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

This article presents discussion of the assessment of the exposure of children to fungi, substances derived from fungi, and the environmental conditions that may lead to exposure. The principles driving investigations of fungal contamination and subsequent exposure are presented as well as guidelines for conducting these investigations. A comprehensive description of available research sampling and analysis techniques is also presented. Key words: (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucans, children, ergosterol, exposure assessment, fungi, mold extracellular polysaccharides, mycotoxins, tricothecenes, water damage.