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CONSULTATION ON IMPLICATIONS OF THE RESULTS OF THE INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE'S REPORT ON DAMP INDOOR SPACES AND HEALTH FOR THE INDOOR ENVIRONMENTS DIVISION'S INDOOR AIR QUALITY PROGRAM.
Impact/Purpose:
Will be used by the Indoor Environments division in determining what, if any changes, are needed to our programs direction and focus.
Description:
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Institute of Medicine (IOM) expects to publish a report on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health. The IOM has conducted a comprehensive review of the scientific literature regarding the relationship between damp or moldy indoor environments and the manifestation of adverse health effects, particularly respiratory and allergic symptoms. The review is focused on the non-infectious health effects of fungi, including allergens, mycotoxins and other biologically active products. In addition, it will make recommendations or suggest guidelines for public health interventions and for future basic science, clinical, and public health research in these areas. The Indoor Environments Division currently addresses moisture and mold in their guidance on mold remediation and in recommendations on reducing exposure to indoor asthma triggers [mold, dust mites, and cockroaches are all asthma triggers effected by moisture]. Having received a copy of the Damp Indoor Spaces and Health report and having reviewed its contents, ORIA will brief the SAB's Integrated Human Exposure Committee [IHEC] on the major findings of the report as well as the current Indoor Environments Division's current activities on moisture and mold [including software and remediation guidance development and specific work on indoor asthma triggers and school environments]. At that time, ORIA will also consult with the IHEC on possible approaches to implementing the report findings and/or recommendations within the Indoor Air Quality Program. IHEC member comments will be useful for ORIA in determining what, if any changes, are needed to our program's direction and focus.