Study: Mold linked to asthma

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Sept. 6, 2007

Study: Mold linked to asthma

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Health/2007/09/06/study_mold_linked_to_asthma/4676/

CARDIFF, Wales, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Researchers in Wales found removing indoor mold

improved the symptoms of people with asthma.

The study, published in the journal Thorax, found indoor mold may have a link

with asthma. However, the researchers said more work is needed in this area

before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

The Cardiff University researchers asked patients with asthma living in two

areas of South Wales if they noticed mold growing inside their houses. Mold

growth was then confirmed by a trained observer.

In half of the houses with mold -- chosen at random -- the mold was removed.

Fungicidal wash was used to kill any remaining mold and ventilation was improved

by means of a fan in the loft.

In the other houses, mold removal was delayed for 12 months.

" In the houses where mold was removed, the symptoms of asthma improved and the

use of inhalers decreased more than in the other houses, " Dr. Burr of

Cardiff University's School of Medicine said in a statement. " Removing mold also

led to improvements in other symptoms: sneezing, runny or blocked noses, and

itchy-watery eyes. "