Healthy Homes Overview Dry

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module you will be able to:  Recall health problems associated with mold and moisture exposure  Recognize some sources of moisture in the home  Apply some methods to correct moisture intrusion  Identify the most common chronic illness affecting children  Examine the role of a low cost visual inspection in identifying asthma triggers

Health Problems Associated With Mold And Moisture  Itchy eyes  Runny nose  Throat irritation  Congestion  Coughing  Wheezing  Asthma symptoms

How Does A Home Get Wet?  Water from outside (e.g. rain)  Water from inside (e.g. leaking pipes)  Condensation

Examples Of Moisture Problems

Impact Of Improperly Directed Rainwater

Examples of Moisture Problems

Moisture Problems From The Inside

Condensation When Cold Outside

Moisture Incursion Mitigation 1. Stop water incursion 2. Remove pervious materials wetted for more than 48 hours 3. Clean impervious materials 4. Consider the use of biocides 5. Consider professional mold/water incursion remediation for large jobs (e.g. >15 sq. ft.)

Routine Precautions 1. Use kitchen and bathroom fans 2. Dry shower stalls after use 3. Maintain relative humidity to less than 60%

Asthma More than 17 million persons in the United States have asthma (CDC, 1998). Among children, it is the most common chronic illness.

Asthma  Asthma is on the increase  Home environment is the probable cause  Housing designs intended to increase efficiency, increase temperature and decrease ventilation  Extensive furnishings and carpeting appear to also be contributing factors

Asthma Potentially exacerbating the indoor air risk factor for asthma, data show children in the U.S. currently spend the overwhelming majority of their time indoors.

Asthma  Risk factors for development of asthma are:  Family history of allergic disease  Sensitization to one or more indoor allergens  Allergens cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, and are frequently found in household dust, although some are also airborne.

Asthma  Exposure to dust mite allergens in childhood has been directly linked to the development of asthma.  Mouse and cockroach allergens in urban areas, especially in certain climates also suspected to increase risk of development of asthma.

Molds and Asthma  People are routinely exposed to hundreds of species of fungi, including mold.  Mold may play a role in asthma because they are allergenic for some individuals.  Mold may release toxins which affect the ability of the immune system to properly function.

Methods Of Assessing Asthma Triggers  Low cost visual inspections can provide a qualitative assessment of the potential asthma hazards in a home.  Visual measurements of:  Dampness  Visible mold growth  Signs of cockroach or rodent activity  General cleanliness