Characteristics of Moisture Damage in Houses and Their Association with Self-Reported Symptoms of the Occupants

Abstract

This study was motivated by a need to establish criteria for evaluating observations of moisture damage with respect to exposure and adverse health effects. The database used included information on moisture damage from 164 dwellings and questionnaire data collected from the occupants. Moisture damage observations were classified according to eleven variables characterising damage by, for example, size, duration and type of damaged material. Five health symptom scores were devised based on the questionnaire data. Visible mould associated with respiratory infections, irritative and skin symptoms. Damage <1 m 2 in size was associated with general and skin symptoms, and >4 m2 in size associated with respiratory infections and skin symptoms. Damage of <3 years duration was associated with respiratory infections and damage that had existed for 3-10 years was associated with general, irritative and skin symptoms. Symptom scores were associated more frequently with damage to organic rather than inorganic materials. Criteria used to evaluate the association between the classification of moisture damage and symptom scores were excess risk compared to a two-category classification, dose responsiveness, and biological plausibility of the findings. Despite the complexity of interpretation, the results show that more accurate models of moisture damage with respect to exposure and adverse health effects can be established.

Moisture damage and childhood asthma: a population-based incident case-control study

“…Also, kitchen and bathroom facilities are usually better ventilated and under negative pressure compared with the living area. The importance of the location of the moisture damage clearly needs further study but the present results suggest that it is one of the major determinants of the health effects of moisture damage [18,19].…”

“…In addition, each individual area of damage was documented in detail using a free format, including information on location and area of damage, observations of visible mould [18], and need for repair [17]. Location of damage was divided into four areas: main living quarters; kitchen; bathroom; and other areas.…”

Analysis of Actinobacteria from mould-colonized water damaged building material

“…Consequently, Aspergillus versicolor, Stachybotrys chartarum or Penicillium chrysogenum have been described as the predominant species and bio-indicators for water damage in building materials [10]. In addition to the material damage caused by microbial growths, they are associated with several negative health effects, such as coughing, wheezing, asthma, airway infections, tiredness and headaches [8,13,50,53]. Until now, however, no clear proof has been provided for a causal connection of the fungal species present, or their metabolites, and the reported negative health effects [54].…”

Occupational Exposure to Moulds in Buildings

“…Several studies have described health problems due to moisture and mould growth in domestic buildings [6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. The consequences of occupational exposure to moulds are gaining prominence because of demands for better working conditions.…”