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Dust fungi and endotoxin measured against respiratory symptoms in a water-damaged office building

In a study of occupants of one water-damaged office building, both fungal and endotoxin measures in dust were reported in dose-response association with respiratory symptoms, with an interaction between them.

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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

  • Eight hundred eighty-eight occupants of a water-damaged office building.
  • Floor and chair dust sampling analyzed for fungi, ergosterol, and endotoxin.
  • Questionnaire assessment of respiratory symptoms, analyzed by exposure quartile.

What they found

  • Dose-response relationships were reported for both endotoxin and fungal measures with respiratory symptoms.
  • The authors reported that endotoxin modified the association between fungi and symptoms.
  • Associations were reported to be stronger when both exposures were considered together.

What this study does not establish

  • Cross-sectional study of a single building.
  • Dust measures are proxies for inhalation exposure.
  • Self-reported symptoms; no clinical diagnosis endpoint.
  • 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, Rao C, Kreiss K (2006). Fungal and endotoxin measurements in dust associated with respiratory symptoms in a water-damaged office building. Indoor Air 16(3):192–203.

endotoxindust samplingrespiratoryfield investigation