Moisture damage and associated microbial growth cause annoyance and impaired health in residential buildings and work places. This study describes consequences of moisture damage in a large hospital building.

A questionnaire was sent to the personnel of a central hospital (n=2258). Information of moisture damage and associated microbial exposure was obtained from the occupational health care system and construction authorities of the hospital. The mental hospital (n=202) and the pediatric hospital (n=135) with severe moisture damage were compared to less damaged parts of the hospital.

Respiratory irritation symptoms, such as cough, chest tightness and hoarseness were reported in the damaged areas. The prevalence of doctor diagnosed asthma was significantly higher (9.0%) in the moisture damaged parts of the hospital (p<0.05). No differences were found in reported prevalence of allergic rhinitis or atopic eczema. Subjective annoyance due to indoor air factors was highest in the pediatric hospital, and also visible signs of moisture damage were common (26%). Visible mold growth was reported by 11% of the respondents and 72% were not satisfied with the ventilation system in the mental hospital. Nurses and assistant nurses had highest prevalence of respiratory allergies compared to physicians and blue-collar workers.

Exposure to moisture damage was associated with asthmatic symptoms and asthma in hospital personnel. Insufficient ventilation and subjective annoyance due to poor indoor air quality reduced work satisfaction. Improvement of indoor air quality by remediation of moisture damage is important in reducing the health risk for workers and patients.