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Report Finds Insufficient Link Between Mold and Serious Illnesses
A long awaited report from the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine finds insufficient evidence to link serious health problems — such as cancer, fatigue and neuropsychiatric symptoms — with damp indoor spaces and mold. The report does conclude, however, that indoor mold can be associated with upper respiratory symptoms, including coughing and wheezing.
The findings of the new report are “absolutely consistent with the findings of NAHB’s 2003 medical literature review on the same topic,” said NAHB President Bobby Rayburn. “Although this study does not completely rule out a link between mold and serious human illnesses, its review of the entire body of medical research is the most comprehensive to date.”
The institute’s report, “Damp Indoor Spaces and Health,” recommends that modification of regulations, building codes and building-related issues should be included in any future discussions on public health policies to promote healthy indoor environments.
The report was requested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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