Air Sealing for Air Quality (5.4)
Requirement: Openings into dwellings and dwelling units shall be sealed to limit air movement …
Rationale: Controlling air leakage into homes can save the occupant money by making the home energy efficient and can prevent health problems associated with moisture. Airborne moisture can lead to mold growth which causes respiratory distress in children and adults, including those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory diseases.
Plumbing System and Mold (2.3)
Requirement: Every plumbing fixture, stack, vent, and water, waste, and sewer pipe shall be properly installed, maintained in a safe and functional order, and be kept free from obstructions, leaks, and defects.
Rationale: Plumbing leaks may cause mold growth on building materials. People who are exposed to molds may experience nasal and eye irritation, respiratory and allergic diseases, and asthma exacerbation.
Bathroom Fixtures and Moisture Control (2.5)
Requirement: Every dwelling shall have a bathroom equipped with the following:
- A toilet … in good working condition, sealed to the floor, and properly connected to the dwelling’s water supply and to a waste pipe leading to an approved sewage system
- A sink in good working condition, with a stable connection to the wall or securely attached to the floor. The sink shall be properly connected to the heated and unheated water supply and a waste pipe.
- A bathtub or shower … properly connected to the heated and unheated water supply and a waste pipe.
- Bathroom and toilet room floor surfaces shall be cleanable and made of nonabsorbent waterproof materials. Bathroom wall materials that cover the wall extending 48 inches above a bathtub and 72 inches above the floor of a shower stall shall be cleanable and made of nonabsorbent waterproof materials.
Rationale: Poorly maintained bathrooms can cause water damage, mold growth, and associated health issues. Exposure to bathroom-related biological agents can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Exposure to mold can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and asthma exacerbation.
