The authors sought to determine whether exposure to molds, resulting from m
oisture damage in a school, was associated with increased respiratory sympt
oms and morbidity among schoolchildren and whether the renovation of this b
uilding resulted in a decrease In prevalence of respiratory symptoms and mo
rbidity. The study was a follow-up (1-y interval) of children between the a
ges of 7 and 12 y from two elementary schools in a Finnish suburb. In addit
ion to a questionnaire completed by the parents, the authors assessed the r
espiratory health of children by examining the health records of a local he
alth center. In the cross-sectional study, the prevalence of symptoms and i
nfections were higher in the exposed group, as were visits to a physician a
nd use of antibiotics. The school was renovated, after which all prevalence
decreased and no significant differences remained, except for visits to a
physician (according to questionnaire responses). Therefore, moisture damag
e and exposure to molds increased the indoor air problems of schools and af
fected the respiratory health of children.