moulds; post-flood contamination; mycotoxins; mutagenecity; carcinogenecity; genotoxicity

The fungal growth observed inside flooded buildings suggested a potential health hazard for the persons involved in their reconstruction and future occupancy. Investigations were carried out in residential and schoolbuildings in 5 localities of the post-flood area (City of Ostrava, August 1997). Mould samples (133 specimens) were obtained by swabbing the walls of residential rooms and basements. The mould isolates were cultivated and extracted into chloroform (for TLC detestion of mycotoxins and genotoxicity tests). Throat swab samples (for a check on the hygienic recommendations) were taken from the subjects in the post-flood area (71cases) and the control (unexposed) group (47 cases) in September 1997.

The fungal growth observed inside flooded buildings suggested a potential health hazard for the persons involved in their reconstruction and future occupancy. Investigations were carried out in residential and schoolbuildings in 5 localities of the post-flood area (City of Ostrava, August 1997). Mould samples (133 specimens) were obtained by swabbing the walls of residential rooms and basements. The mould isolates were cultivated and extracted into chloroform (for TLC detestion of mycotoxins and genotoxicity tests). Throat swab samples (for a check on the hygienic recommendations) were taken from the subjects in the post-flood area (71cases) and the control (unexposed) group (47 cases) in September 1997.