Bookshelf ID: NBK143941PMID: 23785740
Abstract
Microbial pollution is a key element of indoor air pollution. It is caused by hundreds of species of bacteria and fungi, in particular filamentous fungi (mould), growing indoors when sufficient moisture is available. This document provides a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence on health problems associated with building moisture and biological agents. The review concludes that the most important effects are increased prevalences of respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma as well as perturbation of the immunological system. The document also summarizes the available information on the conditions that determine the presence of mould and measures to control their growth indoors. WHO guidelines for protecting public health are formulated on the basis of the review. The most important means for avoiding adverse health effects is the prevention (or minimization) of persistent dampness and microbial growth on interior surfaces and in building structures.
Contents
- Contributors
- Acknowledgements
- Foreword
- Executive summary
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Building dampness and its effect on indoor exposure to biological and non-biological pollutantsJeroen Douwes.
- 3. Moisture control and ventilationOlli Seppänen and Jarek Kurnitski.
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Sources of moisture
- 3.3 Mould and mites as indicators of building performance
- 3.4 Ventilation performance
- 3.5 Ventilation systems
- 3.6 Outdoor and other sources of pollution related to ventilation
- 3.7 Ventilation and spread of contaminants
- 3.8 Moisture control in buildings
- 3.9 Measures to protect against damage due to moisture
- 3.10 Conclusions and recommendations
- 4. Health effects associated with dampness and mouldMark J Mendell, Anna G Mirer, Kerry Cheung, Jeroen Douwes, Torben Sigsgaard, Jakob Bønløkke, Harald W Meyer, Maija-Riitta Hirvonen, and Marjut Roponen.
- 5. Evaluation of human health risks and guidelines
- 6 References
- Annex 1 Summary of epidemiological studies
- Annex 2 Summary of in vitro and in vivo studies
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Copyright © 2009, World Health Organization.
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