Building-related respiratory symptoms can be predicted with semi-quantitative indices of exposure to dampness and mold

Abstract

Using a semi-quantitative mold exposure index, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) investigated 13 college buildings to examine whether building-related respiratory symptoms among employees are associated with environmental exposure to mold and dampness in buildings. We collected data on upper and lower respiratory symptoms and their building- relatedness, and time spent in specific rooms with a self-administered question- naires. Trained NIOSH industrial hygienists classified rooms for water stains, visible mold, mold odor, and moisture using semi-quantitative scales and then estimated individual exposure indices weighted by the time spent in specific rooms. The semi-quantitative exposure indices significantly predicted building- related respiratory symptoms, including wheeze [odds ratio (OR) ¼ 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) ¼ 1.1–4.5], chest tightness (OR ¼ 2.2; 95% CI ¼ 1.1– 4.6), shortness of breath (OR ¼ 2.7; 95% CI ¼ 1.2–6.1), nasal (OR ¼ 2.5; 95% CI ¼ 1.3–4.7) and sinus (OR ¼ 2.2; 95% CI ¼ 1.2–4.1) symptoms, with expo- sure–response relationships. We found that conditions suggestive of indoor mold exposure at work were associated with building-related respiratory symptoms. Our findings suggest that observational semi-quantitative indices of exposure to dampness and mold can support action to prevent building-related respiratory diseases. J.-H. Park, P. L. Schleiff, M. D. Attfield, J. M. Cox-Ganser, K. Kreiss National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, Field Studies Branch, Morgantown, WV, USA

Symptom Clusters