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< ;, r Page 114 opportunistic bacteria as a result of entry into the body by means of damage to tissues or organs,production and release of toxins, and the human host's compromised immune system.'3 Typically, the natural defense mechanisms and barriers of the human body, such as skin, mucus, ciliated epithelium,and secretions containing antibacterial substances, such as lysozymes and defensins,make it difficult for bacteria to gain entry into the body.Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as burn victims, cystic fibrosis patients, and patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS)are more susceptible to infections by opportunistic bacteria.54 Respiratory effects(asthma, asthma-like syndrome,organic dust toxic syndrome, hypersensitivity pneumonitis)have been reported in workers exposed to high endotoxin exposures from working in livestock confinement, grain and cotton textile, sewage treatment plant, and compost industries.55 Endotoxin is a powerful, non-specific stimulant to the immune system,resulting in beneficial effects (e.g. reduced cancer risk and enhanced vaccine effectiveness) but also in adverse effects(e.g. potentially increased risk of hypersensitivity disease).56 These effects could not be reasonably expected from exposure via inhalation in an indoor environment; they have only been reported in individuals with exposures that are much higher than those in indoor environments. From a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on health effects from indoor exposure to mold,mycotoxin,bacteria, and endotoxins,the Institute of Medicine(IOM)and World Health Organization(WHO) concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to establish that any adverse health outcomes are caused by the presence of mold or other agents (including bacteria and endotoxins) in damp indoor environments.57 Odor J. Neither the ability to detect an odor nor the strength of an odor necessarily correlates to an environmental agent's ability or likelihood to cause irritation or health effects. What we experience'as the sense of smell is the result of the combination of two things: olfaction(the detection of odors) and chemosensation(the detection or sensation of chemical compounds). Olfaction allows us to distinguish the odor of a rose from that of a fish,whereas the general chemosense allows us to detect the sensation of cool menthol or stinging vinegar or burning ammonia. Olfaction is experienced through signals transmitted along the olfactory nerve to the brain;whereas the chemosense is experienced through signals transmitted along the trigeminal nerve. 53 Murray,P.R.et al. (2013).loc. cit. 54 Murray,P.R.et al. (2013).Chapter 14:Mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis.Medical Microbiology,7th ed. Saunders,Philadelphia.p. 138-146. 55 Thorne,P.S.and Duchaine,C.(2007).loc. cit.p.992-995. 56 Milton,D.K.(1999).Chapter 23:Endotoxin and other bacterial cell-wall components.In(Mather,J.), Bioaerosols:Assessment and Control ACGIH,Cincinnati,OH.p.23-2 57 Institute of Medicine and Committee on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health(2004).loc. cit.;World Health Organization.(2009).loc. cit. 66