Observation‐based metrics for residential dampness and mold with dose–response relationships to health: A review

An important proportion of respiratory illness is considered attributable to residential dampness or mold (D/M). Developing health‐protective D/M guidelines has been challenging, in part because unhealthy levels of indoor D/M cannot be defined using available microbiological measurements. This review paper explores reported multilevel, observation‐based (eg visual or olfactory) D/M metrics for potential in defining unhealthy levels of residential D/M. For many of the 33 multilevel residential D/M metrics identified, health risks generally increased as observed D/M increased. Although some metrics seemed too complex for practical use, simple metrics had among the strongest associations with health outcomes. Available findings suggest the feasibility of setting observation‐based D/M thresholds to trigger remedial action, using further improved D/M metrics without microbiological measurements (at least until the actual dampness‐related agents that cause illness are better quantified). Additional data would allow setting health‐protective D/M thresholds more precisely. Also, metrics could better reflect hidden D/M by more strongly emphasizing mold odor, which has demonstrated strong associations with health effects.     

Building dampness and mold in European homes in relation to climate,building characteristics and socio‐economic status: The European Community Respiratory Health Survey ECRHS II

We studied dampness and mold in homes in relation to climate, building characteristics and socio‐economic status (SES) across Europe, for 7127 homes in 22 centers. A subsample of 3118 homes was inspected. Multilevel analysis was applied, including age, gender, center, SES, climate, and building factors. Self‐reported water damage (10%), damp spots (21%), and mold (16%) in past year were similar as observed data (19% dampness and 14% mold). Ambient temperature was associated with self‐reported water damage (OR=1.63 per 10°C; 95% CI 1.02‐2.63), damp spots (OR=2.95; 95% CI 1.98‐4.39), and mold (OR=2.28; 95% CI 1.04‐4.67). Precipitation was associated with water damage (OR=1.12 per 100 mm; 95% CI 1.02‐1.23) and damp spots (OR=1.11; 95% CI 1.02‐1.20). Ambient relative air humidity was not associated with indoor dampness and mold. Older buildings had more dampness and mold (P<.001). Manual workers reported less water damage (OR=0.69; 95% CI 0.53‐0.89) but more mold (OR=1.27; 95% CI 1.03‐1.55) as compared to managerial/professional workers. There were correlations between reported and observed data at center level (Spearman rho 0.61 for dampness and 0.73 for mold). In conclusion, high ambient temperature and precipitation and high building age can be risk factors for dampness and mold in homes in Europe.     

Evaluating the effect of building construction periods on household dampness/mold and childhood diseases corresponding to different energy efficiency design requirements

Despite concerns about building dampness and children’ health, few studies have examined the effects of building energy efficiency standards. This study explored the connections between self-reported household dampness and children’ adverse health outcomes across buildings corresponding to construction periods (pre-2001, 2001-2010, post-2010). Significant differences of dampness-related indicators were found between buildings; the prevalence was remarkable in pre-2001 buildings. The prevalence of lifetime-ever doctor-diagnosed diseases for children was significantly associated with building dampness (adjust odd ratios > 1), but was not affected by construction periods. The hygrothermal performance for a typical residence was simulated, varying in U-values of envelopes and air change rates. The simulated performance improvement increased indoor temperatures in 2001-2010 and post-2010 buildings. The frequency with higher indoor relative humidity was higher in pre-2001 buildings, leading to the highest values for maximum mold index (M_max) on wall surface, especially in winter. Compared to buildings in 2001-2010, increased insulation and lower air change rate led to a relatively higher relative humidity in post-2010 buildings, adversely increasing the M_max values. The findings addressed the positive and negative role of building standard development, which help suggesting appropriate environmental and design solutions to trade-off energy savings and dampness/mold risk in residences.     

