INTERPRETATION OF BIOLOGICAL DATA ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY: PRESENCE DOESN'T EQUATE TO SIGNIFICANCE

Based on results of residential air tests, homeowners may be advised that a significant mold problem exists in their home, and that extensive cleanup or remediation is required. Those living in such homes may attribute perceived or actual health conditions to reported levels of, or exposure to, molds. Consensus numerical guidelines or agency standards for evaluation of mold exposure do not exist. Toxicological evidence does not support a contention that healthy individuals are at significant health risk from common mold levels. Putative sensitive populations are not well-documented, and the literature is controversial or inconsistent. Factors influencing likelihood that indoor mold exposure contributes to adverse health effects include indoor vs. outdoor mold levels, concentration/types of mold species indoors vs. outdoors, number of sample