Kids in Mouldy Day-cares Face Health Risks

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Kids in Mouldy Day-cares Face Health Risks

published Fri 10:28 AM

YLE News - Helsinki,Uusimaa,Finland

http://www.yle.fi/uutiset/news/2009/01/kids_in_mouldy_day-

cares_face_health_risks__499343.html

Day-care teacher Pippi Lamberg points out mould at this day-care

facilty.

Image: YLE

Up to 60 percent of day-care centres in Finland suffer from moisture

damage perfect for mould growth. In children, mould can result in

infectious diseases, ornery behaviour, allergies and asthma.

" Nearly 300,000 children are cared for in day-care facilities. I

hope that these children are not forgotten " said Tuula Putus, a

doctor who has studied the mould problem in schools.

It's estimated that one-fifth of daycares which are excessively damp

develop mould problems. Putus said many children suffer from chronic

lung infections by the time they begin school. The risk of

developing asthma is up to four times greater for children who

attend daycares with mould.

" It is evident that when children are placed in day-care centres

they face a higher risk for infectious diseases. But there is a

difference in the prevalence of illnesses between daycares. There

has to be a reason for this, " Putus said.

A nationwide study on mould in daycares has not been carried out.

But according to Putus, one should be completed as soon as possible.

YLE