Household airborne endotoxin associated with asthma and allergy in elementary school-age children: a case–control study in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Abstract

To evaluate the association between the presence of asthma and allergy, and airborne endotoxin in homes of school-age children in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, with a case-control study design by matching the age and class exposure. Data collection of home visits included an interviewer-administered questionnaire and air sampling of participants' homes for endotoxin, bacteria, and fungi, as well as temperature and relative humidity measurements. Endotoxin was detected in all air samples with a median value of 0.67 EU m −3. In the adjusted logistic regression model, household airborne endotoxin was associated with higher prevalence of asthma and allergy; OR = 4.88 (95% CI 1.16-20.55) for Q3 (between 0.67 and 1.97 EU m −3) vs. Q1 (< 0.31 EU m −3), with statistical significance. Airborne fungi were associated with higher prevalence of asthma and allergy; OR = 4.47 (95% CI 1.13-17.69) for Q3 (between 314 and 699 CFU m −3) vs. Q1 (< 159 CFU m −3) in adjusted logistic regression models. Airborne endotoxin and fungi were significantly associated with children's asthma and allergy.

Airway Wall Remodeling in Childhood Asthma—A Personalized Perspective from Cell Type-Specific Biology

“…Furthermore, the nerve density and airway reactivity in adult age was linked to IL-5 exposure during embryogenesis [21,22]. Today, it is widely assumed that poor indoor air quality and exposure to allergens are the main reasons for developing childhood asthma [23][24][25][26][27][28]. Rhinovirus infection at a young age presents another risk factor to develop asthma later in life [29].…”

Reduction in Indoor Airborne Endotoxin Concentration by the Use of Air Purifier and Its Relationship with Respiratory Health: A Randomized Crossover Intervention Study

“…Consequently, many studies have been conducted to clarify the effects of endotoxins on human health. Exposure to airborne endotoxins is associated with an increased prevalence of asthma [14] and exacerbation of asthma symptoms [15][16][17][18]. In contrast, an additional study reported that exposure to endotoxins was related to a decreased risk of atopy sensitization, and had a protective effect [19].…”

“…A study in Taiwan reported that the range of indoor airborne endotoxin concentrations was 0.02-8.13 EU/m 3 [14]. In Danish homes, the range of indoor endotoxin concentrations was 0.078-8.32 EU/m 3 [25].…”