Prevalence, Risk Factors and Impacts Related to Mould-Affected Housing: An Australian Integrative Review
Abstract
In response to an Australian governmental inquiry into biotoxin-related illness, the purpose of this integrative review is to bring together the current state of evidence on the prevalence, risk factors and impacts related to mould-affected housing in an Australian context, in order to inform building, housing and health research, practice and policy. The robust integrative review methodology simultaneously sought quantitative and qualitative studies and grey literature from multiple disciplines, identifying only 45 studies directly relating to Australian housing and indoor mould. Twenty-one studies highlight negative health impacts relating to indoor residential mould, with asthma, respiratory, allergy conditions and emerging health concerns for chronic multiple-symptom presentation. The majority of studies reported risk factors for indoor mould including poor housing conditions, poor-quality rental accommodation, socioeconomic circumstance, age-related housing issues and concerns for surface/interstitial condensation and building defects in newer housing. Risks for indoor mould in both older and newer housing raise concerns for the extent of the problem of indoor mould in Australia. Understanding the national prevalence of housing risks and "root cause" associated with indoor mould is not conclusive from the limited existing evidence. Synthesis of this evidence reveals a lack of coverage on: (1) national and geographical representation, (2) climatical coverage, (3) housing typologies, (4) housing defects, (5) maintenance, (6) impact from urbanisation, and (7) occupant's behaviour. This integrative review was key in identifying emerging housing and health concerns, highlighting gaps in data and implications to be addressed by researchers, practice and policy and acts as a comprehensive holistic review process that can be applied to other countries.
Symptom Clusters
Cited By (11)
- Damp Buildings: Associated Fungi and How to Find ThemJournal of Fungi · 2024
- Pathophysiological aspects of exposure to dampness-associated indoor mould and mycotoxins: A mini-overviewJournal of Hazardous Materials Advances · 2023
- Onset characteristics and breadth of occupants’ long-lasting building-related symptoms attributed to living in damp housing conditions in Australia: Qualitative insightsBuilding and Environment · 2024
- Moisture damage and fungal contamination in buildings are a massive health threat - a surgeon's perspectiveCentral European Journal of Public Health · 2023
- Mold Exposure and Mold-Associated Diseases- Does the Public Healthcare System Protect Us? A CommentJournal of Public Health Issues and Practices · 2025
- Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ): a novel approach to managing chronic inflammatory response syndrome and mitochondrial dysfunctionJournal of Bacteriology & Mycology Open Access · 2023
Related Papers
- Phytoplankton Toxins and Their Potential Therapeutic Applications: A Journey toward the Quest for Potent PharmaceuticalsMarine Drugs · 2022 · 3 shared tags
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: sensitivity of high-resolution CT in a population-based studyAmerican Journal of Roentgenology · 1992 · 3 shared tags
- Clinical and radiologic manifestations of hypersensitivity pneumonitisJournal of Thoracic Imaging · 2002 · 3 shared tags
- Misalignment between Clinical Mold Antigen Extracts and Airborne Molds Found in Water-damaged HomesAnnals of the American Thoracic Society · 2021 · 2 shared tags
- Microbiological Analysis of Indoor Air in Selected Primary Schools: Health Concerns and RecommendationsJournal of Multidisciplinary Science MIKAILALSYS · 2023 · 2 shared tags
- Dampness, mould, onset and remission of adult respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitisEuropean Respiratory Journal · 2019 ·