This area is dedicated to the diagnosis and long-term management of respiratory tract disorders caused or aggravated by contaminations of the home. We will focus primarily on microbial contamination (mold and bacteria) caused by excessive moisture levels within the home from a variety of possibilities or by the mismanagement of the home environment by the occupant(s). There are other contaminants that should be considered that may be equally as severe as microbial exposure including housedust mites, cockroachs, inside animals and birds, and smoke and chemicals.

This area will help you determine if an environmental contamination is playing a role in causing or worsening signs and symptoms of your respiratory tract. This will assist you in recognizing if a contamination is present.

Biological contaminations are very common. Approximately 30 to 50% of homes in the northern USA and Canada have moisture content at a level conducive to the growth and buildup of microbial agents (mold and bacteria) that potentially could impact upon the health of the occupants. The majority of the population of the USA and many Western countries spend more than 90% of their time indoors. Several epidemiological studies in the USA, Canada, Taiwan, and Northern Europe have shown correlation between moisture in the home and increased respiratory tract complaints.