No Link Between Mold Growth and Development of Asthma and Allergy, Scandinavian Study Finds
Date: 30.11.2010
A recent Scandinavian study shows that there is no link between mold-spore concentrations in the indoor air and development of asthma and allergy among children.
Many studies around the world have concluded that moisture-related problems in buildings increase the risk of health effects such as respiratory symptoms, asthma and allergy in both adults and children. However, there is only limited knowledge on which agents in indoor air or dust that cause the reported negative health effects. Biological pollutants such as molds has been suggested.
The results indicate that there could be agents other than mold spores that cause the health effects in damp buildings. In another publication based on the same study, a link between phthalates and allergic reactions among children was found.
"These are not particularly surprising observations, rather they support the fact that proper ventilation reduces the risk of moisture damage or defects. In older houses it might be useful to carry out an upgrading or rehabilitation of the foundations and external thermal insulation," Holme says.
Original Paper:
J. Holme, L. Hägerhed-Engman, J. Mattsson, J. Sundell, C.-G. Bornehag. Culturable mold in indoor air and its association with moisture-related problems and asthma and allergy among Swedish children. Indoor Air, 2010; 20 (4): 329 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2010.00658.x
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