Respiratory Morbidity among Children Following Renovation of a Water-Damaged School

Abstract

The authors sought to determine whether exposure to molds, resulting from moisture damage in a school, was associated with increased respiratory symptoms and morbidity among schoolchildren and whether the renovation of this building resulted in a decrease in prevalence of respiratory symptoms and morbidity. The study was a follow-up (1-y interval) of children between the ages of 7 and 12 y from two elementary schools in a Finnish suburb. In addition to a questionnaire completed by the parents, the authors assessed the respiratory health of children by examining the health records of a local health center. In the cross-sectional study, the prevalence of symptoms and infections were higher in the exposed group, as were visits to a physician and use of antibiotics. The school was renovated, after which all prevalence decreased and no significant differences remained, except for visits to a physician (according to questionnaire responses). Therefore, moisture damage and exposure to molds increased the indoor air problems of schools and affected the respiratory health of children.

Seasonal and Diurnal Variability in Airborne Mold from an Indoor Residential Environment in Northern New York

“…Colonies were blank-corrected and positive-hole-corrected per methods established by Andersen. 25 Airborne mold concentrations were calculated by the following equation: CFU/m 3 ϭ corrected number of colonies on the plate/ total volume of air sampled in m 3 . The limit of detection was 11.9 and 8.9 CFU/m 3 , depending upon sample volume.…”

“…1 Adverse respiratory symptoms in children have been associated with presence of mold and water damage in indoor residences. [2][3][4] Building occupants are becoming more concerned with mold contamination in the indoor environment because of media attention and publicity. This concern has driven the need for improved exposure assessment strategies.…”

Spectrum of Noninfectious Health Effects From Molds

“…Results showed a significant decrease in respiratory symptoms after renovation. 81 Who Should Perform the Cleanup? According to current EPA guidelines, an individual can usually clean up areas less than 10 ft. 2 If there has been a lot of water damage and/or mold growth covers more than 10 ft 2 ; the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is involved; or the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or flood water, it may be wise to consider hiring a professional and consulting the EPA guide "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings."…”

Estimating effects of moisture damage repairs on students’ health—a long-term intervention study

“…Specifically, the indoor air quality of school buildings may be a significant factor for children's health, because children spend a considerable amount of time in school environments on a daily basis. A number of studies have indicated health consequences associated with moisture problems in schools (Savilahti et al, 2000;Taskinen et al, 1999Taskinen et al, , 1997. However, only a few studies have published the results of the effects of moisture and mold damage repairs on school children's health.…”

“…However, only a few studies have published the results of the effects of moisture and mold damage repairs on school children's health. In these studies, clinical diagnosis, allergic reaction testing, or questionnaires have been used to evaluate health effects (Immonen et al, 2000(Immonen et al, , 2001Savilahti et al, 2000). Findings from the clinical studies have been difficult to interpret.…”