Indoor Environment Connections. Volume 10, issue 11. September 2009 by Tom Scarlett
"Buildings owners worldwide are responsible for providing a healthy workplace or living environment free of excess moisture and mold, by insuring proper building construction and maintenance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
As we reported last month, the WHO guidelines on Dampness and Mold found that occupants of damp or moldy buildings have up to 75% greater risk of respiratory symptoms and asthma than occupants of buildings with better air quality.
This month, WHO published more details on its guidelines for providing safe indoor air. The WHO guidelines are based on a comprehensive review and evaluation of the accumulated scientific evidence by a multidisciplinary group of experts studying health effects of indoor air pollutants as well as those specialized in indentification of the factors that contribute to microbial growth indoors.
"Problems of indoor air quality are recognized as important risk factors for human health in both low-income and middle- and high-income countries," the report says. "In residences, day-care centers, retirement homes and other special environments, indoor air pollution affects population groups that are particularly vulnerable due to their health status or age".
Asthma Risk
Sufficient epidemiological evidence is available from studies conducted in different countries and under different climatic conditions to show that the occupants of damp or moldy buildings, both houses and public buildings, are at increased risk of respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections and exacerbation of asthma, the researchers found.
"There is clinical evidence that exposure to mold and other dampness-related microbial agents increases the risks of rare conditions, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic alveolitis, chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic fungal sinusitis," the report also concluded.
The WHO guidelines are:
Persistent dampness and microbial growth on interior surfaces and in buildings structures should be avoided or minimized, as they may lead to adverse health effects.
Indicators of dampness and microbial growth include the presence of condensation on surfaces or in structures, visible mold, perceived moldy odor and a history of water damage, leakage or penetration. Thorough inspection and, if necessary, appropriate measurements can be used to confirm indoor moisture and microbial growth."
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