Damp and mould exposure in Australian homes

The dataset for the validation study of damp and mould exposure in Australian homes contains linked information on lab-tested mould measures using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique and HERTSMI-2 analysis, and survey responses on mould exposure including visibility, size, odour, dampness, water damage, severity, location, and duration. Information on household socio-demographic characteristics, dwelling characteristics, and household behaviours related to humidity and ventilation is also included in the survey data.

Lab-tested data from this study was sampled from 100 households across Greater Melbourne, Greater Sydney, and Greater Newcastle. Online survey was disseminated since June 2022 and, upon enrolment, home visits for dust sample collection were conducted between 13 August 2022 and 13 May 2023.

The primary objective of the study is to understand the consistency between people’s self-diagnosed indoor mould and lab-tested exposure, how to best frame the self-reported mould questions, and ascertain factors affecting mould exposure and household diagnostic accuracy. The study aims to build a basis for exposure assessment at scale, which allows establishment of longitudinal exposure information and databases for monitoring at the population level.

Funded by the University of Melbourne, the data is managed by the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Healthy Housing at the University of Melbourne.