The literature does not provide a consistent approach to determining severity of moisture damage in buildings and its impact on occupants' exposure and health. We have undertaken a series of studies; our goal is to find an objective, logical model useful in identifying potential health consequences related to excessive moisture. The database included a random sample of Finnish housing stock (630 residences) collected during 1993-1996 and more detailed information on moisture damage from 164 houses. Questionnaire responses were collected from the occupants of all residences. The first scheme developed to rate moisture damage of the residences was a three-level grading system based on technical criteria. Later, ten moisture damage characteristics were identified, and their association with occupants' reported health symptoms was analyzed. Following, integrated models were developed using knowledge-based and statistical approaches, associating indexes of selected damage variables with the symptoms. The models provide information useful in assessing moisture damage both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Authors: Ulla Haverinen, Mikko Vahteristo, Demetrios Moschandreas, Ph.D., Tuula Husman, M.D., Juha Pekkanen, M.D., Aino Nevalainen, Ph.D.

Citation: Indoor Air Quality 2001 Moisture, Microbes, and Heath Effects: Indoor Air Quality and Moisture in Buildings Conference Papers

Keywords: November, California, 2001, IAQ