A panel of epidemiologists, toxicologists and pediatricians said that respiratory problems and symptoms of asthma in some cases could be linked to mold and dampness. But the panel of the Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Sciences, said the available evidence does not support an association between either indoor dampness or mold and the wide range of other health complaints that have been ascribed to them, such as neurological damage, reproductive problems or cancer. However, the scientists said the existing research was limited and more studies are needed.

“Even though the available evidence does not link mold or other factors associated with building moisture to all the serious health problems that some attribute to them, excessive indoor dampness is a widespread problem that warrants action at the local, state, and national levels,” said Noreen Clark, Dean at the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, who chaired the panel.

Summary of Mold Survey (National Academy of Sciences 5/25/04)

June 2, 2004