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Toxicological review of microbial volatile organic compounds in moisture-damaged buildings
A toxicological review catalogued the volatile compounds produced by indoor fungi and bacteria and summarized the exposure and toxicity data available for the most commonly detected ones.
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
- A critical review of the published literature on volatile organic compounds of microbial origin.
- Compounds identified from fungi and bacteria growing in moisture-damaged buildings.
- Available toxicological and exposure data for the most frequently detected compounds.
What they found
- The authors reported more than 200 microbial volatile organic compounds identified in the reviewed literature.
- Fifteen compounds were reported as those most commonly detected in moisture-damaged buildings.
- Reported indoor concentrations were generally far below levels producing effects in the available toxicological studies.
What this study does not establish
- A review; it does not measure exposures or outcomes directly.
- The authors report that toxicological data for many identified compounds is sparse.
- Detection of a compound indoors does not establish a health effect at that concentration.
- This entry reports the study. It is not a statement about any building Sage Co. designs or constructs.
Source
Korpi A, Järnberg J, Pasanen A-L (2009). Microbial volatile organic compounds. Critical Reviews in Toxicology 39(2):139–193.
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