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Sources

Sources of water incursion are often apparent like leaks in the roof or a broken pipe. They are less obvious when affected materials and water sources are hidden. Wet insulation in a ceiling is an example.

Problems occur when materials in buildings become wet for extended periods of time. High relative humidity can also lead to excessive dampness. Moisture allows indoor mold to grow and multiply on building materials and surfaces. People inside damp buildings may be exposed to:

• Microbes
• Compounds released by microbes
• Structural components of microbes like spores and fungal fragments

Mold can produce substances that may cause or worsen health problems. These substances vary depending on the mold species and environmental conditions. Moisture can also attract cockroaches, rodents, and dust mites. Moisture-damaged building materials can release volatile organic compounds or irritating airborne chemicals.

Resources

Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool

Researchers do not know how much exposure to dampness-related substances it takes to cause health problems. Finding and promptly correcting sources of dampness is more effective at preventing health problems than air samples for indoor mold. NIOSH developed a tool to help assess areas of dampness and prioritize remediation of problem areas in buildings.

• General Buildings Form & Instructions
• School Buildings Form & Instructions

NIOSH Alert

Occupants within damp buildings, schools, and other nonindustrial buildings may develop respiratory symptoms and disease.

This Alert:

• Describes respiratory problems that occupants may experience from exposures in damp buildings.
• Presents information on outbreaks of building-related respiratory disease.
• Recommends ways to find, respond to, and prevent building dampness and related respiratory symptoms and disease.

NIOSH Alert: Preventing Occupational Respiratory Disease from Exposures Caused by Dampness in Office Buildings, Schools, and Other Nonindustrial Buildings