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

Abstract

We studied dampness and mold in China in relation to rhinitis, ocular, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue. A questionnaire study was performed in six cities including 36 541 randomized parents of young children. Seven self‐reported signs of dampness were evaluated. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs). Totally, 3.1% had weekly rhinitis, 2.8% eye, 4.1% throat and 4.8% skin symptoms, 3.0% headache and 13.9% fatigue. Overall, 6.3% of the homes had mold, 11.1% damp stains, 35.3% damp bed clothing, 12.8% water damage, 45.4% window pane condensation, 11.1% mold odor, and 37.5% humid air. All dampness signs were associated with symptoms (ORs from 1.2 to 4.6; P < 0.001), including rhinitis (ORs from 1.4 to 3.2; P < 0.001), and ORs increased by number of dampness signs. The strongest associations were for mold odor (ORs from 2.3 to 4.6) and humid air (ORs from 2.8 to 4.8). Associations were stronger among men and stronger in Beijing as compared to south China. In conclusion, dampness and mold are common in Chinese homes and associated with rhinitis and ocular, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue. Men can be more sensitive to dampness and health effects of dampness can be stronger in northern China.

Snoring and environmental exposure: results from the Swedish GA2LEN study

“…16 However, previous studies have shown associations between snoring and other respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis. [31][32][33] Zhang et al 34 showed an association between building dampness and non-respiratory symptoms such as eye and skin symptoms, headache and fatigue. An association between indoor dampness and insomnia symptoms has also been reported.…”

Shotgun metagenomics of dust microbiome from flight deck and cabin in civil aviation aircraft

“…It has been reported that the total concentration of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), the microbial emissions, is almost four times higher than the average home level, and the levels of 2‐methyl‐1‐butanol and 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol were 15‐17 times higher compared to homes 7 . The exposure of indoor microbiome, mold, and MVOCs is suggested to be associated with asthma development and other respiratory symptoms, 8–10 rhinitis, eye irritation, skin itching and redness, headache, and tiredness 11–14 . All these health issues are also concerns among pilots, cabin crews, and passengers 15–17 .…”

“…MVOCs is suggested to be associated with asthma development and other respiratory symptoms, [8][9][10] rhinitis, eye irritation, skin itching and redness, headache, and tiredness. [11][12][13][14] All these health issues are also concerns among pilots, cabin crews, and passengers. [15][16][17] Thus, it is important to characterize the microbial composition and related environmental characteristics in commercial flights.…”

Occupants in Moisture-Damaged Buildings May be at Risk for Various Symptoms and Inflammatory Reactions: A Case Series Report and Literature Review

“…Based on international research data, it is known that living or working in a building with moisture damage can cause asthma, asthma exacerbation, allergic alveolitis, and increased susceptibility to infection. Other symptoms have also been described, e.g., eye, ear, and skin irritation [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. According to a recent review by the California Public Health Organization [17], there is a sufficiently strong relationship between moisture and mold damage and the risk for respiratory problems and asthmatic attacks to prove causality.…”