Indoor visible mold and mold odor are associated with new‐onset childhood wheeze in a dose‐dependent manner

Evidence is accumulating that indoor dampness and mold are associated with the development of asthma. The underlying mechanisms remain unknown. New Zealand has high rates of both asthma and indoor mold and is ideally placed to investigate this. We conducted an incident case‐control study involving 150 children with new‐onset wheeze, aged between 1 and 7 years, each matched to two control children with no history of wheezing. Each participant's home was assessed for moisture damage, condensation, and mold growth by researchers, an independent building assessor and parents. Repeated measures of temperature and humidity were made, and electrostatic dust cloths were used to collect airborne microbes. Cloths were analyzed using qPCR. Children were skin prick tested for aeroallergens to establish atopy. Strong positive associations were found between observations of visible mold and new‐onset wheezing in children (adjusted odds ratios ranged between 1.30 and 3.56; P ≤ .05). Visible mold and mold odor were consistently associated with new‐onset wheezing in a dose‐dependent manner. Measurements of qPCR microbial levels, temperature, and humidity were not associated with new‐onset wheezing. The association between mold and new‐onset wheeze was not modified by atopic status, suggesting a non‐allergic association.     

Meta-analyses of the associations of respiratory health effects with dampness and mold in homes

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences recently completed a critical review of the scientific literature pertaining to the association of indoor dampness and mold contamination with adverse health effects. In this paper, we report the results of quantitative meta-analyses of the studies reviewed in the IOM report plus other related studies. We developed point estimates and confidence intervals (CIs) of odds ratios (ORs) that summarize the association of several respiratory and asthma-related health outcomes with the presence of dampness and mold in homes. The ORs and CIs from the original studies were transformed to the log scale and random effect models were applied to the log ORs and their variance. Models accounted for the correlation between multiple results within the studies analyzed. Central estimates of ORs for the health outcomes ranged from 1.34 to 1.75. CIs (95%) excluded unity in nine of 10 instances, and in most cases the lower bound of the CI exceeded 1.2. Based on the results of the meta-analyses, building dampness and mold are associated with approximately 30-50% increases in a variety of respiratory and asthma-related health outcomes. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of these meta-analyses reinforce the IOM's recommendation that actions be taken to prevent and reduce building dampness problems, and also allow estimation of the magnitude of adverse public health impacts associated with failure to do so.     

Dampness and mold in homes across China: Associations with rhinitis,ocular, throat and dermal symptoms,headache and fatigue among adults

We studied dampness and mold in China in relation to rhinitis, ocular, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue. A questionnaire study was performed in six cities including 36 541 randomized parents of young children. Seven self‐reported signs of dampness were evaluated. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs). Totally, 3.1% had weekly rhinitis, 2.8% eye, 4.1% throat and 4.8% skin symptoms, 3.0% headache and 13.9% fatigue. Overall, 6.3% of the homes had mold, 11.1% damp stains, 35.3% damp bed clothing, 12.8% water damage, 45.4% window pane condensation, 11.1% mold odor, and 37.5% humid air. All dampness signs were associated with symptoms (ORs from 1.2 to 4.6; P < 0.001), including rhinitis (ORs from 1.4 to 3.2; P < 0.001), and ORs increased by number of dampness signs. The strongest associations were for mold odor (ORs from 2.3 to 4.6) and humid air (ORs from 2.8 to 4.8). Associations were stronger among men and stronger in Beijing as compared to south China. In conclusion, dampness and mold are common in Chinese homes and associated with rhinitis and ocular, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue. Men can be more sensitive to dampness and health effects of dampness can be stronger in northern China.     

School attendance and daily respiratory symptoms in children: influence of moisture damage

We investigated the effect of weekends and school holidays on the daily frequency and severity of respiratory and other symptoms among children attending schools with (index) or without (reference) moisture damage in Spain, the Netherlands, and Finland. Throughout 1 year, parents of 419 children with a respiratory condition attending index (n=15) or reference (n=10) primary schools completed three symptom diaries. We assessed associations between lower respiratory tract, upper respiratory tract or allergy, and other symptom scores and school day, weekend, or summer holiday using mixed regression models stratified by country and moisture damage. We evaluated interactions between moisture damage and type of day. We combined country‐specific estimates (incidence rate ratios [IRRs] and 95% confidence interval [CI]) in meta‐analyses. Symptom scores were lower during weekends and holiday. Lower respiratory tract symptoms were statistically significantly less common during holiday with strongest effect in index schools (IRR=0.7; CI=0.6–0.8). Reporting of other symptoms was more reduced during holiday in index (IRR=0.6; CI=0.4–0.9) than in reference (IRR=0.95; CI=0.8–1.2) schools (interaction P<.01). In conclusion, symptoms were less frequent and/or severe during summer holiday and weekends. This pattern was stronger among children attending moisture‐damaged schools, suggesting potential improvement in moisture damage‐related symptoms during school breaks.     

