Review of methods applicable to the assessment of mold exposure to children

This article presents discussion of the assessment of the exposure of child ren to fungi, substances derived from fungi, and the environmental conditio ns that may lead to exposure. The principles driving investigations of fung al contamination and subsequent exposure are presented as well as guideline s for conducting these investigations. A comprehensive description of avail able research sampling and analysis techniques is also presented. Key words : (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucans, children, ergosterol, exposure assessment, fung i, mold extracellular polysaccharides, mycotoxins, tricothecenes, water dam age.