Bacteria, molds, and toxins measured in water-damaged building materials
Andersson MA, Nikulin M, Köljalg U, Andersson MC, Rainey F, Reijula K, Hintikka E-L, Salkinoja-Salonen M (1997) · Applied and Environmental Microbiology 63(2):387–393
Laboratory analysis of water-damaged building materials reported mixed bacterial and fungal colonization and higher cytotoxicity of extracts than extracts from undamaged materials.
What they studied
Analysis of gypsum board and other materials collected from water-damaged buildings, alongside undamaged comparison materials.
Microbiological characterization of bacteria and fungi present, plus measurement of endotoxin, beta-D-glucan, and fungal toxins.
Methanol extracts of the materials were tested for toxicity against mammalian cell lines.
What they found
The authors reported diverse bacterial populations, including mycobacteria and actinomycetes, alongside fungal growth on the wet materials.
Endotoxin, beta-D-glucan, and satratoxin were detected in the water-damaged samples.
Extracts from the wet materials were reported to be substantially more toxic to the tested mammalian cells than extracts from undamaged materials.
What it does not establish
A materials and cell-culture study; no human exposure or health outcome was measured.
Cytotoxicity of a solvent extract is not a measure of inhalation exposure in an occupied building.
Sample set is limited and not representative of all water-damaged construction.
This entry reports the study. It is not a statement about any building Sage Co. designs or constructs.
Source
- Andersson MA, Nikulin M, Köljalg U, Andersson MC, Rainey F, Reijula K, Hintikka E-L, Salkinoja-Salonen M (1997). Bacteria, molds, and toxins in water-damaged building materials · Applied and Environmental Microbiology 63(2):387–393 · Read at the source
Last reviewed August 30, 2026.