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HOME DAMPNESS AND RESPIRATORY MORBIDITY IN CHILDREN
Citation:
Brunekreef, B., D. Dockery, F. Speizer, J. Ware, J. Spengler, AND B. Ferris. HOME DAMPNESS AND RESPIRATORY MORBIDITY IN CHILDREN. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-89/407 (NTIS PB90245887), 1989.
Description:
This study examined the relationship between measures of home dampness and respiratory illness and symptoms in a cohort of 4,625 eight- to 12-year old children in six U.S. cities. ome dampness was characterized from questionnaire reports of mold or mildew damage inside the home, water damage to the home, and the occurrence of water on the basement floor. ymptoms of respiratory and other illness were collected by questionnaire. ulmonary function was measured by spirometry. igns of home dampness were reported in a large proportion of the homes. n five of the six cities, one or more of the dampness indicators were reported in more than 50% of the homes. he association between measure of home dampness and both respiratory and non-chest illness were both strong and consistent. dds ratios for molds varied from 1.27 to 2.12, and for dampness and pulmonary function was weak, with an estimated mean reduction of 1.0% in FEF associated with dampness and 1.6% with molds. e conclude that dampness in the home is common in many areas of the United States and that home dampness is a strong predictor of symptoms of respiratory and other illness symptoms among 8- to 12-yr old children.
