Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Dampness in buildings'

Unblanced forced-air heating systems create a situation that may be detrimental to the building envelope. These systems create an air pressure differential, which acts as a moisture transport mechanism, which has the potential to carry moisture, through the smallest of openings in the building envelope. Once this warm air enters the wall cavity it comes into contact with the unheated surfaces of the components making up the building envelope, which are below dew point during the heating months. As this moisture-laden air reaches its dew point, condensation occurs.
Department of Architecture

L’isolation thermique par l’extérieure (ITE) constitue une solution technique intéressante pour améliorer les performances énergétiques du secteur du bâtiment. Cependant, l’ITE peut venir modifier l’équilibre hygrothermique de l’enveloppe et affecter sa durabilité, notamment au regard de l’humidité. Dans ce contexte, un premier travail a consisté à étudier en laboratoire le comportement hygrothermique de trois systèmes d’ITE rapportés sur une paroi en parpaing : un système ETICS (PSE sous enduit mis en œuvre par voie humide) et deux systèmes sous bardage (mis en œuvre par voie sèche), dont un incluant des matériaux biosourcés (laine de bois et ouate de cellulose). Des expériences en enceinte biclimatique, combinées à des simulations numériques des transferts couplés de chaleur et de masse, ont permis d’appréhender le comportement hygrothermique de ces parois rénovées à différents stades : lors de la pose des solutions d’ITE, en usage « normal » et dans des conditions conduisant à des risques de condensation. Les résultats du système ETICS montrent le rôle important de la colle et la difficulté à appréhender numériquement son comportement. Les résultats des systèmes sous bardage soulignent l’intérêt d’utiliser des matériaux biosourcés dans des conditions à risques, mais également la sensibilité des simulations numériques aux propriétés hydriques des matériaux hygroscopiques. Un second travail portant sur l’analyse in situ d’un système d’ITE sous bardage a souligné l’absence de risques majeurs liés à l’humidité durant les deux années étudiées. Par ailleurs, la comparaison simulation/expérience a mis en évidence le rôle important joué par la lame d’air ventilée
External thermal insulation (ETI) is an interesting technical solution for improving the energy performance of the building sector. However, ETI may change the hygrothermal balance of the envelope and affect its durability, especially with regard to moisture. With this in mind, a first work consisted in studying the hygrothermal behavior of three systems of ETI set on a hollow concrete block wall in the laboratory: an ETICS system (wet process) and two systems under cladding (dry process), with one of them composed with bio-based materials (wood wool and cellulose wadding). Experiments in a bi-climatic enclosure, combined with numerical simulations of coupled heat and mass transfers, made it possible to apprehend the hygrothermal behavior of these renovated walls at different stages: during the installation of ETI solutions, in "normal" use and under conditions leading to risks of condensation. The results of the ETICS system show the important role of the glue and the difficulty to understand numerically its behavior. The results of the cladding systems underline the interest of using bio-based materials under hazardous conditions, but also the sensitivity of numerical simulations to the hydric properties of hygroscopic materials. A second study on the in situ analysis of a cladding ETI system highlighted the absence of major risks related to humidity during the two years studied. In addition, the simulation / experiment comparison highlighted the important role played by the ventilated air

The air gap method is a modification of the common way of building indoor walls and floors. The aim of the method is to make a construction, less fragile to water damage, with air gaps where moisture can be removed with a thermally driven air flow, caused by a heating cable. The thesis includes a number of experimental studies of this method.

Temperature and convective air flow in a vertical air gap was studied and it was noted how air flow increased with raised power of the heating cable. The air flow for one meter of wall varied between 50 m3/day (13 air changes per hour) and 140 m3/day (36 air changes per hour). The lower value was caused by a temperature difference in the range 0.2-0.3 oC. Without heating no air flow was found.

