Rising damp raises fungus bogeyman

Friday January 16th, 2015

Wetter weather makes diseases caused by fungus a growing threat, an expert said last night.

Microbiologist Professor Rosemary Barnes says half the UK's five million people with asthma may be suffering an allergic reaction to fungi.

Giving a lecture on science in public health at Cardiff University, Professor Barnes said the impact of fungus on health was "largely unknown" and studies were beset by crude data.

She warned: “For most people, fungal disease means a bit of athlete’s foot or a manky-looking toe nail. These maybe irritating and unsightly but fungi can do far worse. 

“Fungi kill more people than malaria and tuberculosis worldwide. They destroy about a third of all arable food crops. Some species have led to the extinction of many animal and plant species – sometimes even before the species has even been discovered.

“Fungi were on the earth long before plants and other life forms. They readily adapt to increasing globalisation and climate change and we need to rise to the challenge to deal with the threats posed by these versatile and intriguing organisms.”

She added: “Flooding caused by adverse weather conditions has caused a worsening situation of home dampness and indoor mould growth, which are associated with asthma, rhinitis and other respiratory problems."

Tags: Allergies & Asthma | General Health | UK News

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