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HEAL launches new damp and mould directory
In Europe, an estimated 10-50% of the indoor environments where human beings live, work and play are damp. Excessive dampness, moisture and condensation are a threat to health. To help individuals find out more about indoor air quality and its impact on health, HEAL has compiled a directory of organisations providing information and remedial action on damp and mould.
Mould produces allergens, which can cause allergic reactions, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances. The World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that remedial action works. Research demonstrates that people living in well-insulated accommodation are less likely to visit their doctor or be admitted to hospital respiratory conditions than those living in damp homes.
This new directory, produced by HEAL based on a grant by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, provides comprehensive coverage of national agencies, institutions and NGOs active in advising and informing the public on questions of damp and mould prevention as well as remediation in Europe. These agencies should also be able to help you with technical or legal questions. If a local certification schemes exist, they may also be able to provide you with a list of contractors recommended under this scheme.
The directory accompanies WHO Guidelines on Damp and Mould as well as a brochure that provides practical tips on how to deal with moisture and will be available on this website as of the end of May.
The contacts within the directory have been compiled from responses to a questionnaire disseminated by HEAL to WHO and HEAL’s own international networks of organisations, governments and experts and a series of comprehensive internet searches of where consumers can seek advice at the EU, national and local level.
The institutions listed in the directory are only a selection of those identified, and the directory will be regularly updated. HEAL welcomes any new applications to the directory and encourages not-for-profit organisations working in damp and mould to fill in the questionnaire.
Download the new Damp and Mould Directory
Are you a national agency, institution, or NGO active in advising and informing the public on questions of damp and mould prevention as well as remediation? Or are you involved in legal aspects related to damp and mould or in managing remedial action? Join our directory here
Written on 6 May 2009.
Our issues
Resources on this issue:
Dirty air and your lungs - Fact Sheet for children. Available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Greek, Polish, Russian.
Fact sheet: Outdoor air pollution and the lungs in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Greek, Polish and Russian. See our Publications section
Policy paper: EU Strategy on Air Quality (2006)
Letter to ENVI committee on EU Thematic Strategy on Air Quality (March 2006)
Letter to Health and Environment Ministers on EU Health Air Quality Standards (October 2006)
Members active on this issue:
- European Respiratory Society
European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patient’s Associations
European Lung Foundation
HEAL/EFA website
Contact person at HEAL:
- Gill Erskine, Information and Policy Officer, tel.: 0032 2 234 3646
Damp and Mould Directory and Brochure
- The new directory was produced by HEAL based on a grant by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health. Visit our Damp and Mould page.
Science Update - A service by the European Lung Foundation
Useful links:
Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) | 28 Boulevard Charlemagne, B1000 Brussels, Belgium
phone: +32 2 234 3640 | fax: +32 2 234 3649 | e-mail: info@env-health.org
The Health and Environment Alliance is grateful for the financial support of the European Commission, DG Environment. The views expressed in this website do not necessarily reflect the official views of the EU institutions.
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