Prevalence and distribution of indoor allergens in Singapore

ZHANG, L.; CHEW, F. T.; SOH, S. Y.; Yi, Fong Cheng; LAW, S. Y.; Goh, Daniel Y T; LEE, B. W.

doi:10.1046/j.1365-2222.1997.830881.x

Cited by 29 publications

(74 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Animal allergens (Fel d 1 and Can f 1) were remarkably low in all samples [23]. In a school study from Singapore, GM level was 100 ng/g for Der p1, 200 ng/g for Der f 1, 5900 ng/g for Bla g 1, 100 ng/g for dog allergen (Can f 1), 30 ng/g for cat allergen (Fel d 1), and 632 AU/g for tropical storage mites (Blo t) [24]. In conclusion, our data on allergens in Malaysia schools is in agreement with data from Singapore and Brazil, suggesting relatively low levels of these allergens in schools in tropical countries.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…One study from Brazil concluded that schools are important sources of exposure to dust mite and cockroach allergens [23]. Another study from Singapore concluded that Bloomia tropicalis (tropical storage mite) should be considered as a major allergenic component in dust in Singapore, and that levels of cockroach allergens were higher in schools than in homes [24].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Endotoxin, Ergosterol, Fungal DNA and Allergens in Dust from Schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia- Associations with Asthma and Respiratory Infections in Pupils

et al. 2014

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There are few studies on associations between respiratory health and allergens, fungal and bacterial compounds in schools in tropical countries. The aim was to study associations between respiratory symptoms in pupils and ethnicity, chemical microbial markers, allergens and fungal DNA in settled dust in schools in Malaysia. Totally 462 pupils (96%) from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated. Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of different types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol, allergens and five fungal DNA sequences. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 13.1% pupils reported doctor’s diagnosed asthma, 10.3% wheeze and 21.1% pollen or pet allergy. Indian and Chinese children had less atopy and asthma than Malay. Carbon dioxide levels were low (380–690 ppm). No cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f 1) or horse allergens (Ecu cx) were detected. The levels of Bloomia tropicalis (Blo t), house dust mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m 1) and cockroach allergens (Per a 1 and Bla g 1) were low. There were positive associations between levels of Aspergillus versicolor DNA and daytime breathlessness, between C14 3-OH and respiratory infections and between ergosterol and doctors diagnosed asthma. There were negative (protective) associations between levels of C10 3-OH and wheeze, between C16 3-OH and day time and night time breathlessness, between cockroach allergens and doctors diagnosed asthma. Moreover there were negative associations between amount of fine dust, total endotoxin (LPS) and respiratory infections. In conclusion, endotoxin at school seems to be mainly protective for respiratory illness but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. Fungal contamination measured as ergosterol and Aspergillus versicolor DNA can be risk factors for respiratory illness. The ethnical differences for atopy and asthma deserve further attention.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Endotoxin, Ergosterol, Fungal DNA and Allergens in Dust from Schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia- Associations with Asthma and Respiratory Infections in Pupils

et al. 2014

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“…Indoor air quality in schools may influence respiratory health, especially if the air quality differs from the home environment. For allergen exposure, some studies suggest that the home environment is a higher contributor of children’s’ exposure than schools [1]–[3], while other studies show higher exposure in schools compared to homes [1], [4], [5]. Endotoxin was only recently measured in schools and was higher in schools compared to homes [6], [7] while β-(1,3)-glucan measurements were only performed in two schools and was never compared to the home environment [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Allergens and β-Glucans in Dutch Homes and Schools: Characterizing Airborne Levels

et al. 2014

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BackgroundIndoor air quality has an effect on respiratory health. Children are more vulnerable to a decreased indoor air quality as their lungs are still developing. We measured levels of allergens and β-(1,3)-glucans in 19 school buildings and determined whether measured levels could be reproduced. School levels were compared to those in 169 homes and the effect of building characteristics on both home and school exposure was explored.MethodsElectrostatic Dust fall Collectors were placed in school buildings for 8 weeks and in homes for 2 weeks to collect settled airborne dust. Cat, dog, and mouse allergen levels, domestic mite antigen levels and β-(1,3)-glucans were measured in the extracts from the collectors. Results were corrected for sampling duration. Using questionnaire data, relations between measured levels and building and classroom characteristics were explored.ResultsIn schools, exposure levels were highest in classrooms and were influenced by the socioeconomic status of the children, the season measurements were performed, moisture status of the building and pet ownership. Repeated measurements in different seasons and over the years showed significantly different levels. Home exposure was influenced by socioeconomic status, occupancy and pet ownership. Domestic mite antigen was found in higher levels in extracts from homes compared to schools while pet allergen levels were 13 times higher in schools compared to homes without pets. For mouse allergen overall levels of exposure were low but still two times higher in schools compared to homes. Levels of β-(1,3)-glucans were also approximately two times higher in schools than in homes.ConclusionExposure levels of several allergens and β-(1,3)-glucans in schools differ over time and are higher than in homes. For children, exposure levels measured at school could contribute to their total exposure as especially animal allergen levels can be much higher in schools compared to homes.

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“…Cat allergen (Fel d 1) average values range from 30 ng/g from combined surfaces in Chinese schools [19] to 11 300 ng/g in chairs and desks from Virginia (USA) schools [20] (see Table 2a). While most average values were under 1000 ng/g, 10 studies reported at least one sample over this concentration and three studies reported at least one sample exceeding 8000 ng/g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Indoor allergens in settled school dust: a review of findings and significant factors

Tranter

2005

Clin Experimental Allergy

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The school environment can be an important site of exposure to cat, dog, dust mite, and cockroach allergens, which have been detected in the settled dust of many schools. The sizable body of research that has been published in recent years warrants careful examination. This review article informs clinicians, researchers, and other parties about the potential for exposure in the school environment, factors that affect allergen concentrations, and areas of future research. While average concentrations in schools were usually under risk levels for symptoms or sensitization, many studies reported at least one location where the concentrations exceeded these levels. Maintenance, mechanical, and administrative factors were related to allergen levels in schools. From a clinical perspective, the school environment in industrialized nations has a lower potential for exposure than the home environment, but schools are significant for allergic individuals whose home environment has been addressed to the extent feasible. From a public health perspective, the school environment should be considered as a target for primary and secondary prevention. It can be more practical and amenable to intervene on a single school than the hundreds of homes in a community. Future research should continue to evaluate which interventions are most practical and result in the greatest measurable improvements. In addition, research should further examine the relationship between allergen exposure in schools and health effects, in order to develop an accurate exposure assessment model and risk levels that are specific to the school environment.

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Prevalence and distribution of indoor allergens in Singapore

Abstract: The results indicate that compared with public places, the home consitutes a major reservior of indoor allergens. Allergens of the storage mite, B. tropicalis, should be considered as a major allergenic component of dust in Singapore.

Cited by 29 publications

References 9 publications

Endotoxin, Ergosterol, Fungal DNA and Allergens in Dust from Schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia- Associations with Asthma and Respiratory Infections in Pupils

Endotoxin, Ergosterol, Fungal DNA and Allergens in Dust from Schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia- Associations with Asthma and Respiratory Infections in Pupils

Allergens and β-Glucans in Dutch Homes and Schools: Characterizing Airborne Levels

Indoor allergens in settled school dust: a review of findings and significant factors

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