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Dampness and mold in homes across China: Associations with rhinitis, ocular, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue among adults
Author(s) -
Zhang Xin,
Norbäck Dan,
Fan Qiannan,
Bai Xu,
Li Tian,
Zhang Yinping,
Li Baizhan,
Zhao Zhuohui,
Huang Chen,
Deng Qihong,
Lu Chan,
Qian Hua,
Xu Yang,
Sun Yuexia,
Sundell Jan,
Wang Juan
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
indoor air
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.387
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 1600-0668
pISSN - 0905-6947
DOI - 10.1111/ina.12517
Subject(s) - medicine , throat , odds ratio , sick building syndrome , dermatology , surgery , indoor air quality , ecology , biology
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 ( OR s). 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 ( OR s from 1.2 to 4.6; P < 0.001), including rhinitis ( OR s from 1.4 to 3.2; P < 0.001), and OR s increased by number of dampness signs. The strongest associations were for mold odor ( OR s from 2.3 to 4.6) and humid air ( OR s 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.