World Health Organization says mold is a health hazard. That ends the argument I

[Guest guest]

The following is from the recent (July, 2009) World Health Organization's

Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality, Dampness and Mold (note, I bolded the bold

parts):

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f50/world-health-organization-says-mold-health-hazard\

-ends-argument-imho-41781/

Quote:

The conditions that contribute to the health risk were summarized as follows.

The prevalence of indoor dampness varies widely within and among countries,

continents and climate zones. It is estimated to affect 10¨C50% of indoor

environments in Europe, North America, Australia, India and Japan. In certain

settings, such as river valleys and coastal areas, the conditions of dampness

are substantially more severe than the national averages for such conditions.

The amount of water on or in materials is the most important trigger of the

growth of microorganisms, including fungi, actinomycetes and other bacteria.

Microorganisms are ubiquitous. Microbes propagate rapidly wherever water is

available. The dust and dirt normally present in most indoor spaces provide

sufficient nutrients to support extensive microbial growth. While mould can grow

on all materials, selection of appropriate materials can prevent dirt

accumulation, moisture penetration and mould growth.

Microbial growth may result in greater numbers of spores, cell fragments,

alergens, mycotoxins, endotoxins, ¦Â-glucans and volatile organic compounds in

indoor air. The causative agents of adverse health effects have not been

identified conclusively, but an excess level of any of these agents in the

indoor environment is a potential health hazard.

Microbial interactions and moisture-related physical and chemical emissions from

building materials may also play a role in dampness-related health effects.

Building standards and regulations with regard to comfort and health do not

sufficiently emphasize requirements for preventing and controlling excess

moisture and dampness.

Apart from its entry during occasional events (such as water leaks, heavy rain

and flooding), most moisture enters a building in incoming air, including that

infiltrating through the building envelope or that resulting from the

occupants¡¯ activities.

Allowing surfaces to become cooler than the surrounding air may result in

unwanted condensation. Thermal bridges (such as metal window frames), inadequate

insulation and unplanned air pathways, or cold water plumbing and cool parts of

air-conditioning units can result in surface temperatures below the dew point of

the air and in dampness.

On the basis of this review, the following guidelines were formulated.

Persistent dampness and microbial growth on interior surfaces and in building

structures should be avoided or minimized, as they may lead to adverse health

effects.

Indicators of dampness and microbial growth include the presence of condenation

on surfaces or in structures, visible mould, perceived mouldy odour and a

history of water damage, leakage or penetration. Thorough inspection and, if

necessary, appropriate measurements can be used to confirm indoor moisture and

microbial growth.

As the relations between dampness, microbial exposure and health effects cannot

be quantified precisely, no quantitative health-based guideline values or

thresholds can be recommended for acceptable levels of contamination with

microorganisms. Instead, it is recommended that dampness and mould-related

problems be prevented. When they occur, they should be remediated because they

increase the risk of hazardous exposure to microbes and chemicals.

Well-designed, well-constructed, well-maintained building envelopes are critical

to the prevention and control of excess moisture and microbial growth, as they

prevent thermal bridges and the entry of liquid or vapour-phase water.

Management of moisture requires proper control of temperatures and ventilation

to avoid excess humidity, condensation on surfaces and excess moisture in

materials. Ventilation should be distributed effectively throughout spaces, and

stagnant air zones should be avoided.

Building owners are responsible for providing a healthy workplace or living

environment free of excess moisture and mould, by ensuring proper building

construction and maintenance. The occupants are responsible for managing the use

of water, heating, ventilation and appliances in a manner that does not lead to

dampness and mould growth. Local recommendations for different climatic regions

should be updated to control dampness-mediated microbial growth in buildings and

to ensure desirable indoor air quality.

Dampness and mould may be particularly prevalent in poorly maintained housing

for low-income people. Remediation of the conditions that lead to adverse

exposure should be given priority to prevent an additional contribution to poor

health in populations who are already living with an increased burden of

disease.

The guidelines are intended for worldwide use, to protect public health under

various environmental, social and economic conditions, and to support the

achievement of optimal indoor air quality. They focus on building

characteristics that prevent the occurrence of adverse health effects associated

with dampness or mould. The guidelines pertain to various levels of economic

development and different climates, cover all relevant population groups and

propose feasible approaches for reducing health risks due to dampness and

microbibial contamination. Both private and public buildings (e.g. offices and

nursing homes) are covered, as dampness and mould are risks everywhere. Settings

in which there are particular production processes and hospitals with high-risk

patients or sources of exposure to pathogens are not, however, considered.

While the guidelines provide objectives for indoor air quality management, they

do not give instructions for achieving those objectives. The necessary action

and indicators depend on local technical conditions, the level of development,

human capacities and resources. The guidelines recommended by WHO acknowledge

this heterogeneity. In formulating policy targets, governments should consider

their local circumstances and select actions that will ensure achievement of

their health objectives most effectively.

READ: http://www.nachi.org/who-july-2009.htm

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Nick Gromicko, CMI

Founder

World's biggest, best inspection association

" Planet InterNACHI... resistance is futile "

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Last edited by gromicko; 7/27/09 at 2:22 AM..

Larson

InterNACHI Member Join Date: May 2006

Location: Hudson, WI including the Twin Cities of MN

Posts: 16,043

Re: World Health Organization says mold is a health hazard. That ends the

argument I

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Accorrding to Mr. Caoimh¨ªn P. Connell,

nothing has changed.

In July of 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) published its position

paper 1aon indoor moulds and Indoor Air Quality. Contrary to what many people

want to believe, the WHO guidelines reinforced the findings of the 2004

Institute of Medicine mould study group. In that study, the IOM stated there was

insufficient evidence to find a causal association between the presence of

moulds and any of the claimed adverse health effects. That is, after reviewing

the global scientific and medical literature, the IOM could not find sufficient

evidence to support the argument that the normal presence of mould in residences

and workplaces caused any adverse health effects.

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" Never underestimate the difficulty of changing false beliefs by facts. "

Henry Rosovsky-Harvard

Larson

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#6 7/27/09, 10:21 AM

Nick Gromicko

InterNACHI Member Join Date: Aug 2002

Location: Valley Forge, PA

Posts: 18,304

Re: World Health Organization says mold is a health hazard. That ends the

argument I

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Caoimhin is wrong again.

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Nick Gromicko, CMI

Founder

World's biggest, best inspection association

" Planet InterNACHI... resistance is futile "