Allergens in urban schools and homes of children with asthma

Abstract

Background Most studies of indoor allergens have focused on the home environment. However, schools may be an important site of allergen exposure for children with asthma. We compared school allergen exposure to home exposure in a cohort of children with asthma. Correlations between settled dust and airborne allergen levels in classrooms were examined. Methods Settled dust and airborne samples from 12 inner-city schools were analyzed for indoor allergens using multiplex array technology (MARIA). School samples were linked to students with asthma enrolled in the School Inner-City Asthma Study (SICAS). Settled dust samples from students’ bedrooms were analyzed similarly. Results From schools, 229 settled dust and 197 airborne samples were obtained. From homes, 118 settled dust samples were obtained. Linear mixed regression models of log-transformed variables showed significantly higher settled dust levels of mouse, cat and dog allergens in schools than homes (545% higher for Mus m 1, estimated absolute difference 0.55 μg/g, p<0.0001; 198% higher for Fel d 1, estimated absolute difference 0.13 μg/g, p=0.0033; and 144% higher for Can f 1, estimated absolute difference 0.05 μg/g, p=0.0008). Airborne and settled dust Mus m 1 levels in classrooms were moderately correlated (r=0.48; p< 0.0001). There were undetectable to very low levels of cockroach and dust mite allergens in both homes and schools. Conclusions Mouse allergen levels in schools were substantial. In general, cat and dog allergen levels were low, but detectable, and were higher in schools. Aerosolization of mouse allergen in classrooms may be a significant exposure for students. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of indoor allergen exposure in schools on asthma morbidity in students with asthma.

Mouse Sensitivity Is an Independent Risk Factor for Rhinitis in Children with Asthma

“…Previous work has shown that allergen levels of both mouse and cockroach are elevated not only in urban homes but also in other urban locales such as schools. 31 We also did not find any association between cockroach sensitivity or exposure and rhinitis in our study population. Previous multi-center research has highlighted the association between cockroach sensitivity and exposure with the worst asthma outcomes of urban children; cockroach allergen levels were found to be highest in Boston and Baltimore, with both of these cities comprising our study sites.…”

Sick building syndrome among parents of preschool children in relation to home environment in Chongqing, China

“…A study of US households showed increased concentrations of mouse allergen when rodent or cockroach presence was reported and especially when floor mopping was performed instead of vacuuming [60]. Mouse allergen levels in schools have been reported substantial, and aerosolization of mouse allergen in classrooms may result in significant exposure for students [61]. Mosquito allergens have been reported to be associated with human health.…”

Une première évaluation en France de la présence d’allergènes de rongeurs dans les bâtiments publics

“…Aucune concentration de Fel d1 et Can f1 ne dépassait ces seuils respectifs. Dans l'étude de Permaul et al, on retrouvait des concentrations basses mais détectables d'allergènes de chat et chien [13], ce qui était retrouvé aussi dans notre étude. De même, la concentration d'allergènes de souris reste faible, même dans les grandes structures, où elle est 64 fois plus importante que celle retrouvée dans les petites structures.…”

“…En effet, plusieurs études américaines ont montré que la présence d'allergènes de souris est élevée dans les ménages américains [10] et très élevée dans les logements [11,12] et les écoles [12] des quartiers défavorisés. L'étude de Permaul et al [13] a montré que le niveau de Mus m1 était significativement plus haut dans les écoles que dans les logements de ces quartiers défavorisés (0,65 vs 0,10 g/g, respectivement). En revanche, une étude française réalisée sur les logements sociaux et non sociaux de Strasbourg [14] a déterminé une présence modéré de Mus m1 (60 % dans les deux groupes) avec une très faible concentration médiane de Mus m1 (3,2 ng/g vs 5,2 ng/g, respectivement) et une absence d'allergènes de rat, contrairement à l'étude de Perry et al, qui retrouve des allergènes de rat dans 33 % des foyers défavorisés américains [15].…”