Acute effects of a fungal volatile compound.
OBJECTIVE
3-Methylfuran (3-MF) is a common fungal volatile product with active biologic properties, and previous studies have indicated a contribution to airway disease. The aim of the present study was to assess the acute health effects of this compound in humans.


METHODS
Acute effects were assessed via chamber exposure to (1 mg/m3) 3-MF.


METHODS
Twenty-nine volunteers provided symptom reports, ocular electromyograms, measurement of eye tear film break-up time,vital staining of the eye, nasal lavage, acoustic rhinometry, transfer tests, and dynamic spirometry.


RESULTS
No subjective ratings were significantly increased during exposure. Blinking frequency and the lavage biomarkers myeloperoxidase and lysozyme were significantly increased, and forced vital capacity was significantly decreased during exposure to 3-MF compared with air control.


CONCLUSIONS
Acute effects in the eyes, nose, and airways were detected and might be the result of the biologically active properties of 3-MF. Thus, 3-MF may contribute to building-related illness.
Wålinder
Robert
R
Department of Medical Sciences/Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. robert.walinder@medsci.uu.se
Ernstgård
Lena
L
Johanson
Gunnar
G
Norbäck
Dan
D
Venge
Per
P
Wieslander
Gunilla
G
D000328:Adult; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001767:Blinking / Q000187:drug effects; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000378:metabolism; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000187:drug effects*; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects*; D004058:Diffusion; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi / Q000737:chemistry*; D005663:Furans / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017817:Nasal Lavage Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D023842:Rhinometry, Acoustic; D013147:Spirometry; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013666:Tears / Q000187:drug effects; D014835:Volatilization
D000393:Air Pollutants; D005663:Furans; C039851:3-methylfuran; D002248:Carbon Monoxide