Evaluation of the needs for Mould and Dust Mite Service

The Scottish House Condition Survey is the largest and most important indicator of the state of housing in Scotland. The latest survey, completed in 1996 confirmed that "living in damp homes can have a direct effect on peoples health and well-being, and may impact particularly on vulnerable groups such as the very young, the very old or the infirm."

The study revealed 25% of all dwellings (543,000) across Scotland suffered from dampness or condensation. It was further recorded that 91,000 dwellings (4%) suffered from both dampness and condensation. 17% of all homes studied had condensation alone, whilst 4% had dampness alone.

Overall, 31% of householders said they "were bothered" by problems relating to dampness. From this 31%, 17% reported problems more serious than the steaming up of windows.

Perhaps not surprisingly the problem has greatest impact among low-income groups: single parents, public and private renters, those with four or more dependant children and the elderly.
More importantly, it was discovered that householders with respiratory problems reported high levels of associated health problems in the householder assessment section of the study.

By looking at the presented data, the extent of the mould problem can be considered.
Total homes = 2,172,000

Suffering from dampness or condensation = 25% of 2,172,000
= 543,000

Householders "bothered" by related problems.
= 31% of 2,172,000
= 673,320

No of people "bothered" that had serious problems
= 17% of 673,320
= 114,464

No of people "bothered" with serious problems of mould growth.
= 4% of 111,464
= 4579 homes

Therefore 4579 homes have serious problems with mould growth in Scotland. Given that the vast majority of these homeowners are of low income, and many contain more vulnerable people, e.g. children, the elderly and the infirm, there is undoubtedly a need for humidity monitoring in these homes.

In relation to dust mites, it has been widely documented that they cause the largest allergic problem in asthmatics worldwide. Reductions in indoor air humidity levels can help prevent the growth of these allergens and the subsequent health effects.