Has a singular focus of building regulations created unhealthy homes?

Abstract

The energy efficiency performance requirements of the Australian National Construction Code have been regularly enhanced since 2003 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2010 research has increasingly raised a concern about high air moisture content, moisture accumulation and mould growth. Coincidently, in Australia, asthma is the leading cause of disease in children aged 0–14 years, accounting for 17.9% of the total burden in boys and 18.6% in girls. Many researchers have supported a connection between damp housing and childhood respiratory symptoms. The contemporary code compliant houses in Australia may have inadvertently created ideal interior environments that promote mould growth. If the built environment is promoting mould growth, leading to sick building syndrome, it is a matter of serious concern, resulting from the design or technical flaws in the building fabric. This paper attempts to bridge the gap between architectural and medical science perspectives in this area of study.

KEYWORDS:

• National Construction Code
• greenhouse gas emissions
• sick building syndrome
• childhood respiratory symptoms
• condensation
• mould

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.