2002 E-Mail Sent M. Gilsenan

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

1.1.1 Immunological Effects Immunological reactions include asthma, HP, and allergic rhinitis. Contact with fungi may also lead to dermatitis. It is thought that these conditions are caused by an immune response to fungal agents. The most common symptoms associated with allergic reactions are runny nose, eye irritation, cough, congestion, and aggravation of asthma.”. 12 HP may occur after repeated exposures to an allergen and can result in permanent lung damage. HP has typically been associated with repeated heavy exposures in agricultural settings but has also been reported in office settings.25.26,27 Exposure to fungi through renovation work may also lead to initiation or exacerbation of allergic or respiratory symptoms. 1.1.2 Toxic Effects A wide variety of symptoms have been attributed to the toxic effects of fungi. Symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, and headaches, and respiratory and eye irritation have been reported. Some of the symptoms related to fungal exposure are non-specific, such as discomfort, inability to concentrate, and fatigue.”. 12.16-20 Severe illnesses such as ODTS and pulmonary hemosiderosis have also been attributed to fungal exposures.5 10,21,22

ODTS describes the abrupt onset of fever, flu-like symptoms, and respiratory symptoms in the hours following a s/ng/e, heavy exposure to dust containing organic material including fungi. It differs from HP in that it is not an immune-mediated disease and does not require repeated exposures to the same causative agent. ODTS may be caused by a variety of biological agents including common species of fungi (e.g., species of Asperg/7/us and Pen/c/7//um). ODTS has been documented in farm workers handling contaminated material but is also of concern to workers performing renovation work on building materials contaminated with fungi.5-10 Some studies have suggested an association between SC and pulmonary hemorrhageZhemosiderosis in infants, generally those less than six

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