Mikko, V., Jouni, R., Tuula, H., Aino, N.
2001 In "Bioaerosols, Fungi and Mycotoxins: Health Effects, Assessment, Prevention and Control", Edited by Johanning, E., Boyd Printing, Albany, New York
Mikko, V., Jouni, R., Tuula, H., Aino, N., (2001), "Moisture observations and health", In "Bioaerosols, Fungi and Mycotoxins: Health Effects, Assessment, Prevention and Control", Edited by Johanning, E., Boyd Printing, Albany, New York.
ABSTRACT
Two tenements, one with 252 and the other with 144 separate apartments were studied for their moisture problems and the symptoms of occupants. There were signs of moisture in 97% of the apartments of the index building and in 59% of the reference building. Among adults, the prevalence of nearly all respiratory symptoms was higher in the index building. The prevalence of nocturnal shortness of breath was more than twice as high in the index building than in the reference building. There was a statistically significant difference in adult's visits to a physician because of the respiratory symptoms between the two buildings. When the groups that were defined by the severity of moisture problems in the apartments was considered as an exposure variable, in hoarseness of voice, in nocturnal cough and in nocturnal shortness of breath ORs were high and showed a tendency of dose-response relationship. These results support the conclusion that good maintenance of buildings is necessary in order to prevent moisture problems and corresponding health consequences.
Bioaerosols, Fungi and Mycotoxins, Ed. by Johanning, E. "papers presented at the September, 1998 Third International Conference in Saratoga Springs, New York. clinical and epidemiological studies and technical reports on an emerging public health topic affecting people in indoor environments at work and at home."
