From the Occ-Env.Med board-Development of WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality:

[Guest guest]

In October 2007 WHO convened a working group charged with

Development of WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and

Mould. The report of that working group has now been published. This

report is not a copy of the new WHO Guidelines but only the report

of the working group. Apparently, the guidelines will be forthcoming

at some point in the future. The abstract is copied below and the

entire document can be accessed at

http://www.euro.who.int/document/e91146.pdf

World Health Organization

Regional Office for Europe

ABSTRACT

Microbial pollution is one of the key constituents of indoor air

pollution. It consists of hundreds of species of bacteria and fungi,

and in particular filamentous fungi (moulds) growing indoors when

sufficient moisture is available. Health problems associated with

moisture and biological agents include increased prevalence of

respiratory symptoms, allergies, and asthma as well as perturbation

of the immunological system. Based on the extensive review of the

scientific evidence, this WHO working group identified the main

health risks due to excess moisture, associated with microbial

growth and contamination of indoor spaces. It also formulated WHO

guidelines for protecting public health, recommending that

persistent dampness and microbial growth on interior surfaces and in

building structures should be prevented (or minimized) as they may

lead to adverse health effects.

Introduction

Background

Scope and purpose

Discussion

Scope of the guidelines

Critical review of draft chapters

Conclusions

Summary of the health risk evaluation

Recommendations

Annex 1. Table of contents for draft 1 of the background material

Annex 2. Participants