Environmental assessment and exposure reduction of cockroaches: A practice parameter

Abstract

This parameter was developed by the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters, representing the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI); the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI); and the joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. The AAAAI and the ACAAI have jointly accepted responsibility for establishing “Environmental assessment and remediation: a practice parameter.” This is a complete and comprehensive document at the current time. The medical environment is a changing environment, and not all recommendations will be appropriate for all patients. Because this document incorporated the efforts of many participants, no single person, including those who served on the Joint Task Force, is authorized to provide an official AAAAI or ACAAI interpretation of these practice parameters. Any request for information about or an interpretation of these practice parameters by the AAAAI or ACAAI should be directed to the Executive Offices of the AAAAI, the ACAAI, and the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. These parameters are not designed for use by pharmaceutical companies in drug promotion. The findings and conclusions in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Difficult-to-control asthma

“…17 Portnoy et al recently developed a practice parameter for assessment of environmental cockroach exposure and methods for allergen reduction and avoidance. 18 Mouse allergen has also been found to be prevalent in both urban homes and schools with home mouse allergen levels associated with cockroach infestation. 19, 20 Home exposure to mouse allergen in the inner-city has been associated with increased asthma morbidity.…”

Indicators of airborne fungal concentrations in urban homes: Understanding the conditions that affect indoor fungal exposures

“…Cat litter boxes have also been hypothesized as sources of moisture capable of supporting fungal growth (O'Connor et al, 2004). The observation of cockroaches may suggest that water and moisture sources are present and sufficient to support infestation (Portnoy et al, 2013). Home crowding and lack of ventilation can contribute to condensation problems.…”

Bedroom Allergen Exposure Beyond House Dust Mites

“…As first demonstrated by the Inner City Asthma Studies (ICAS), environmental interventions designed to reduce cockroach infestation and exposure – through a combination of professional cleaning, food removal, bait traps, insecticides, and HEPA filters – can be effective in also reducing asthma symptoms [184]. Other studies have subsequently shown 80–90% reductions in cockroach allergen levels through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques [7, 184–189], and some recent studies have even suggested that comparable reductions can be achieved through the strategic placement of bait traps alone, with associated improvements in asthma morbidity [190, 191]. …”