In studies of moisture and RH in wet “slab on ground” constructions, it was noted how the slab in the room with the air gap method dried to a much higher extent than the slab in the room built in an ordinary way. It was also noted that moisture was transported from the air gap in the floor and up through the air gap in the wall. In the room with the air gap construction, the RH values beneath the floor was at a lower level (and below 75 % RH) than the RH values beneath the floor of conventional construction. Mould does not grow below 75 % RH.

In the study of a flooded intermediate floor it was noted how the thermally driven convective air flow evidently speeded up drying of the construction. Mould growth was only noted in the case where the heating cables were turned off.

Spaltmetoden är en modifiering av det reguljära sättet av att bygga innerväggar och bjälklag. Syftet med metoden är att skapa en byggnadskonstruktion som är mindre skör med avseende på fuktskador. Detta görs med spalter där fukt kan avlägsnas genom ett termiskt drivet luftflöde som orsakas av en värmekabel. Denna avhandling innehåller ett antal experimentella studier på metoden. Spaltmetoden har studerats med avseende på 1. Samband mellan temperatur och luftflöde, 2. Uttorkning och RF nivåer i golvkonstruktioner samt 3. Översvämning av ett mellanbjälklag

1. Samband mellan temperatur och luftflöde

Temperatur och konvektivt luftflöde har studerats i en vertikal spalt och resultatet visar att luftflödet ökar med ökad effekt hos värmekabeln. Luftflödet i en vägg med en meters bredd varierade mellan 50 kubikmeter/dag (13 luftväxlingar per timme) och 140 kubikmeter/dag (36 luftväxlingar per timme). Det lägre flödet orsakades av en temperaturskillnad på 0,2-0,3 oC mellan luftspalt och rum. När värmekabeln var avstängd så registrerades inget luftflöde.

2. Uttorkning och RF nivåer i golvkonstruktioner ovan betongplatta

Detta experiment visade att fukt har transporterats från spalten i golvet genom spalten i väggen ut i rumsluften. I spaltkonstruktion var RF inuti golvkonstruktionen lägre (och understeg 75 % RF), jämfört med den konventionella konstruktionen, (mögel växer inte under 75 % RF). Det har också registrerats att betongplattan som hörde till spaltmetoden torkade ut snabbare än betongplattan som var inbyggd i ett gängse rum.

3. Översvämning av ett mellanbjälklag

I studien där ett mellanbjälklag blev översvämmat noterades att spaltmetoden förkortade torktiden från 21 dagar till 13 vid den fuktigaste mätpunkten. Mögelväxt noterades endast då värmekabeln hade varit frånslagen.

 

 

