[Non allergic disorders associated with domestic moulds]

Introduction: Mouldy surfaces are encountered in up to 20 % of dwellings. Because this indoor air contamination is so widespread, respiratory physicians should be aware of its effects on health and especially of its impact on respiratory diseases.

Background: The air contaminants within mouldy dwellings are very diverse. Therefore, a given heath effect cannot be attributed specifically to an individual contaminant. In the field of respiratory diseases, excluding asthma and allergy, long-term exposure to indoor moulds has been recognized as a risk factor for both ENT and bronchial symptoms. Hydrophilic moulds seem to have a larger health impact than other mould species. Among respiratory diseases, inhalation fever and, to a lesser extent, childhood respiratory infections are linked to exposure to moulds. In contrast, the relationship between exposure to indoor moulds and diseases such as sinusitis, mucous irritation syndrome, recurrent respiratory infections in adults, COPD and pulmonary haemorrhage has not been clearly established.

Viewpoint: There are still many scientific uncertainties in this field. However, the authorities are becoming more active in dealing with unhealthy buildings and encouraging research.

Conclusion: The health impact of mouldy dwellings represents a major public health issue. It needs incentives from institutions and financial support as well as the involvement of many specialists.