ABSTRACT
Molds are receiving increased attention as agents of human health problems. Although several studies have shown that distribution systems regularly contain molds, the signicance of molds in drinking water has been paid only modest attention. However, it has been established that water may be a possible dissemination route for potentially pathogenic, toxigenic, and allergenic mold species. The link between waterborne molds and human health is still not fully understood, but it is important to be aware that species of clinical concern in immunosuppressed individuals are also present in drinking water. Molds may be aerosolized in indoor air when water passes installations such as taps or showers. Elevated levels of certain mold species may therefore constitute a potential health risk in susceptible groups. For these reasons, the mycobiota of water should be considered when microbiological safety and quality of drinking water are assessed.
