Episode description

This week I want to discuss something called: Dampness and mould hypersensitivity syndrome (DMHS) and how this is related to exposure to the indoor air dampness microbiota (DM). There have been two papers published in the last 6 months that demonstrate in two different workplaces (Hospital workers and Police officers) how their respective buildings that had long-term water damage and mould were associated with very different symptoms when compared to a control group of people who hadn't been exposed to the water damaged buildings.  These results should help anyone who is (possibly) having trouble explaining to others about the risks from water damage and mould.  The papers go into detail showing how cardiac problems as well as symptoms like multiple chemical sensitivity are very strongly associated with exposure to these toxic environments. I hope you can use these easily obtainable papers to help you convince others that mould & water damage MUST be taken seriously and not dismissed.  The data shows there is a causality between exposure to dampness microorganisms (DM) and the prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivity.  The authors conclude that adverse symptoms after exposure to DM can occur together with a range of other neurological symptoms and fatigue and is not a medically unexplained syndrome or a functional disorder.  Next time, someone tells you it's all in your head about your mould concerns, please cite this video and the research it's based on. 

REFERENCES:

Hyvönen S, Lohi J, Tuuminen T. Moist and Mold Exposure is Associated With High Prevalence of Neurological Symptoms and MCS in a Finnish Hospital Workers Cohort. Saf Health Work. 2020;11(2):173-177. doi:10.1016/j.shaw.2020.01.003

Hyvönen S, Poussa T, Lohi J, Tuuminen T. High prevalence of neurological sequelae and multiple chemical sensitivity among occupants of a Finnish police station damaged by dampness microbiota [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 16]. Arch Environ Occup Health. 2020;1-7. doi:10.1080/19338244.2020.1781034