Comparison of two-level and three-level classifications of moisture-damaged dwellings in relation to health effects
Haverinen, U., Husman, T., Vahteristo, M., Koskinen, O., Moschandreas, D., Nevalainen, A. and Pekkanen, J.
2001
Indoor Air, 11(3): 192
Haverinen, U., Husman, T., Vahteristo, M., Koskinen, O., Moschandreas, D., Nevalainen, A. and Pekkanen, J., (2001), "Comparison of two-level and three-level classifications of moisture-damaged dwellings in relation to health effects", Indoor Air, 11(3): 192.
| 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.
Practical Implications
Current knowledge about factors that would be important in evaluating the severity of moisture and mould damage, and their association with occupant health, is not sufficient. The three-level classification tested in this study takes into account the amount of moisture damage and their estimated severity, which are two independent, technical criteria. It is a good starting point for assessming how the technical grading of buildings indicate moisture damage-induced exposure, and its association with health effects. Such assessment is needed in health effect studies, and also in practical building investigations. Moderate improvement in predicting risk was seen using the three-level classification, compared to the conventional two-level classification. Other factors that were not included in the three-level classification, but may be important in modelling the exposure, are the location and size of the damage, the size of the building and the duration of the exposure. |
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