FUNGAL SPORES AS SUCH DO NOT CAUSE NASAL INFLAMMATION IN MOLD EXPOSURE

The increased frequency of respiratory symptoms and diseases among sawmill workers has been linked to occupational exposure to airborne contaminants, especially to different fungi. Similar adverse health effects, together with elevated levels of inflammatory mediators in the nasal lavage (NAL) fluid, have been detected in people working in mold-damaged buildings. However, the indoor fungal spore concentrations in moldy houses are much lower than those in sawmills. To study the effect of fungal spores as such on the inflammatory markers in the NAL fluid, we conducted a similar study in sawmill workers who had an intense exposure to fungal spores. NAL was performed in 11 sawmill workers both during high occupational microbial exposure and during their vacation. Concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-6 in NAL fluid were analyzed, and occupational exposure to inhalable dust, fungal spores, endotoxins and terpenes was confirmed by personal monitori...