Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

4.  Do moulds and fungi increase our risk to respiratory illnesses?

From ABC Radio National an interview by Rae Fry of the Health Report with the head of the Environmental Division of Finland's National Public Health Institute - Dr Aino Nevalainen.

" Now to a subject that doesn't get a lot of attention, probably not as much as it should. The quality of indoor air. Most of us spend 80% to 90% of our time inside, but how much do we know about the effects on our health?

A big study has just been done in Finland about fungi and mould in indoor air. And the researchers found that the rates of respiratory conditions, like sinusitis and flu are affected. It's not older buildings with that patch of rising damp in the corner, that we're talking about. In modern buildings, moisture can get trapped inside walls where you can't see it; and in houses these days, there's so much water going in and out, for showers and laundry, that leaking pipes can be a problem. "

Read the full interview on the ABC Radio National Health Report 30/8/99