WASHINGTON, May 25 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have linked mold and damp to asthma and other respiratory problems, but the studies do not support the full range of health complaints.
A report by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies in Washington found sufficient evidence to conclude moldy and damp conditions are associated with asthmatics who are sensitive to mold, and to coughing, wheezing, and upper respiratory tract symptoms in otherwise healthy people. However, the study found the evidence did not meet the strict scientific standards needed to establish a clear, causal relationship.
"An exhaustive review of the scientific literature made it clear to us that it can be very hard to tease apart the health effects of exposure to mold from all the other factors that may be influencing health in the typical indoor environment," said Noreen Clark, dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
"That said, we were able to find sufficient evidence that certain respiratory problems, including symptoms in asthmatics who are sensitive to mold, are associated with exposure to mold and damp conditions."
Excessive indoor dampness is a widespread problem that warrants action at the local, state, and national levels, Clark said.
