Building dampness and mold in European homes in relation to climate, building characteristics and socio-economic status: The European Community Respiratory Health Survey ECRHS II

Abstract

We studied dampness and mold in homes in relation to climate, building characteristics and socio-economic status (SES) across Europe, for 7127 homes in 22 centers. A subsample of 3118 homes was inspected. Multilevel analysis was applied, including age, gender, center, SES, climate, and building factors. Self-reported water damage (10%), damp spots (21%), and mold (16%) in past year were similar as observed data (19% dampness and 14% mold). Ambient temperature was associated with self-reported water damage (OR=1.63 per 10°C; 95% CI 1.02-2.63), damp spots (OR=2.95; 95% CI 1.98-4.39), and mold (OR=2.28; 95% CI 1.04-4.67). Precipitation was associated with water damage (OR=1.12 per 100 mm; 95% CI 1.02-1.23) and damp spots (OR=1.11; 95% CI 1.02-1.20). Ambient relative air humidity was not associated with indoor dampness and mold. Older buildings had more dampness and mold (P<.001). Manual workers reported less water damage (OR=0.69; 95% CI 0.53-0.89) but more mold (OR=1.27; 95% CI 1.03-1.55) as compared to managerial/professional workers. There were correlations between reported and observed data at center level (Spearman rho 0.61 for dampness and 0.73 for mold). In conclusion, high ambient temperature and precipitation and high building age can be risk factors for dampness and mold in homes in Europe.

Dampness and mold in homes across China: Associations with rhinitis, ocular, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue among adults

“…Our study indicated that indoor dampness and mold in homes are more common in warmer climate zones in China. This is in agreement with one European multicenter study 39 and one literature review on dampness studies from Europe. 49…”

“…Moreover, window pane condensation at home in winter has been reported to be associated with mucosal, general, and dermal symptoms 19. This is in agreement with one European multicenter study39 and one literature review on dampness studies from Europe. In this study, there were health associations for all seven dampness indicators, and the ORs increased by number of dampness signs in the home, indicating a dose-response relationship.…”

“…Manual workers reported less water damage but more mold at home as compared to managerial/professional workers. 39 We found that many subjects reported symptoms in the last 3 months but few reported weekly symptoms. The most common weekly symptom was fatigue, and the prevalence of other individual weekly symptoms was rare (1%-4%).…”

Preventing Dampness Related Health Risks at the Design Stage of Buildings in Mediterranean Climates: A Cyprus Case Study

“…At the request of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences convened a committee of experts to conduct a comprehensive review of the scientific literature concerning the relationship between damp or moldy indoor environments and the appearance of adverse health effects in exposed populations. Based on their review, the members of the Committee on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health concluded that the epidemiological evidence shows an association between exposure to damp indoor environments and adverse health effects, including upper respiratory (nasal and throat) symptoms, cough, wheeze, asthma symptoms in sensitized persons with asthma [8][9][10][11][12][13]. The transfer of moisture in buildings is a very complex issue that can cause the deterioration of buildings by damaging brick/block work, the decaying and breaking up of mortar joints, fungal attacks in timber, and corrosion in iron and steel as well as stained wall surfaces (both internally and externally) [1].…”

“…Also, critical factors for fungal growth in indoor spaces are temperature and humidity [12]. In a similar study on dampness, [10], asserts that factors of climatology could influence the prevalence of indoor dampness and molds. Their study revealed that the number of occupants (e.g., family of two or a family of four) and the type of building (detached villas or apartments) had a significant influence on the reported cases of indoor mold or damp spots.…”