HOME DAMPNESS, MOLDS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON RESPIRATORY-INFECTIONS AND SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS IN FINLAND

The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of mouldy homes an d their association with respiratory symptoms and diseases in a subarc tic climate. A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 2,000 ma les and females, aged 25-64 yrs, living in the county of Kuopio, Finla nd. A total of 1,521 (76%) responded and 1,460 were selected for the f inal analysis. The prevalence of homes with visible mould was 4%; with the odour of mould 5%; with damp spots, visible mould or the odour of mould 15%; and with moisture/water damage, damp spots, visible mould or the odour of mould 23%. The number of reports of bronchitis, common cold, atopy, allergic rhinitis, rhinitis, fever and chills, hoarsenes s, fatigue, difficulties in concentration, lumbar backache and stomach ache were strongly associated with living in a damp home, Bronchitis, hoarseness and difficulties in concentration had the strongest associ ations, with adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence limits) of: 2.04 (1. 49-2.78), 2.23 (1.37-3.63) and 2.17 (1.35-3.50), respectively, After c ontrolling for a possible reporting bias by excluding those subjects r eporting lumbar bachache and recurrent stomach pain, eye irritation an d tiredness remained significant.In conclusion, living in a home with mould problems may increase the risk of respiratory infections and sym ptoms in adults.