Several studies have showed that the occupants of damp or mouldy buildings have an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections and exacerbation of asthma. However, information on the school environment in this context is limited and hence more studies are needed. These dampness-related health effects may be associated with different indoor pollutants, but the causal mechanisms and aetiological agents are still largely unknown. Included in the HITEA project, this thesis aims to assess the occurrence of moisture problems in school buildings in three European countries from different climatic regions and to study the respiratory health effects associated with dampness and mould in schoolchildren. A questionnaire survey and school inspection visits were conducted to assess moisture damage, dampness problems and other indoor air quality issues in primary schools in the three countries under study. Following, we carried out an extensive questionnaire survey on respiratory health of pupils aged 6-12 years, in at least eight moisture-damaged and eight non-damaged schools per country. Our results showed that moisture problems were relatively common in schools in all three climatic regions across Europe. Spanish school buildings had the highest prevalence of these problems, followed by The Netherlands and Finland. Moreover dampness and mould in schools were associated with adverse respiratory symptoms in pupils, especially in Finland. In conclusion, Dampness and mould in schools may have respiratory adverse health effects in children. Finnish school children seem to be at higher risk, possibly due to quantitative and/or qualitative differences in exposure, due to variations in climate and building characteristics. Thus, prevention and remediation measures should be considered to reduce dampness and mould problems in school buildings to protect pupils’ health.
Diversos estudios han observado que los ocupantes de edificios con problemas de humedad o moho tienen más riesgo de padecer síntomas respiratorios, infecciones respiratorias y exacerbación asmática. Aún así, la información sobre el entorno escolar en este contexto es limitada y por ello más estudios son necesarios. Los efectos en la salud relacionados con la humedad en los edificios pueden estar asociados con diferentes contaminantes interiores, pero los mecanismos causales y los factores etiológicos siguen siendo desconocidos. Incluida en el proyecto HITEA, esta tesis pretende evaluar cualitativa y cuantitativamente la prevalencia de edificios escolares con problemas de humedad en tres países europeos de tres regiones climáticas distintas y estudiar los efectos en la salud asociados a la humedad y el moho en sus alumnos. Se realizaron cuestionarios e inspecciones en los colegios de los tres países a estudio, para evaluar los posibles daños y problemas relacionados con la humedad y otros factores asociados con la calidad del aire interior. A continuación, se llevó a cabo un amplio cuestionario sobre salud respiratoria en los alumnos de entre 6 y 12 años, en al menos 8 escuelas con problemas de humedad y 8 escuelas sin problemas. Los resultados mostraron que los problemas de humedad en los edificios escolares eran relativamente comunes en las 3 regiones climáticas europeas. Las escuelas españolas presentaron una mayor prevalencia de problemas de humedad, seguidas de Holanda y Finlandia. Además, los problemas de humedad y moho en los edificios escolares se asociaron con síntomas respiratorios adversos en los alumnos, especialmente en Finlandia. En conclusión, los problemas de humedad y moho en los edificios escolares podrían tener efectos adversos en la salud respiratoria de los niños. Los alumnos finlandeses parecen tener más riesgo, posiblemente debido a diferencias cuantitativas y/o cualitativas en la exposición. Esto podría estar relacionado con las diferentes características de los edificios y con la variabilidad climática. Así pues, para proteger la salud de los alumnos se deberían considerar diversas medidas de prevención y reparación de los problemas de humedad y moho en los edificios escolares.

Day care centers and schools are important environments for children, but few epidemiological studies exist from these environments. Mould, dampness, fungal DNA and allergens levels in these environments and respiratory health effects in school children were investigated in this thesis. In the day care centers studies, Allergen Avoidance Day care Centers (AADCs) and Ordinary Day care Centers were included. One third of the Swedish day care centers had a history of dampness or mould growth. Total fungal DNA levels were positively associated with risk construction buildings, reported dampness/moulds, rotating heat exchangers, linoleum floors and allergens (cat, dog, horse allergen) levels. The two school studies included secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia and elementary schools from five European countries (Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and France) (HESE-study). In Malaysia, 13 % of the pupils reported doctor-diagnosed asthma but only 4 % had asthma medication. The prevalence of wheeze in the last 12 months was 10 % in Malaysia and 13 % in the HESE-study. Cough and rhinitis were common among children in the HESE-study. There were associations between fungal DNA and reported dampness or mould growth. Fungal DNA levels and viable mould (VM) concentration in the classrooms were associated with respiratory symptoms (wheeze, rhinitis, cough, daytime breathlessness) in school children. In the HESE-study, associations were found between total fungal DNA, Aspergillus/Penicillium DNA and respiratory symptoms among children. Moreover, Aspergillus versicolor DNA and Streptomyces DNA were associated with respiratory symptoms in Malaysia and the HESE-study, as well as reduced lung function [forced vitality capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)] among children in the HESE-study. In conclusion, fungal DNA and pet allergens were common in day care centers and schools and respiratory symptoms in school children were common. The associations between VM concentration and fungal DNA levels in the schools and respiratory health effects in school children indicated a need for improvement of these environments. Moreover, risk constructions should be avoided and buildings should be maintained to avoid dampness and microbial growth. Health relevance of microbial exposure and biodiversity needs to be further studied using molecular methods.