Evaluation on the impacts of the implementation of civil building energy efficiency standards on Chinese economic system and environment

In this paper, in contrast to the usual rough estimation, we present a model to simulate and evaluate the direct, indirect economic and environmental impacts of the implementation of building energy efficiency standards on Chinese economic system and environment by 12 indicators in two scenarios. Four indicators are used to evaluate the direct economic impact degree, five indicators are used to evaluate the direct environmental impact degree, three indicators are used to evaluate the indirect economic impact degree of 34 sectors and the whole Chinese economic system. This research makes it possible to link developments in the implementation of building energy efficiency standards with environmental and economic structure change. The most important finding is that the implementation of building energy efficiency standards can reduce a large amount of pollutants emissions and increase the GDP at the same time.     

城市规划健康影响评估理论框架构建

健康影响评估为预测城市发展、城市 规划方案和项目的健康效益提供框架,但在融 入我国城市规划中仍面临内容体系不清、技术 流程不明、模型体系未建立和工作方法缺失等 问题。本文构建了城市规划健康影响评估理论 框架,系统性地明确了面向城市规划的健康影 响评估内容体系、技术流程、模型体系和工作方 法。面向城市规划的健康影响评估可从“健康风 险控制影响评估”“健康资源支撑保障评估” 和“健康行为促进效益评估”3个方面开展;主 要技术流程包括参照对象确定、评估范围界定、 评估框架构建、评估方法选取和评估开展5个 步骤;模型体系由核心模型、相关模型和外围模 型构成;最后,规划编制团队与健康影响评估团 队可协作推进健康影响评估“全过程”融入规划。本文可为面向城市规划开展健康影响评估提供基本的理论、方法和机制指导。     

Does dampness and mold in schools affect health? Results of a meta‐analysis

This paper provides meta‐analyses of the published findings relating the respiratory health of occupants of schools with visible dampness, water damage, visible mold, and/or mold odor. Random effects models were used to develop central estimates and confidence limits for the associations of respiratory health effects with school dampness and mold. Eleven studies, all with cross‐sectional designs, were included in the meta‐analyses; however, analyses for some health outcomes were based on as few as four studies. Analyses were performed using data from adults and children combined, using only data from children, and using data from adults and children after excluding two studies. The central estimates of odds ratios from the meta‐analyses were consistently above unity. The evidence of adverse health effects was strongest for cough and wheeze, which had confidence limits excluding unity in some or all analyses. The odds ratios of 1.32 for cough and 1.68 for wheeze suggest moderate increases in health risk. Studies not included in the meta‐analyses provide additional evidence that dampness and mold in schools are associated with adverse health outcomes. These meta‐analyses and the published literature not included in the meta‐analyses suggest that dampness and mold in schools are associated with adverse respiratory health effects.     

现浇空心楼盖方形内膜与空心管内膜的比较

对现浇空心楼盖的方形内膜和圆管形内膜在设计施工时的优、缺点进行了多方面的比较，证实了方形内膜比圆形内膜具有明显的技术和经济优势，指出了方形楼盖将是空心楼盖的发展方向。     

浅谈建筑造型设计

随着世界高科技飞速发展，各行各业不断改革、创新的同时，作为社会支柱产业之一的建筑业也面临新的挑战，针对这一现状，结合多年工作实践，对建筑造型设计进行了分析探讨。     

塑钢门窗的优点与选择

通过对塑钢门窗的可加工性,保温节能性、隔音性、耐腐蚀性、人的感官舒适性、绝缘性、气密性、水密性等性能的分析,并与钢、木、铝制门窗的比较,这些性能均优于其它材质,价格也比较经济实用。针对目前市场上塑钢门窗质量参差不齐,列举厂家、五金件、钢衬、其它配件的优劣对比,提出在选择门窗时不能单纯贪图便宜而舍弃设计功能要求,影响投资效益。     

