Comparison of Two-Level and Three-Level Classifications of Moisture-Damaged Dwellings in Relation to Health Effects

Abstract

A total of 630 randomly selected dwellings were surveyed for visible signs of moisture damage by civil engineers, and questionnaire responses were collected from the occupants (a total of 1,017 adults) to analyse the association between moisture damage and occupant health. A three-level grading system was developed, which took into account the number of damage sites in buildings and estimated the severity of the damage. In the present study, this grading system was tested as an improved model of moisture damage-related exposure in comparison to a conventional two-category system: based on independent, technical criteria it also allowed dose-response to be estimated. The questionnaire probed 28 individual health symptoms, based on earlier reported associations with building moisture and mould-related exposure. Criteria in evaluating the goodness of the selected exposure model were (1) dose-responsiveness and (2) higher risk compared to a two-level classification. Dose-responsiveness was observed with the three-level classification in 7, higher risk in 10, and both criteria in 5 out of 28 health symptoms. Two-level classification had higher risk in 4 health symptoms. Dose-dependent risk increases for respiratory infections and lower respiratory symptoms, and recurrent irritative and skin symptoms were observed with the three-level classification using symptom score variables. Although the results did not unambiguously support the three-level model, they underline the importance of developing more accurate exposure models in assessing the severity of moisture damage.

Indoor Airborne Mold Spores in Newly Built Dwellings

“…Several investigators reported that signs of dampness were related to symptoms in dwellings (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). We also reported that signs of dampness related to symptoms in Japanese newly built dwellings (11).…”

Association of airborne moisture-indicating microorganisms withbuilding-related symptoms and water damage in 100 U.S. office buildings:Analyses of the U.S. EPA BASE data

“…While associations between observed water damage or mold and adverse respiratory health effects have been consistently reported in residences (Bornehag et al 2001;Haverinen et al 2001), less research has been reported for such associations in adult workers in buildings such as offices.…”

A Research Agenda on Assessing and Remediating Home Dampness and Mold to Reduce Dampness-Related Health Effects

“…For instance, Karvonen et al (2009) and (2015) included room-specific D/M assessments to a greater degree than did Pekkanen et al (2007). Haverinen et al (2001) did not consider room location or size of the moisture damage. Park et al (2004) constructed individualized exposure indices weighted by the time each subject spent in each room, the most complex semi-quantitative D/M indices yet reported, based on visual and olfactory observation by room for water stains, visible mold, mold odor, and moisture (with continuous rather than just several values).…”