Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111912

Laura Kolb, MPH, Indoor Environments Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Mailcode 6609J, Washington, DC 20460, 202-343-9438, kolb.laura@epa.gov

Damp homes and schools are a public health issue - It is important to spread the word in the public health community that damp buildings are a public health issue. Damp buildings can attract pests and harbor other biological pollutants. In addition, damp conditions can damage buildings and building furnishings resulting in the release of chemicals into the indoor environment. Prevention is key - it is usually easier to keep buildings dry than to clean up the pollutants found in a damp building. The session will cover control of water and moisture in homes and schools, pollutants commonly found in damp buildings and associated health effects, and resources.

Learning Objectives:

• 1 - understand why damp buildings are a public health issue
• 2 - discuss indoor pollutants related to damp buildings and be able to list five
• 3 - learn about health effects of indoor pollutants including biological pollutants, and chemicals released from wet building materials
• 4 - be able to summarize basic measures for controlling building moisture

Keywords: Home Based, School Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.