'Many studies have shown consistent associations between evident indoor dampness or mold and respiratory or allergic health effects, but causal links remain unclear. Findings on measured microbiologic factors have received little review,' scientists in Richmond, United States report.
'We conducted an updated, comprehensive review on these topics. We reviewed eligible peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies or quantitative meta-analyses, up to late 2009, on dampness, mold, or other microbiologic agents and respiratory or allergic effects. We evaluated evidence for causation or association between qualitative/subjective assessments of dampness or mold (considered together) and specific health outcomes. We separately considered evidence for associations between specific quantitative measurements of microbiologic factors and each health outcome. Evidence from epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses showed indoor dampness or mold to be associated consistently with increased asthma development and exacerbation, current and ever diagnosis of asthma, dyspnea, wheeze, cough, respiratory infections, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and upper respiratory tract symptoms. Associations were found in allergic and nonallergic individuals. Evidence strongly suggested causation of asthma exacerbation in children. Suggestive evidence was available for only a few specific measured microbiologic factors and was in part equivocal, suggesting both adverse and protective associations with health. Evident dampness or mold had consistent positive associations with multiple allergic and respiratory effects. Measured microbiologic agents in dust had limited suggestive associations, including both positive and negative associations for some agents,' wrote M.J. Mendell and colleagues.
The researchers concluded: 'Thus, prevention and remediation of indoor dampness and mold are likely to reduce health risks, but current evidence does not support measuring specific indoor microbiologic factors to guide health-protective actions.'
Mendell and colleagues published their study in Environmental Health Perspectives (Respiratory and Allergic Health Effects of Dampness, Mold, and Dampness-Related Agents: A Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2011;119(6):748-756).
For additional information, contact M.J. Mendell, California Dept. of Public Health, Indoor Air Qual Sect, Environmental Health Laboratory Branch, 850 Marina Bay Pkwy, G365, Richmond, CA 94804, United States.
The publisher's contact information for the journal Environmental Health Perspectives is: Us Dept. Health Human Sciences Public Health Science, National Institute Health, National Institute Environmental Health Sciences, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Pk, NC 27709-2233, USA.
Keywords: City:Richmond, State:California, Country:United States, Region:North and Central America, Ecology, Pediatrics, Conservation, Bronchial Diseases, Obstructive Lung Diseases, Respiratory Tract Diseases, Respiratory Hypersensitivity
This article was prepared by Pediatrics Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Pediatrics Week via NewsRx.com.
