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Actinomycetes and non-tuberculous mycobacteria measured against respiratory findings in a water-damaged office building
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.
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This library reports what studies found. An entry describes a study's design, its findings in its own terms, and its limits. Nothing here is a claim about what a Sage Co. home does, delivers, or prevents.
Last reviewed August 30, 2026.
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 this study 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.
actinomycetesbacteriarespiratoryfield investigation
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