Hazard 1: Damp & mold growth. Housing Health and Safety Rating System

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1 Hazard 1: Damp & mold growth Housing Health and Safety Rating System

2 Description of the Hazard Dampness and/or high humidity are associated with an increased prevalence of house dust mites and mold or fungal growths, which can be damaging to both physical and mental health

3 Health Effects From the Housing Health and Safety Rating System Guidance Manual (p. 54): Both the detritus from dust mites and mold spores in the home are potent airborne allergens, which can sensitize individuals and trigger allergic symptoms such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, eczema, cough and wheeze. For a person sensitized to these allergens, repeated exposure can cause asthma, the severity of which intensifies with increasing humidity

4 Potential for Harm The most vulnerable age group is all persons 14 years of age and younger. Recent research has shown that low levels of ventilation, without visible mold or dampness, can result in high indoor humidity levels and in greatly increased house dust mite populations

5 What to look for: Roof condition (one year out) Flashing issues Gutters, downspouts, downspout extenders. Slope of yard Drainpipe back up Windows opening in bathroom and kitchen Vents in bathroom and kitchen Dryer is properly vented Leaks in appliances and pipes Presence of running water Ask the client! (Consider the weather)

12 Connecting the Hazards Deficiencies that affect mold, such as leaks, and lack of water supply can also affect: Domestic Hygiene Personal Hygiene Water Supply Lead Structural

13 Potential for Harm Damp and mold growth Average likelihood and health outcomes for all persons aged 14 years or under, , in the UK 1 Dwelling type and age Average likelihood (1 in...) Spread of health outcomes Class I Class II Class III Class IV Non HMOs Pre (I) (I) (I) Post (J) HMOs Pre (I) (H) (J) Post (J) All Dwellings (I) Average HHSRS scores 1 Table from HUD Guidance Manual on HHSRS, p

14 What to consider in your region for average likelihoods Climate humidity and rainfall Asthma prevalence Common house conditions HVAC systems forced air furnace in basement can spread mold spores throughout house Difference between basements and crawlspaces? What to consider in your region for average outcomes Prevalence of asthma Severity of asthma (e.g. higher hospitalization rates [3X]) Incorrect medication use (dependence on rescue medication)

15 Common Detroit Conditions Can rain buckets and be very humid Basements with forced air furnaces Larger, older homes more difficult to maintain and commonly deteriorating (e.g. roofs, windows, gutters, downspouts, pipes, sewage/drainpipes back ups) 20% asthma rate Higher rate of asthma hospitalizations

16 Detroit Averages 1. Damp and Mold Growth Likelihood Outcome Class I Outcome Class II Outcome Class 3 Detroit Local Outcomes House in good condition (with no gutter problems or leaks) 1 in 320 A. roof leak over carpet or med - large roof leaks 1 in 10 B. Large amt of visible mold in basement 1 in 10 C. Large amt of Visible mold in basement, forced air furnace 1 in 6 large amt of Mold in others areas of house; no active leaks D. Leaks in attic above bedroom 1 in 18 E. Small roof leak 1 in 18 F. Bathroom window does not open 1 in 56 G. some old carpet 1 in 180 H. BR/LR most affected increase Old Carpet, poor condition 1 in 56 Few windows open 1 in 100 Person living in basement increase No water Outcomes Justification: Class II and III outcomes raised to reflect Detroit s rainy climate, and the large number of roof and gutter problems found in homes. Detroit has a high asthma rate and a higher hospitalization rate, and dependence on rescue medication that would result in more serious health outcomes from mold. Many homes have very damp basements with forced air furnaces, which lead to mold growth.

18 Hazard Prevalence: National Of a sample of 111,806 occupied housing units in the United States: 9,007 (8.1%) units had water leakage from inside the structure in the last 12 months. 10,963 (9.8%) had water leakage from outside the structure in the last 12 months. 90,905 (81.3%) had a clothes dryer. Source: American Housing Survey, 2009 National Summary Report and Tables

19 Hazard Prevalence: Metro Detroit (MI) In metro Detroit (1,731,500 units located in Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, & Wayne counties): 159,700 (9.2%) reported water leakage from inside the structure in the last 12 months 213,700 (12.3%) reported water leakage from outside the structure in the last 12 months 2,000 (0.1%) had severe problems with upkeep 22,100 (1.3%) had moderate problems with upkeep Source: American Housing Survey for the Detroit metropolitan area,

20 Hazard Prevalence: Oakland (CA) In the Oakland region (855,700 units located in Alameda & Contra Costa counties): 110,300 (12.9%) reported water leakage from inside the structure within the last 12 months 148,400 (17.3%) had water leakage from outside the structure within the last 12 months 600 (0.07%) reported severe problems with upkeep 18,400 (2.2%) reported moderate problems with upkeep Source: American Housing Survey for the Oakland metropolitan area,

21 Outcome Data: National About 6-10% of the general population are allergic to mold. Among atopic individuals, 15-50% are allergic to mold (Alliance for Healthy Homes, afhh.org/hhe/hhe_mold.htm). Allergic reactions include runny nose, eye irritation, coughing, congestion, and exacerbation of existing asthma. In 2009, the current asthma prevalence was 8.2% of the U.S. population (24.6 million people). The World Health Organization estimated that 44% of the asthma burden worldwide is due to the environment. Therefore, it is estimated that 44% of asthma sufferers 10.8 million people, or 3.6% of the U.S. population have environmentally attributed asthma

22 Outcome Data: Metro Detroit (MI) The mortality rate for asthma in Michigan was 1.18 per 100,000 in 2006, for a total of 120 deaths. Using the WHO estimates for environmental asthma, the mortality rate due to environmental asthmas would be.47 per 100,000. The morbidity rate for asthma was 11.1% of children and 10.5% of adults in It is estimated that 1,051,800 people have asthma in the state of Michigan. Of those, 420,720 are estimated to have environmental asthma. Source: 2006 Annual Report on Asthma Deaths in Michigan hmamortality.pdf

23 Outcome Data: Oakland (CA) In Alameda County, CA, the lifetime asthma prevalence rate is 16.6%. The estimated percentage of environmentally attributed asthma is 7.3% of the population

Healthy Home Rating System Project Leadership Lyke Thompson Director CUS/WSU (313) 577-5209 ad5122@wayne.

24 Healthy Home Rating System Project Leadership Lyke Thompson Director CUS/WSU (313) Angie Sarb Research Assistant CUS/WSU (313) David Ormandy Professorial Fellow University of Warwick +44 (0)

Hazard 7: Lead. Housing Health and Safety Rating System

Hazard 7: Lead. Housing Health and Safety Rating System Hazard 7: Lead Housing Health and Safety Rating System 2012 1 Potential for Harm The most vulnerable age group is children under six years old. This is because of potential effects on neurological development,