There are a number of organizations that research and develop standards: ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials); ANSI (American National Standards Institute); ISO (International Standards Organization) and others. The inclusion of International standards is a sign of our world trade opportunities that require more than "American" considerations in the development and publication of standards. Standards are intended to be guidelines and methods of assessment for quality control and risk management. There is a large number of these standards that deal with water intrusion into buildings.
ASTM has approved a new standard for the Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Structures on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions - E 2600. It is no surprise to this writer that this standard addresses the mired of legal issues regarding real estate transactions where both the seller and the broker are sued for alleged vapor intrusion issues that affect the health and well being of the new occupants.
In 2007 a study at Brown University found a "statistical link between depressive symptoms and indoor fungal growth (mold) and dampness." The study was published in the American Journal of Public Health, October 2007. Studies by other health professionals over the past decade support this conclusion. So what is the link between water damage buildings and depression? According to the study; 1) A perceived lack of control over one's environment, and 2) An association between chronic respiratory distress and depression "because of their ailments."
Another study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine indicates a link between cardiovascular disease and indoor air pollution. Water intrusion in structures is the primary cause of indoor air quality.
More and more epidemiological evidence supports the conclusion that water in structures, in any form, requires assessment and corrective measures to protect the physical and mental health of the occupants. S.O.S. knows this from first hand experience and we have the knowledge, tools and resources to assist occupants in this area. Refer to http://www.steamaticofsacramento.com/faq.html for information regarding equipment and methods used for water intrusion testing.
The above information was condensed from the publication Indoor Environment Connections (http://www.ieconnections.com), Volume 9, Issue 7 – May 2008.
It's quite a revelation that water intrusion--not properly dealt with--can lead, not only to physical illness but to depression. At the same time, it makes perfect sense. Could be why cases of asthma in children and adults are on the rise.
Posted by: Real Estate Jim | August 28, 2008 at 03:47 PM