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The
International Journal of Ventilation
Volume 3 No 2 September 2004:
Paper 6: A Review of Evidence Linking Ventilation Rates in Dwellings
and Respiratory Health - A Focus on House Dust Mites and Mould
M Davies1, M Ucci1,
M McCarthy2, T Oreszczyn1, I Ridley1, D Mumovic1,
J Singh3 and S Pretlove4
1Bartlett
School of Graduate Studies, University College London.
2Department
of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London.
3Environmental
Building Solutions Ltd.
4London
South Bank University.
Abstract
This paper reviews the literature for evidence of links between
ventilation rates in dwellings and moisture related respiratory health with a
particular focus on house dust mites (HDM) and fungal growth. There is general
consensus that a link exists between ventilation rates in dwellings and
respiratory hazards (for example HDM). There is also general consensus of a link
between these respiratory hazards and respiratory problems, but it is not clear
to what extent hazards cause ill-health. Most existing data are inadequate for
conclusions to be drawn whether ventilation rates directly cause respiratory
problems. We discuss the many difficulties in attempting to establish these
relationships, and suggest the need for larger studies.
Key words:
review, ventilation rates, respiratory health, house dust mites, mould,
relative humidity.
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