Public Health - Respiratory Illness Flashcards
What are the most frequent factors of unhealthy housing?
Water infiltrations
Dampness
Insects and rodents
Where are molds most frequently found?
At the bottom of an external wall, but if the humidity is high they may grown on beds, furniture.
Usually, molds are…
not visible (hidden in the walls, ceilings, floors)
What are some signs of water damage?
Water stains and efflorescence
Cracks in the mortar, missing brick
Condensation in window frame
What is the main cause of water damage?
Lack of building maintenance
Molds and bacteria produce…
various bioaerosols and contaminants that are inflammatory and toxic (fine particles and volatiles less than 1 micron).
Even after years of drying, many contaminants produced by molds
retain their hazardous properties!
Is an air sampling an important test for molds?
No! Contrary to popular belief, it is not!
On an infrared camera, a cold spot will appear..
blue/black
What risk do cockroaches and rats pose?
They are a source of allergens (fces, saliva, hair).
How can level of cockroach infestation be assessed?
Sticky tape trap
What are the main diseases caused or exacerbated by poor housing?
Rhinitis, sinusitis
Asthma
Cough
Common infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract
Conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis
COPD exacerbation
Insomnia
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
What is the H/mould factor
Visible moulds, or mould odour, or history of water damages, or signs of water infiltration, or basement room/apartment
How common is living with H/mould factor
36% of children on the island of Montreal live with H/mould factor
Who is most affected by poor housing?
Families with an income below 15,000$
(low income families)
