Fifty nine houses, selected on the basis of previous measurements of mold levels, were subjected to field inspection, testing and monitoring and the occupants subjected to health evaluation questionnaires and testing of blood and nasal secretions. Data on house performance, mold growth and health has been compiled in an electronic data base available for future researchers. The work showed correlations between measurements of mold growth and immunological reactions of occupants and that mold growth appeared to be more related to local moisture sources than ventilation levels.
A study was set up to compare the effectiveness of passive stack ventilators (PSV) with mechanical extract fans (MEF) in providing adequate ventilation in UK homes. New build and refurbished homes with PSV and MEF were identified and questionnaires posted to 3000 households of which 1223 were returned. The survey showed that in homes installed with a PSV system, only 7% of those in the kitchen and only 8% of those in the bathroom were reported as blocked up. There were also few cases in which the MEF was blocked up or disconnected: 1.5% in kitchens and about 5% in bathrooms.
Disadvantages and advantages with different heating and ventilation systems in modern housing have been discussed during many years in Sweden. The discussion has intensified for modem low energy houses, where the use of forced air heating has increased during the last fifteen years, mostly in one-family houses. In many articles and the general debate diverging opinions have been presented concerning the thermal comfort, the air quality, the ventilation and the energy use in modern one-family houses with forced air heating.
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