Dampness and mould may be particularly prevalent in poorly maintained housing for low-income people.
Remediation of the conditions that lead to adverse exposure should be given priority to prevent an additional
contribution to poor health in populations who are already living with an increased burden of disease.
The guidelines are intended for worldwide use, to protect public health under various environmental, social and
economic conditions, and to support the achievement of optimal indoor air quality. They focus on building
characteristics that prevent the occurrence of adverse health effects associated with dampness or mould. The
guidelines pertain to various levels of economic development and different climates, cover all relevant population
groups and propose feasible approaches for reducing health risks due to dampness and microbial contamination.
Both private and public buildings (e.g. offices and nursing homes) are covered, as dampness and mould are risks
everywhere. Settings in which there are particular production processes and hospitals with high-risk patients or
sources of exposure to pathogens are not, however, considered.
While the guidelines provide objectives for indoor air quality management, they do not give instructions for
achieving those objectives. The necessary action and indicators depend on local technical conditions, the level of
development, human capacities and resources. The guidelines recommended by WHO acknowledge this
heterogeneity. In formulating policy targets, governments should consider their local circumstances and select
actions that will ensure achievement of their health objectives most effectively.
145
