributes to public health," said Environmental Health Scientist Laura Kolb at EPA's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air. "Our office closely follows ORD research projects to update and modify our public guidance on asthma, as appropriate, with a goal of decreasing deaths caused by asthma."

One goal of the research is to provide guidance regarding mold exposure to the parents of asthmatic children.

"I think we are just getting to the point where [we] can start formulating advice for parents," said Stephen Vesper, Biologist, National Exposure Research Laboratory. "But we are not there yet. We need many epidemiological studies."

Although there is much work to be done, this project is part of a promising branch of study that has EPA researchers optimistic about the potential for improving human health through the reduction of asthma and allergy attacks.

For more information on mold, visit www.epa.gov/mold.

Shining a Light on Mold

Local Navigation