HHSRS Hazard 1 - Damp & Mould Growth

Hazard 1 - Damp & Mould Growth

This hazard covers threats to health associated with increased prevalence of house dust mites and mould or fungal growths resulting from dampness and/or high humilities. It includes threats to mental health and social well being which may be caused by living with the presence of damp, damp staining and/or mould growth.

The indications are that house dust mite populations and indoor mould growth have increased over the last century. This is probably because of reduced ventilation levels, increased humidities, and warmer indoor temperatures in winter months caused by changes in dwelling design and adaptations introduced when houses are renovated.

Vulnerable Group: Children 0 - 14 years

Defects & Justifications

• Energy efficiency - inadequate heating and insulation of the dwelling.
• Background ventilation - lack of controllable background ventilation.
• Extract ventilation - lack of safe and accessible means for the extraction of moisture laden air during cooking, bathing or showering.
• Clothes drying facilities - lack of facilities ventilated to the external air.
• Damp proofing - in disrepair or otherwise inadequate, resulting in rising or penetrating dampness.
• Disrepair - floors, walls or roofs allowing water penetration.
• Exposed water tanks and pipework - inadequate frost protection.
• Water using appliances - inadequately installed and sealed facilities, such as baths, showers, wash hand basins and wc basins which may permit splashing.
• Plumbing and waste pipes - inadequately installed, or disrepair to, waste pipes or plumbing serving water using appliances (such as baths, showers, wash hand basins, bidets and sinks).
• Rain water goods - inadequate or defective.
• Roof and sub-floor spaces - inadequate ventilation.
• Small rooms sizes - may result in high occupant density.

Index of HHSRS Hazards