Application of the NIOSH Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool (DMAT) and Interpretation of Its Scores to Protect Building Occupants’ Health
Presented During: Poster Session 3 - Professional
Wed, 6/3: 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM CDT
1723
1723
Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center
Description
This presentation provides an overview of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool (DMAT) for evaluating building dampness and mold (D/M), including how to calculate and interpret DMAT scores to inform building management decisions on D/M surveillance, health surveillance, and repair/remediation. It also summarizes findings from an epidemiologic study of 50 elementary schools and discusses an estimated DMAT action score to help reduce D/M-associated adverse health effects.
Co-Authors
Jean M. Cox-Ganser, CDC/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Respiratory Health Division, Morgantown, WV, U.S.A.
Acknowledgements & References
"J. Roseman, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Health & Welfare Fund & Union, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A.
Mendell, M.J.; Mirer, A.G.; Cheung, K.; Tong, M.; Douwes, J. Respiratory and allergic health effects of dampness, mold, and dampness-related agents: a review of the epidemiologic evidence. Environ Health Perspect. 2011(119): 748-56. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1002410.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. ""Dampness and mold assessment tool for schools and general buildings."", 2019. Retrieved March 2, 2026, from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/mold.html.
Disclaimer
The findings and conclusions in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
Mendell, M.J.; Mirer, A.G.; Cheung, K.; Tong, M.; Douwes, J. Respiratory and allergic health effects of dampness, mold, and dampness-related agents: a review of the epidemiologic evidence. Environ Health Perspect. 2011(119): 748-56. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1002410.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. ""Dampness and mold assessment tool for schools and general buildings."", 2019. Retrieved March 2, 2026, from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/mold.html.
Disclaimer
The findings and conclusions in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
Keywords
Exposure Assessment
Indoor air quality
Mold
Occupational epidemiology