Asthma-related respiratory symptoms associated with indoor air quality in healthcare facilities

Background: Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) related to building sources and characteristics can potentially affect the respiratory health of workers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of asthma-related outcomes with workplace moisture/mold and renovations in a sample of urban healthcare workers in the United States. Methods: We invited housekeepers, nurses, and technicians employed at hospitals and nursing homes in New York City to complete a questionnaire that inquired about moisture/mold and renovations at work and home, and asthma-related outcomes. We used responses to questions about respiratory symptoms to generate an asthma symptom score for each participant. Regression models of outcomes included covariates for confounders and IAQ at work and home. Results: The 2,030 participants were predominantly female (76%) and African American (62%), with mean age 48.6 years. Many participants reported workplace moisture/mold (11.2% mold growth/odor, 24.7% just water damage) and renovations (47.9% wall/floor renovation, 21.7% just painting). After controlling for similar exposures at home, workplace IAQ exposures were associated with several asthma-related outcomes. The ratio mean asthma symptom score (and 95% confidence interval) was 1.80 (1.36, 2.37) for mold growth/odor, 1.39 (1.12, 1.73) for just water damage, 1.89 (1.48, 2.41) for wall/floor renovation, and 1.39 (1.05, 1.85) for just painting. Conclusions: These findings add to existing evidence for the association of workplace moisture/mold and renovations with asthma-related outcomes in healthcare workers, and suggest the need for further efforts to control these exposures in healthcare facilities.