Abstract:
For the last 25 years, scientists and policy-makers have suspected that fungi colonizing indoors
have a detrimental influence on the respiratory health of occupants. To address this public health
concern, a meta- analysis was performed that examined the association between fungal agents and
nasal hypersensitivities in indoor environments. The effect size estimates (odds ratios) from
thirty individual statistics lend support to evidence that occupants exposed to fungal agents are
more likely to exhibit symptoms of nasal hypersensitivities. The meta-analytic test statistic of Z=
8.48 (p<0.00001); summary I2 = 44%; and, summary odds ratio= 1.58 [Children (1.63); Adults
(1.49); (95% C. I.)] links fungal agents and nasal hypersensitivity symptoms. This study’s
findings acknowledge the consistency of association between fungal agents and hypersensitivities
and moreover support the need for public health policies addressing indoor fungal contamination
in order to protect community respiratory health.