The study aimed to identify deterioration problems, repair and conservation needs of andesites on the walls of the Ankara Castle. Decay forms of walls were documented by visual examination. Samples taken from the surface of the weathered andesites were examined for their basic physical, mechanical compositional and minerological properties. The bulk density and total porosity were determined as basic physical properties. The mechanical properties were expressed as ultrasonic velocity and modulus of elasticity (Emod). Compositional and mineralogical properties were determined by optical microscopy and XRD analyses. Soluble salt content of the andesite samples was determined by spot tests of anions and electrical conductivity measurements. Findings were evaluated in terms of the long-term weathering behaviour of andesites under the effect of the prevailing climate, air pollution problems of Ankara, dampness problems of the structure, previous repairs with incompatible cement mortars. The surfaces of Ankara Castle andesite blocks were heavily weathered. The results were compared with the physical and mechanical properties of fresh andesites from Gö
lbaSi-Ankara quarry. The surface of the andesite blocks at the Ankara Castle, had low bulk density and high porosity, low ultrasonic velocity and low Emod values. Thin section and XRD analyses supported those results by revealing the presence of physical and chemical weathering on feldspars and other main minerals of andesite, as well as the presence of amorphous minerals at the surface.

People spend most of their time indoors and mostly in the dwelling. It is therefore important to investigate associations between indoor exposure in dwellings and health. Symptoms that may be related to the indoor environment are sometimes referred to as the "sick building syndrome" (SBS). SBS involves symptoms such as eye, skin and upper airway irritation, headache and fatigue. Three longitudinal studies and one prevalence study on personal and environmental risk factors for SBS in adults were performed. The prevalence study included measurements of indoor exposures in the dwellings. The longitudinal studies, with 8-10 years follow-up time, showed that smoking and indoor paint emissions were risk factors for SBS. Moreover, building dampness and moulds in dwellings were risk factors for onset (incidence) of general symptoms, skin symptoms and mucosal symptoms. In addition subjects living in damp dwellings have a lower remission of general symptoms and skin symptoms. Hay fever was a risk factor for onset of skin symptoms and mucosal symptoms, and asthma was a risk factor for onset of general and mucosal symptoms. Biomarkers of allergy and inflammation (bronchial reactivity, total IgE, ECP and eosinophil count) were predictors of onset of SBS symptoms, in particular mucosal symptoms. In the prevalence study, any SBS-symptom was associated with some individual volatile organic compounds of possible microbial origin (MVOC) e.g. 2-pentanol, 2-hexanon, 2-pentylfuran and 1-octen-3ol. Moreover, there were associations between indoor levels of formaldehyde and the plasticizer Texanol and any SBS. The result from the study indicates that individual MVOC are better indicators of SBS than the total value of MVOC. A final conclusion is that smoking, dampness and moulds and emissions from indoor painting may increase the onset of SBS. The indoor environment in dwellings over time has improved, but there is still a need for further improvements of the indoor environment in dwellings. More longitudinal SBS studies are needed.

The purpose of my diploma thesis is to propose the air condition to apartments. The work is divided into two parts. The first part describes the climate of the internal spaces, its forms, what it is influenced by and what way it influences the human. It analyzes natural and indoor ventilations. The second part desings air condition to concrete flat, technical report including the mechanical drawings and technical paper of used products.

