Mould growth only occurs in moisture-damaged and damp building materials. The main causes of mould growth in buildings, therefore, may include poor maintenance and lifestyles of occupants, defective construction and use of building materials susceptible to mould attack. It is estimated that up to 40% and 30% of buildings in the USA and Canada respectively have mould problems.
Health Effects Associated With Mould Growth And Dampness
Several studies suggest that people living and working in damp or mouldy buildings have a higher risk of respiratory health problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Other symptoms associated with mould growth and dampness include blocked nose, itching eyes, and skin irritation. In agricultural environments, where the concentration of spores is several magnitudes higher than in indoor air, inhalation of spores has been associated with cancer, premature birth and farmers lung disease.