Rodent Allergen in Los Angeles Inner City Homes of Children with Asthma

Abstract

Recent studies have examined the presence of mouse allergen in inner city children with asthma. Researchers have found high levels of rodent allergen in homes sampled in the northeast and midwest United States, but there has been considerable variation between cities, and there have been few studies conducted in western states. We evaluated the frequency of rodent sightings and detectable mouse allergen and the housing conditions associated with these outcomes in inner city homes in Los Angeles. Two hundred and two families of school children, ages 6-16 living in inner city neighborhoods, participated in the study. Families were predominantly Latino (94%), and Spanish speaking (92%). At study entry, parents completed a home assessment questionnaire, and staff conducted a home evaluation and collected kitchen dust, which was analyzed for the presence of mouse allergen. Fifty-one percent of homes had detectable allergen in kitchen dust. All 33 families who reported the presence of rodents had detectable allergen in the home and were also more likely to have increased levels of allergen compared to those who did not report rodents. Unwashed dishes or food crumbs, lack of a working vacuum, and a caretaker report of a smoker in the home were all significantly associated with a greater risk of rodent sightings or detectable allergen (PG0.05). Detached homes were significantly more likely to have detectable allergen. The prevalence of allergen is common enough that it may have public health implications for asthmatic children, and detectable allergen was not routinely identified based on rodent sightings. Many of the predictors of rodent allergen are amenable to low-cost interventions that can be integrated with other measures to reduce exposure to indoor allergens.

Environmental assessment and exposure reduction of rodents: a practice parameter

“…Unwashed dishes or food crumbs and lack of a working vacuum increased the risk of rodent sightings or detectable allergen. 26 Other factors associated with mouse allergen levels in home include frequency of mouse sightings, use of traps or pesticides for mice, presence of holes in ceilings or walls, absence of a cat, and living in a building with fewer than 8 floors. 27 …”

Are Building-Level Characteristics Associated with Indoor Allergens in the Household?

“…5,10,24,51,[53][54][55][56][57] Likewise, recent literature has highlighted the relationship between asthma morbidity and building types such as public housing; 54,58 mixed-use buildings, i.e., property containing both residential and commercial space; [59][60][61] and building size. [9][10][11]62,63 Lastly, indoor allergens and asthma morbidity have also been linked to building conditions; in particular older buildings and building violations in or near the residential building have been associated. 8,10,48,49,51,52 However, little explicit examination by building type and condition has occurred, especially in the USA.…”

Pest and allergen exposure and abatement in inner-city asthma: A Work Group Report of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Indoor Allergy/Air Pollution Committee

“…Finally, deterioration of the physical condition of homes has been identified as a predictor. For example, higher mouse and cockroach exposure has been associated with increased clutter, water damage, and the presence of cracks or holes in ceilings or walls 12,30–34. Furthermore, stone foundations that can harbor rodents, the uneven settling of older foundations, and vacant lots contribute to pest infestation.…”