Our team at the Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) Research Program at UT Health San Antonio wanted to share this important external study:
“Indoor Moldy Odor Exposure and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis Based on CLHLS Dataset in China” in the journal Indoor Air.
Air pollution has been linked to a decline in cognitive function.
This study sought to see if indoor moldy odor, a common air quality issue, could worsen cognitive deterioration in a set of 2,884 adults ages 65 and older via the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS).
“Indoor moldy odor was associated with cognitive impairment among elderly populations, highlighting the importance of public health policies targeting indoor air quality,” according to the study.
The study recommended health education and prioritizing mold prevention and timely water damage repairs.
“Moisture control interventions should be implemented in older residential buildings, particularly in areas prone to water damage and primarily inhabited by elderly populations, to reduce mold exposure risks,” researchers wrote.
Mold and indoor air quality is an important concern in development of chemical intolerance (CI) and TILT, said Dr. Claudia Miller, allergist/immunologist, professor emeritus, and leader of the TILT Program at UT Health San Antonio.
Mold that is actively growing has a characteristic smell because it emits volatile organic chemicals, called mold VOCs, which include hydrocarbons, acids, alcohols, aldehydes, aromatics, ketones, terpenes, thiols, and their derivatives. In susceptible individuals, mold can initiate Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance, and also trigger multisystem symptoms in people who are already chemical intolerant. Common symptoms include “brain fog,” problems breathing, and even mood changes, as well as allergic reactions of the skin, airways, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract.
To learn more, Miller suggests studying the TILT Program’s TILT Tutorial for Exposed Communities and Individuals.
How can you find out if you have chemical intolerance?
Answer these three questions from the TILT Program on Chemical Intolerance:
- Do you feel sick when you are exposed to tobacco smoke, certain fragrances, nail polish/remover, engine exhaust, gasoline, air fresheners, pesticides, paint/thinner, fresh tar/asphalt, cleaning supplies, new carpet or furnishings? By sick, we mean: headache, difficulty thinking, difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, upset stomach, etc.
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse or allergic reactions to any drugs or medications (such as antibiotics, anesthetics, pain relievers, X-ray contrast dye, vaccines or birth control pills), or to an implant, prosthesis, contraceptive chemical or device, or other medical/surgical/dental material or procedure?
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse reactions to any foods such as dairy products, wheat, corn, eggs, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, or food additives (e.g., MSG, food dye)?
If you answer YES to any question, take the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) and share the results with your doctor!
Editor’s Note: Hat tip on identifying the article to Ian Cull, who curates the IAQ Research of the Month Newsletter.