Building-related symptoms and molds: a two-step intervention study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relation between mold growth and symptoms in an intervention study design.


METHODS
The building was examined by a walk-through and microbiological testing from surfaces and ventilation canals before and after each of two steps of the renovation. The examination program for the 25 employees comprised questionnaire, clinical examination, 2-week peak-flow monitoring, and blood samples, and in six persons also a bronchial challenge.


RESULTS
Initially the building had severe moisture problems with growth of Trichoderma and Phoma as dominating microfungi. The total number of symptoms from a nine-item building-related symptom score was 66%, peak-flow variability was 20%. After the first renovation, no visible mold growth was seen, but samples showed that the building was still contaminated. Symptoms decreased to 33%. After further cleaning the mold levels decreased on surfaces, and the number of symptoms decreased to 4%. Mean peak-flow variability fell to 15%.


CONCLUSIONS
In a poorly maintained building with moisture problems and mold growth, the staff had a number of irritative and general symptoms. The first renovation eradicated most visible signs of molds and gave a decreased number of symptoms. The second renovation sufficiently cleaned the building, and the rate of symptoms and peak-flow variability fell to normal levels. A thorough cleaning after renovation seems necessary for the eradication of symptoms.
Ebbehøj
N E
NE
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. ne01@bbh.hosp.dk
Hansen
M Ø
MØ
Sigsgaard
T
T
Larsen
L
L
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018877:Sick Building Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D014242:Trichoderma / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D014867:Water
D014867:Water