Dampness problems in Tianjin dwellings: A cross-sectional study of associations with building characteristics and lifestyles

Abstract

This study investigated the association of building characteristics and occupant behaviours with building dampness indicators. Data were from a cross-sectional study in urban Tianjin and rural Cangzhou, China, from 2013 to 2014. We studied two fundamental types of Chinese dwellings: bungalows typical of rural locales and apartments in low- and high-rise buildings typical of urban settings. Occupants of bungalows reported more dampness indicators than apartment dwellers. Risk factors for one or more dampness indicators included natural ventilation without fans, older dwellings and coal stove or Kang heating system (a brick bed installed in the bedroom for heating and sleeping). All these factors were typical of bungalows, which generally used older building technologies including non-insulated external walls, wooden frame windows, electric fans for cooling and no exhaust fan ventilation. Occupant behaviours that decreased the risk for dampness indicators included frequent window opening and daily cleaning, regardless of the type of dwelling. Indoor dampness was highly correlated with mouldy and humid odour, and paradoxically (although not a new finding) with the perception of air dryness.