30 Years of Published Research on Human Health Effects of Exposure to the Interior Environment of Water-Damaged Built Environments

This article presents an evidence-based and historically informed examination of health risks associated with water-damaged buildings (WDB) and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), reframing these conditions as manifestations of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). It explores the evolution of scientific understanding from early observations of mold-related illness to modern insights involving microbial communities, including bacteria, fungi, endotoxins, and beta glucans, as primary drivers of inflammation. The paper highlights the impact of environmental and construction factors on indoor air quality, as well as advances in diagnostic tools such as next-generation sequencing, transcriptomics (GENIE), and NeuroQuant® imaging to identify systemic and neurological effects. Clinicians, researchers, and building professionals will find guidance on identifying hazardous indoor environments, implementing evidence-based diagnostic protocols, and applying treatment strategies aimed at reversing inflammation and restoring health, while emphasizing the need for continued research, education, and prevention.

This article presents an evidence-based and historically informed examination of health risks associated with water-damaged buildings (WDB) and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), reframing these conditions as manifestations of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). It explores the evolution of scientific understanding from early observations of mold-related illness to modern insights involving microbial communities, including bacteria, fungi, endotoxins, and beta glucans, as primary drivers of inflammation. The paper highlights the impact of environmental and construction factors on indoor air quality, as well as advances in diagnostic tools such as next-generation sequencing, transcriptomics (GENIE), and NeuroQuant® imaging to identify systemic and neurological effects. Clinicians, researchers, and building professionals will find guidance on identifying hazardous indoor environments, implementing evidence-based diagnostic protocols, and applying treatment strategies aimed at reversing inflammation and restoring health, while emphasizing the need for continued research, education, and prevention.