薄型隧道防霉防火涂料

通过对现有隧道防火涂料的分析,结合隧道防火涂料的性能要求,研制了一种薄型隧道防霉防火涂料,给出了该薄型隧道防霉防火涂料组成及其材料的配方和制备方法,并介绍了该隧道防火涂料的施工与应用。     

银川绕城高速公路贺兰互通式立交造型与设计

对银川绕城高速公路设计中工程规模最大、形式最复杂的贺兰互通式立交的造型和设计进行了详细介绍,阐明了立交交通量和立交周围地形、地物在互通式立交设计中的作用,为类似立交设计提供了参考。     

公共建筑空调内部霉菌生长模拟研究分析

空调系统和人们的生活息息相关,如果空调内部有霉菌生长,霉菌的孢子会跟随气流进入人们生活的区域,可能引起人们的不舒适感,以及一些健康问题。为了验证空调系统内霉菌生长的程度,采用WUFI-Bio模拟空调内部霉菌的生长情况,判断霉菌生长的程度。结果显示,空调内部确实存在不同程度的发霉情况,空调内部的部件在清洁程度不同时、温湿度不同时,空调内部的发霉情况会有所不同。人们在使用空调时应注意防治霉菌生长,注意保持空调内部清洁,并保持其干燥性。     

城市交通环境影响公众意向调查实例分析

以南京市为例,就城市交通对城市居民的出行环境、居住环境以及历史文化名城保护等方面影响进行了公众意向调查。分析结果表明：城市居住环境污染中,交通污染所占比重最大;临街５０ｍ内是交通噪声侵害最严重的范围;汽车废气是居民出行过程中遭受最深的污染;在发展城市交通的同时,应根据历史古迹的价值采取相应的保护措施。     

Building-related respiratory symptoms can be predicted with semi-quantitative indices of exposure to dampness and mold

Using a semi-quantitative mold exposure index, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) investigated 13 college buildings to examine whether building-related respiratory symptoms among employees are associated with environmental exposure to mold and dampness in buildings. We collected data on upper and lower respiratory symptoms and their building-relatedness, and time spent in specific rooms with a self-administered questionnaires. Trained NIOSH industrial hygienists classified rooms for water stains, visible mold, mold odor, and moisture using semi-quantitative scales and then estimated individual exposure indices weighted by the time spent in specific rooms. The semi-quantitative exposure indices significantly predicted building-related respiratory symptoms, including wheeze [odds ratio (OR) = 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-4.5], chest tightness (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1-4.6), shortness of breath (OR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.2-6.1), nasal (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.3-4.7) and sinus (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.2-4.1) symptoms, with exposure-response relationships. We found that conditions suggestive of indoor mold exposure at work were associated with building-related respiratory symptoms. Our findings suggest that observational semi-quantitative indices of exposure to dampness and mold can support action to prevent building-related respiratory diseases. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Current air sampling methods have major limitations in assessing exposure to mold and other biological agents that may prevent the demonstration of associations of bioaerosol exposure with health. Our study demonstrates that semi-quantitative dampness/mold exposure indices, based solely on visual and olfactory observation and weighted by time spent in specific rooms, can predict existence of excessive building-related respiratory symptoms and diseases. Relative extent of water stains, visible mold, mold odor, or moisture can be used to prioritize remediation to reduce potential risk of building-related respiratory diseases. From a public health perspective, these observational findings justify action to correct water leaks and repair water damage in order to prevent building-related respiratory diseases. This approach can also be a basis for developing practical building-diagnostic tools for water-incursion.     

煤炭企业成本管理影响因素及存在问题分析

基于淮北矿业集团成本管理现状,分析了煤炭企业成本的影响因素以及成本管理存在的问题,并提出了相应的对策及建议,以进一步加强煤炭企业的成本管理,有效降低成本,提高企业经济效益。