Indoor environment and the occupants' health in Icelandic turf dwellings

Mineral based turf has been used as a building material in Iceland for centuries. It is expected that the use of turf influences the indoor environment of dwellings, and may have an effect on the prevalence of infectious diseases among the occupants. This study examines building materials, biological contaminants, and the indoor environment of turf dwellings, using the turf farm of Glaumbaer. Furthermore, historical statistics on the prevalence of infectious diseases in relation to turf dwellings are studied. The thick turf walls had a positive influence on the thermal environment. Due to poor living conditions and a low ventilation rate, indoor air quality was poor. A positive correlation between the prevalence of leprosis and the percentage of turf buildings dwelled is found.