[EMERGING]Emerging
Acute responses measured in a controlled human exposure to 1-octen-3-ol
In a double-blind controlled exposure, volunteers exposed to the fungal volatile 1-octen-3-ol for two hours showed measured nasal inflammatory markers and reported symptoms.
How to read this
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
- Twenty-nine healthy volunteers in a double-blind controlled exposure chamber study.
- Two-hour exposure to 1-octen-3-ol, the compound most associated with the odor of moldy buildings, versus control air.
- Measurement of nasal lavage inflammatory biomarkers, blink frequency, lung function, and symptom reports.
What they found
- The authors reported elevated nasal inflammatory biomarkers after exposure.
- Eye irritation, increased blink frequency, headache, and nausea were reported by exposed subjects.
- A decrease in measured vital capacity was reported after exposure.
What this study does not establish
- Twenty-nine subjects, one compound, two hours — a small, short experiment.
- Chamber concentrations were experimental and not drawn from a measured residence.
- Acute responses do not establish outcomes from long-term residential exposure.
- This entry reports the study. It is not a statement about any building Sage Co. designs or constructs.
Source
Wålinder R, Ernstgård L, Norbäck D, Wieslander G, Johanson G (2008). Acute effects of 1-octen-3-ol, a microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) — an experimental study. Toxicology Letters 181(3):141–147.
mVOCscontrolled exposurenasal inflammation
Elsewhere under Indoor Air Quality
- Cognitive test scores measured against CO2, ventilation, and VOC levels in an office setting
- Toxicological review of microbial volatile organic compounds in moisture-damaged buildings
- Dopamine handling and neurodegeneration measured in model systems exposed to 1-octen-3-ol
- Classroom microbial VOC measurements compared against reported respiratory symptoms in pupils
- Measured dwelling microbial VOCs compared against sick building syndrome reports in three cities
- Review asking whether some fungal volatile compounds meet the definition of mycotoxins
- Airborne gram-negative bacteria and endotoxin measured across office buildings with differing symptom rates
- Proinflammatory mediators measured in cell lines exposed to indoor bacteria and fungal spores
- Dust fungi and endotoxin measured against respiratory symptoms in a water-damaged office building
- Chemical marker analysis used to detect microbial colonization in water-damaged building materials
- Endotoxin, ergosterol, muramic acid, and fungal DNA measured in school dust against rhinitis reports
- Airborne macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins measured in water-damaged indoor environments
- Satratoxin G and H measured in indoor air of a water-damaged dwelling
- Mycotoxin survey of building material samples from water-damaged buildings
- Systematic review of airborne mycotoxin exposure across environments and tasks