Chapter 6-Moisture, Organisms, and Health Effects

HISTORICALLY, MANKIND BEGAN THE SAGA of structure occupancy in caves, which were undoubtedly virtual mold gardens. As civilization advanced, indoor conditions became more and more hygienic, so that the Greeks and Romans lived in comparatively clean, dry environments. During the Middle Ages, however, hygiene was apparently forgotten. Rats (and probably cockroaches) were allowed to proliferate in occupied environments (leading to the black death), and straw was used to absorb all kinds of organic material on the floors of both castles and hovels (probably leading to exposure to allergenic, toxic, and possibly infectious fungi and bacteria). During these times, outdoor air, in spite of rain, snow, and hail, was far more healthy than indoor air.