[Unhealthy homes: possible interventions and their efficacy].

Numerous health risks have been identified in dwellings and are a public health priority. Homes most often accumulate several different risks. Intervention programs must take this reality into account.

Mycotoxin identification in moldy dwellings.

The objective of this study was to assess the level of macrocyclic trichothecenes (MCT), one of the most potent mycotoxins, on wall surfaces, floor dust and air samples from moldy dwellings. The study was based on an index group comprising 15 flooded dwellings contaminated by Stachybotrys chartarum or Chaetomium and a control group comprising nine dwellings without molds on visual inspection and mold sampling. Three samples were collected from each dwelling: a sample from the moldy wall, using a swab, a floor dust sample on a 0.

Housing and health counselling: preliminary results of a new medical referral system in France.

Study Objectives: Since 2002, a new unique service is available to physicians in southeast France. They may ask for a housing environmental inspection for their patients when they feel that the indoor environment has a negative influence on health status. This telephone survey was designed to evaluate the efficacy of this service.