Prefabricering av väggelement är en byggmetod under stark framväxt i byggandet av småhus de senaste decennierna. Kostnadseffektiviteten nämns ofta som ett skäl till att prefabricering av småhus har en sådan stor framväxt. Samtidigt har miljö- och klimatfrågan växt och då byggsektorn står för en stor del av Sveriges koldioxidutsläpp krävs det att byggsektorn ställer om till ett allt med hållbart byggande. Detta examensarbete har undersökt denna kostnadseffektivitet och hur och om en går att kombinera med ett hållbart byggande och sedan jämfört detta med platsbyggda väggar i trä. Underlag har tagits fram i samarbete med Skidstahus som producerar prefabricerade väggelement i fabriksmiljö och underlag från Derome Hus AB/ VarbergsHus vad berör småhus i lösvirke. En kostnadsjämförelse av de två byggmetoderna visar att de prefabricerade väggelement som Skidstahus framställer är mer kostnadseffektiva och det beror till stor del på att arbetstiden effektiviseras. Till viss del visar examensarbetet att materialanvändningen även resurs effektiviseras vid Skidstahus produktion och resulterar i mindre spill som därmed gynnar ett hållbart byggande. Andra viktiga aspekter för hållbarhet och livslängd såsom fukt och lufttäthet visar att prefabricerade väggar har utmaningar då skarvar och anslutningar måste vara väl utförda. Samtidigt innebär arbetet i fabriksmiljö att risken för fuktproblem minskar då det ger ett skydd för klimat och väder. Detta är medför även att byggarbetarna får en god och vältempererad arbetsmiljö. Däremot finns frågetecken kring hur byggande med prefabricerade väggelement påverkar miljön i form av transporter i förhållandet till platsbyggda väggar av lösvirke, då transporter till och från fabrik krävs. Utöver detta påverkar byggmetoden hur gestaltning och arkitektur utförs då ett platsbyggt hus i trä enklare går att utföra med valfri gestaltning. Analyserna visar sammanfattningsvis att användandet av prefabricerade väggelement i trä reducerar byggkostnader samtidigt som det kan bidra till ett hållbart byggande. Det krävs dock ytterligare studier för att jämföra den beräknade livslängden på prefabricerade väggar och platsbyggda.
Prefabrication of wood wall elements in construction of villas and terraced houses is a building method undergoing growth in recent decades. Cost efficiency is often cited as a reason why prefabrication has undergone such a large growth. At the same time, the issue of environmental impact and climate change has grown. As the construction sector accounts for a large part of Sweden's carbon dioxide emissions, the construction sector needs to become more sustainable. This thesis has examined this cost-effectiveness and if it is possible to combine with environmental sustainability. To examine this more thoroughly a comparison is made with in site-built timber-framed constructed walls. The thesis has been conducted in collaboration with Skidstahus, which produces prefabricated wall elements in a factory environment, especially for data collection. Information and data have also been collected from Varbergshus / Derome producing houses in site-built timber-framed building. A cost comparison of the building methods shows that the prefabricated wall elements manufactured by Skidstahus are more cost-effective, which can be linked to work efficiency. To some extent, the thesis also shows that material use can be optimized at Skidstahus production and therefore results in less waste, which thus reduces environmental impact. Other important factors for durability and accounted life span is the building method’s ability to handle migration of moisture and airtightness. The thesis shows that prefabricated walls have challenges, as joints and connections must be well designed. At the same time, factory production allows an environment which can reduce risk of migration of moisture as it provides protection for climate and weather impact. Another aspect is that it provides a good and well-tempered work environment for the construction worker. On the other hand, it is questionable whether the use of prefabricated wall elements affects the environment as it may increase the need of transportation in relation to on site-built timber-framed walls, as transport to and from the factory is required. In addition, the prefabricated method could influence how design and architecture is carried out while a wood house made from stick timber is more easily modified. In summary, the analysis show that the use of prefabricated wood wall elements reduces building costs while at the same time it can contribute to environmental sustainability. However, further studies are required to compare the estimated life span of the two compared building methods.

The thesis is focused on the assessment of two wooden roof structures of the building, which is located in Brno on the street Rumiště 8. Parts of the work are also theoretical knowledge of roof structures, building technical survey and diagnostic methods. Rating roof truss was based on a survey of sensory and instrumental methods. In the first step were measured dimensions of roof truss members and were determined roof structures. In the next section was researched damage of elements and his causes. Rehabilitation solution was established for each type of damage to the components resist any attack as long as possible. This report had been prepared for the property owner who plans complete reconstruction.

