THE HEALTH IMPACTS OF DAMP HOUSING CONDITIONS: LESSONS FOR INHABITANTS LIVING IN DAMP TROPICAL BUILDINGS

Abstract

Dampness in buildings is a common problem in Ghana. A nationwide survey has estimated that one out of every ten residential buildings suffers from one form of dampness or the other. The possibility that damp housing conditions may affect the health of occupants, and in particular expose them to respiratory symptoms has been the attention of many cross-sectional epidemiological studies worldwide. Building related mould, fungi, dust mites, etc. associated with dampness have considerable economic consequences in increased healthcare costs because of higher disease prevalence, use of healthcare services and medications. Through literature survey, this study sought to examine the impact of damp housing conditions on the health of occupants, and presents lessons from such studies to those living in tropical buildings (the case of Ghana) with similar conditions. The study was carried out using a two-stage methodology which included identifying the relevant literature material, and reviewing the relevant literature. The key lesson learned from the literature search is the fact that there are many health issues associated with living in damp housing conditions. The review clearly showed that being exposed to damp conditions could trigger a number of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, as well as skin diseases. Among the diseases are asthma, wheeze, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, headache, eczema, bronchitis, cough at night, etc. Public health researchers and practitioners should be prompted on the adverse health effects of mould, indoor fungi, dust mites (which are accompanied with dampness) to residents, and efforts should be made to enlighten the general public and government bodies on these issues.