High prevalence of neurological sequelae and multiple chemical sensitivity among occupants of a Finnish police station damaged by dampness microbiota

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate the risks of different symptoms after the exposure to indoor air dampness microbiota (DM).

Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective cohort-based study compared morbidity risks in DM exposed (n = 116) vs. unexposed cohort (n = 45). Gender-adjusted log-binomial regression models were used to calculate risk ratios (RR). The analysis of indoor dust toxicity was based on the inhibition of the motion of boar spermatozoa in vitro. Conventional microbiological work-up was performed in an accredited laboratory.

Results: Compared to the unexposed cohort, the study cohort had statistically significant (p < 0.05) risks to develop symptoms of the central nervous system RR = 2.85 (95% CI 1.19-6.85), fatigue RR = 2.82 (1.55-5.11), Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) RR = 2.81 (1.06-7.46), cardiac arrhythmia RR = 9.58 (1.33-68.81) and respiratory symptoms RR = 2.66 (1.58-4.48).

Conclusions: The results of this study corroborate our earlier findings that toxic indoor air may cause a plethora of neurological symptoms. Higher than in the control group the prevalence of MCS associated with the exposure to DM. Bad indoor air is therefore not only a risk for respiratory problems and asthma but should be viewed broader as a systemic biotoxicosis. Therefore, psychologization of this disorder without mentioning the underlying insulting mechanisms should be discouraged.

Keywords:

• Multiple chemical sensitivity
• moisture damaged buildings
• dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome
• neuroinflammation
• fatigue

Acknowledgement

We thank Professors Ville Valtonen and Mirja Salkinoja-Salonen for valuable discussions during the preparation of this manuscript. We also like to thank Inspector Sec for expertise in indoor dust toxicity testing and the Finnish alliance SuPer that financially supported this study.