This work is focused on compilation of general diagnostic methods used for diagnostic of wooden structures specifically listed wooden roof truss of church st. Bartholomew in Ivan. The main impulse of diagnosis was extensive damage and attack of truss and effort on rehabilitation and construction of the entire building of the church with an emphasis on preserving historical values. Diagnosis of truss was based on the research used sense and instrumental methods. In the first step, identify all dimensions of the individual elements of the structure was determined, the type truss system was intended. Follow-up survey was focused on determining the extent and causes of damage. In design of the rehabilitation process emphasis is placed on structural rehabilitation provided by follow-up processes, such as preventive chemical protection.

Masonry building materials are more or less permeable. Water is the most significant factor in building deterioration by capillary water penetration. Impregnation of masonry with water repellents particularly with silicone impregnants is the most successful method of protection of masonry from capillary water absorption. This thesis investigates the various impregnants available for low-cost buildings and measures their effectiveness. It also develops a new impregnant to consolidate mud brick and effect water repellency.

Dampness can cause the development of moulds in buildings and pose a threat to the quality of the building structure, indoor air quality and health of the occupants. An emerging source of housing related problems are the building materials commonly used in housing construction, which can influence respiratory health. There is concern regarding the quality of the housing stock in the Durban Metropolitan area with regard to dampness and its the potential impact on the health of occupants. To elucidate this issue, a study was conducted to assess natural ventilation, dampness and mouldiness in dwellings of the Waterloo Housing development (Durban Metropolitan Area), between February 2001 and December 2003. A total of 491 randomly selected homes were visually inspected and residents were surveyed by means of a structured questionnaire. Three hundred and eighteen (318) air and surface mould samples were collected in duplicate, totalling 636 samples and analysed in the laboratory. Building characteristics and physical conditions were recorded and noted. Temperature and relative humidity readings were also taken during the survey. After the analysis of the 491 questionnaires, physical conditions of the dwellings were found to be poor and of concern. With the number (1178) and size of habitable rooms in the dwellings; the occupancy of 2414 people with an average of 2.05 persons per room, indicated overcrowding and congestion. About 51% (n=249) of the dwellings surveyed were found to be experiencing dampness (>3m2) and 47% (n=230) had visible surface moulds, primarily on the walls (at least an average of 1m2) . Predominant airborne fungal organism identified included; Aspergillus (23%-indoors, 26outdoors), Cladosporium (47%- indoors, 51%-outdoors), Penicillum (27%-indoors, 26%-outdoors) spp. Natural ventilation was also inadequate in 261 (53%) dwellings, which did not have airbricks. This inadequacy significantly promotes the occurrence of dampness and surface moulds (p < 0.05). With poor ventilation, dampness and mould growth in the dwellings, there was a high number of cases with upper respiratory tract health complaints; like Cough - 25% (n=122), Sinuses - 25% (n=121), flu symptoms 23% (n=llO) lower respiratory infections such as asthma - 27% (n=130), and chest infections - 23% (n=113). Asthma, wheeze, runny nose and allergy to dust were statistically associated with dampness (p < 0.05), mouldiness (p < 0.03) and lack of ventilation (p < 0.01). Buildings separate their occupants from hostile external environments and create a better internal environment for them, therefore dwellings must be constructed in a manner that promotes the health and well being of the occupants. In terms of guiding regulations, there were several omissions and non-compliance with existing local building bye-laws in the construction of houses, leading to adverse implications. Improved workmanship, appropriate material selection and compliance with the relevant guidelines during planning and construction inter alia, are recommended when addressing housing issues, thereby promoting the interest, health and well-being of the users.
Thesis-(M.Med)- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.

