Table 4 Comparison of combined ORs for associations with exposure to “mould ever” and “recent mould”, among studies which had information on both
Outcome (no. of studies)Combined adjusted OR (95% CI)
Mould ever“Recent” mould
Wheeze (7)1.44 (1.35 to 1.53)1.46 (1.31 to 1.61)
Asthma (7)1.36 (1.19 to 1.56)1.23 (1.07 to 1.41)
Bronchitis (7)1.40 (1.30 to 1.51)1.38 (1.25 to 1.53)
Nocturnal dry cough (5)1.26 (1.16 to 1.38)1.23 (1.12 to 1.34)
Morning cough (7)1.52 (1.26 to 1.83)1.42 (1.26 to 1.60)
Sensitivity to inhaled allergens (7)1.38 (1.26 to 1.52)1.29 (1.12 to 1.49)
Hay fever (2)1.48 (1.34 to 1.62)1.47 (1.35 to 1.61)

  • ORs are adjusted for area and individual risk factors (as in table 3).