If the disease progresses unchecked it can cause lung damage, respiratory failure and death. These symptoms typically commence between 2 and 10 days after exposure. Endotoxins from the cell walls of dead, gram-negative bacteria may be a cause of sick building syndrome symptoms in some people. Fungi We are only just beginning to realize the important effects which fungi can have on indoor air quality in offices. In a survey of over 400 office buildings fungal contamination was found to be responsible for problems in about one third of the buildings.
Fungi grow outside and inside buildings and they are everywhere.
In fact there are over 100,000 fungal species and they make up a quarter of the biomass of the earth. Providing there is sufficient water, fungi can grow on almost anything, from glass to jet fuel. Most of the fungi responsible for problems inside buildings belong to a group commonly called the molds. Most of us have seen how quickly fruit or bread can go moldy after it has been left exposed to the air. Unfortunately, the interior spaces in office buildings and especially the ventilation systems often provide ideal conditions for rapid mold growth.