Building Pathology, Investigation of Sick Buildings —Toxic Moulds

Abstract

This paper considers the requirements for investigation of sick buildings including some guidelines for assessment of exposure risks with a particular focus on dampness, proliferation of moulds, and dispersion of fungal spores in indoor environments. Building pathology, indoors air quality management and management of bio-deterioration, and health problems in buildings are complex issues requiring multi-disciplinary investigations and environmental monitoring. Lack of maintenance, chronic neglect, and building defects leading to water ingress, condensation, and dampness in the building fabric will often produce proliferation of pathogenic toxic moulds, and other microbial and biological effects that could cause allergic response in sensitive people and generally lead to ‘‘sick buildings.’’ A general guide has been provided by this paper for environmental assessment of toxic moulds in indoor environments, including a suggested guideline for assessing the threshold levels for fungal spores in indoor air.