Actinomycetes and non-tuberculous mycobacteria measured against respiratory findings in a water-damaged office building
Park J-H, Cox-Ganser JM, White SK, Laney AS, Caulfield SM, Turner WA, Sumner AD, Kreiss K (2017) · Indoor Air 27(1):24–33
In a field investigation of one water-damaged office building, measured thermophilic actinomycetes were associated with respiratory findings among occupants while measured fungi were not.
What they studied
An occupational health investigation of a water-damaged office building where a cluster of granulomatous lung disease had been reported.
Dust samples were analyzed for actinomycetes, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, fungi, and beta-D-glucan.
Occupant respiratory outcomes included symptom reports and spirometry.
What they found
The authors reported associations between thermophilic actinomycete levels and decreased lung function and granulomatous disease among occupants.
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria were also reported in association with respiratory findings.
Measured fungi and beta-D-glucan were not reported to be associated with the health outcomes in this building.
What it does not establish
A cross-sectional investigation of a single building; findings may not generalize.
Exposure was measured in dust at one point in time, not over the occupants' exposure history.
The study does not establish that any measured agent caused the disease cluster.
This entry reports the study. It is not a statement about any building Sage Co. designs or constructs.
Source
- Park J-H, Cox-Ganser JM, White SK, Laney AS, Caulfield SM, Turner WA, Sumner AD, Kreiss K (2017). Bacteria in a water-damaged building: associations of actinomycetes and non-tuberculous mycobacteria with respiratory health in occupants · Indoor Air 27(1):24–33 · Read at the source
Last reviewed August 30, 2026.