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Observation-based metrics for residential dampness and mold with dose-response relationships to health: A review
1Indoor Air Quality Section, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA.
Abstract:
An important proportion of respiratory illness is considered attributable to residential dampness or mold (D/M). Developing health-protective D/M guidelines has been challenging, in part because unhealthy levels of indoor D/M cannot be defined using available microbiological measurements. This review paper explores reported multilevel, observation-based (eg visual or olfactory) D/M metrics for potential in defining unhealthy levels of residential D/M. For many of the 33 multilevel residential D/M metrics identified, health risks generally increased as observed D/M increased. Although some metrics seemed too complex for practical use, simple metrics had among the strongest associations with health outcomes. Available findings suggest the feasibility of setting observation-based D/M thresholds to trigger remedial action, using further improved D/M metrics without microbiological measurements (at least until the actual dampness-related agents that cause illness are better quantified). Additional data would allow setting health-protective D/M thresholds more precisely. Also, metrics could better reflect hidden D/M by more strongly emphasizing mold odor, which has demonstrated strong associations with health effects.
Insights
Residential dampness and mold (D/M) contribute to respiratory illness. Simple, observation-based D/M metrics show promise for setting health guidelines without complex measurements.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Building Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Residential dampness and mold (D/M) are linked to a significant portion of respiratory illnesses.
- Current microbiological measurements are insufficient for defining unhealthy indoor D/M levels.
- Developing effective D/M guidelines is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate observation-based metrics for assessing residential D/M.
- To explore the potential of these metrics in defining unhealthy D/M levels for guideline development.
- To identify metrics suitable for triggering remedial actions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of multilevel, observation-based D/M metrics.
- Analysis of associations between observed D/M levels and health risks.
- Evaluation of metric complexity and practical usability.
Main Results:
- 33 multilevel residential D/M metrics were identified.
- Generally, increased observed D/M correlated with increased health risks.
- Simple metrics demonstrated strong associations with health outcomes, while some were too complex for practical use.
Conclusions:
- Observation-based D/M metrics are feasible for setting health-protective thresholds for remedial action.
- Further refinement of D/M metrics, emphasizing factors like mold odor, can improve accuracy.
- Future research should focus on collecting more data to precisely define D/M thresholds.
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