Hostel dwellers form a larger part of the urban population in South Africa (Ramphele, 1999). These hostels were initially created as temporal arrangement for African men moving from rural to urban areas seeking for employment. Due to housing shortage in urban areas they eventually became permanent residential accommodation. However, observations into the environmental conditions in these hostels have raised concerns about the health and well being of residents and neighbouring communities. The area of study was selected on the basis of the current depleted living conditions due to mismanagement of facilities provided by both the occupants and the hostel administrators. The study was a cross sectional descriptive study involving all three Durban Metropolitan block hostels. Assessing (i) the quality of block hostel environment (indoor and outdoor) through visual inspection (walkthrough), (ii) the exposure measures and outcomes (biophysical environment assessment) by means of questionnaire survey, air testing and microbial identification. Sixty three (63) hostel inventory were completed, followed by the administration of 450 questionnaires, and 646 surface and air samples were collected in the indoors of the selected hostel blocks including the control outdoor samples. The demographic profile of the hostel dwellers in the selected hostel blocks revealed that in the five bed type dormitories the habitable space per individual was 3 m 2 to 3.8 m2. Whilst in the ten bed type dormitories the habitable space per individual was 3.3 m 2 to 3.6 m2 . This was not even close to the World Health Organization suggested habitable space of 12 m2 (WHO, 2000) and was therefore regarded as overcrowding. Lack of access control in the hostels exacerbated by the socio-economic demands of the living environments, e.g. unemployment, was to blame for overcrowding. This overcrowding of the hostels was overloading the services, causing enormous number of blockages and bursts of wastewater pipes resulting in the system not functioning. This situation resulted in the accumulation of dampness in the indoor environment, and hence creating conditions favouring the growth of indoor mouldiness in the buildings. This was further supported by evidence that 47% of the occupants in the selected hostel blocks were experiencing respiratory symptoms and 53% experiencing non-respiratory symptoms. The most recorded respiratory symptoms were pulmonary tuberculosis (14.3%), chest tightness (12.2%), sore and dry throat (7%), sinus congestion (7%) symptoms. Whilst the most recorded non-respiratory symptoms were headache (11.5%), dry and itchy skin (11.5%), stomach upset (6.3%) and fatigue (3.6%). Forty five percent (45%) of the respondents were current smokers and 80% of them had a tendency of smoking indoors. The results of the surface and air samples indicated that the level of indoor mould growth in the selected hostel blocks was at 37, 24%. Surface moulds were at 58% and airborne spores were at 42%. Statistical analysis of data revealed a significant relationship between exposure factors and outcomes in the 5, 10 and 15-bed type dormitories. Incidence Risk Rate (IRR) and the p-value (p . 0.01) were used to determine relationships between exposure factors and outcomes. Certain factors were very much supportive in the development of selfreported symptoms in the selected hostel blocks of the three hostels under certain circumstances and these were the hygiene state of the building, leaking pipes, smoking habits and total mea and dg surface moulds. At all levels of the analysis the hygiene state of the building was very much supportive in the development of self-reported symptoms. Other exposure factors were not supportive at all, for example, structural defects, bed-types, different floor levels and participants' perception of overcrowding. A review process of the role of legislation in controlling the adverse health effects revealed that certain aspects of the legislation relating to building standards requirements, sanitation requirements, ventilation requirements, space and density requirements, and air quality standards requirements were violated. Therefore, the findings of the study recommended that a proper management plan must be developed to enhance living standards. This plan shall include a routine maintenance of the building structures, the development of a culture of self-care, as well as access control in the hostels. In addition to that where there are signs of visible moulds on walls and ceilings adequate control measures are highly recommended using commercially available measures in order to provide a healthy living environment. In conclusion is the adoption of a compliance policy towards legal requirements pertaining to building standards as defined in the National Building Regulations Standards Act (Act 103 of 1977). This study has showed that necessary iii steps need to be taken in South Africa in order to combat this problem. Further research need to be taken in order the inhabitable buildings to be better living environment improving the existing building structures.
Thesis (MMed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.