Effect of indoor musty smell as a surrogate of housing inequalities on poor well-being: US NHANES, 2005-2006

Abstract

Effect of indoor musty smell as a surrogate of housing inequalities on poor well-being: US NHANES, 2005-2006Abstract Number:6092 AbstractBackgroundHousing inequality may pose a significant social problem in the society. There are numerous studies investigating housing effect on human health, but not on the musty smell. Therefore, it was aimed to determine the relationship of musty smell and individual well-being in a national and population-based setting.MethodsData were retrieved from United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2005-2006 including demographics, self-reported mildew odor or musty smell, and self-reported chronic diseases. Analyses included t-test, chi-square test, and logistic regression modeling. All models were also weighted for survey design. ResultsOf all people included (n=10,348), 48.1% were adults (n=4,979). 744 (15.1%) reported that there was a mildew odor or musty smell in the last 12 months. After adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, survey weighting, and house age, it was observed that those who reported a mildew odor or musty smell in the household also reported a poorer self-rated health (OR 1.37, 95%CI 1.16-1.61, P=0.001) and depression episode (OR 1.30, 95%CI 1.09-1.56, P=0.007). They tended to have itchy (OR 1.92, 95%CI 1.55-2.37, P<0.001), sneezing (OR 1.38, 95%CI 1.14-1.68, P=0.003), and vision problem (OR 1.94, 95%CI 1.25-3.01, P=0.006). Other health outcomes included chronic bronchitis, heart failure (borderline), asthma, and arthritis.ConclusionsPeople who reported a mildew odor or musty smell in the house also reported a poorer health symptoms and outcomes. Future research with longitudinal design is needed to confirm the current observations and public health programs might need to consider including the elimination of musty smell in the household.