5 Facts About Fungal Allergens from Dr. Harriet Burge

In a scientifically reference article by Dr. Harriet Burge titled "Fungal Allergens", featured on EMLab P&K's website, the author discusses the nature of fungal allergens and the effect they can have on the sufferer. Here are 5 facts derived from the publication: 

1. Once sensitization has been accomplished, such as with mold exposure, then re-exposure can cause the same symptoms; the re-exposure tends to create almost immediate symptoms. 

2. For surface growth of allergens, the spore(s) that are present may not need to be living to cause sensitization in the sufferer. 

3. It is not 100% conclusively known whether all fungal spores can create allergens. However, some of the more prosaic ones documented during air quality testing have been shown to cause sensitization and create symptoms. The symptom causing mold genus types were documented as: "Cladosporium, Alternaria, Bipolaris, Curvularia, Pithomyces and Stachybotrys".

The three noted genus types which did not create symptoms included: "Epicoccum, Fusarium, and Spegazzinia".

4. In reference to one case study, Dust mites can potentially cause allergens twice as bad as Stachybotrys Chartarum. 

5. "Given that some spores must be alive to release allergens, it is possible that spores produced in an indoor environment would be "fresher" and more likely to be alive than those outdoors. If this were true, then indoor exposures to some fungi may be more important than outdoor exposure." This reinforces why people exposed to fresh indoor mold growth may be experiencing stronger symptoms. 

The information provided here is not meant to act as medical advice and Dr. Harriet Burge has no affiliation with Mold Mitigation Professionals. To review the article referenced in the this blog in full, please visit the following link: 

https://www.emlab.com/resources/education/environmental-reporter/fungal-allergens/