EXPOSURE TO MICROORGANISM - DISEASES AND DIAGNOSIS

The number of moisture-problem buildings in Finland is unexpectedly hi gh according to recent investigations. In approximately 55% of Finnish buildings, moisture damage is in need of repair. With more than 1.15 million buildings in this country almost 600 000 buildings suffer mois ture problems and in over 100 000 there is growth of molds, either in, building materials or on infested surfaces of the building. This mean s that over 400 000 Finns have been exposed to molds in damp houses. E xposure to molds is a significant health risk and should be prevented. Irritation of eyes, respiratory tract and skin may occur following ex posure to microbes, and numbers of exposed persons develop a hypersens itivity reaction to fungal allergens. Asthma, hypersensitivity pneumon itis (extrinsic allergic alveolitis) and organic dust toxic syndrome ( ODTS) may also develop after exposure. Secondary infections are more c ommon in persons living in damp houses. In the present article, clinic al manifestations associated with mold exposure in moisture-problem bu ildings will be described.