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Asthma Study Finds High Concentrations of Chemicals in Louisville Homes
89.3 WFPL A University of Louisville study on asthma in older adults has found high levels of potentially dangerous chemicals inside the homes of participants in the city and Southern Indiana. Chemicals like chloroform, benzene, xylene, toluene, chloromethane … Some indoor air worse than Rubbertown |
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Indicators of airborne fungal concentrations in urban homes: Understanding the conditions that affect indoor fungal exposures.
Sci Total Environ. 2015 Feb 25;517C:113-124
Authors: Crawford JA, Rosenbaum PF, Anagnost SE, Hunt A, Abraham JL
Abstract
Indoor fungal exposure can compromise respiratory health. Low-income urban areas are of concern because of high asthma and allergy rates and housing disrepair. Understanding the conditions that affect indoor fungal exposures is important for assessing health risks and for developing mitigation strategies. We examined the types and concentrations of airborne fungi inside and outside of homes in low-income areas of Syracuse, NY as well as the effect of snow cover on fungal levels. At 103 homes, air samples for viable fungi were collected, occupants were interviewed and homes were inspected for visible mold, musty odors, water problems and other factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to relate high fungal levels to home conditions. Predominant indoor fungi included Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria and hyaline unknowns. Basidiomycetes and an uncommon genus Acrodontium were also found frequently due to analysis methods developed for this project. With snow cover, outdoor total fungal levels were depressed and indoor concentrations were three times higher than outdoor on average with a maximum of 29 times higher. Visible mold was related to elevated levels of Penicillium (OR 4.11 95% CI 1.37-14.0) and bacteria (OR 3.79 95% CI 1.41-11.2). Musty, moldy odors were associated with elevated concentrations of total fungi (OR 3.48 95% CI 1.13-11.6) and basidiomycetes. Cockroaches, an indicator of moisture, were associated with elevated levels of Penicillium (OR 3.66 95% CI 1.16-13.1) and Aspergillus (OR 4.36 95% CI 1.60-13.4). Increasing relative humidity was associated with higher concentrations of Penicillium, yeasts and basidiomycetes. Visible mold, musty odors, indoor humidity and cockroaches are modifiable factors that were important determinants of indoor fungal exposures. Indoor air investigators should interpret indoor:outdoor fungal ratios cautiously when snow cover is present.
PMID: 25725196 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]
View full post on pubmed: asthma
Condition: Asthma
Interventions: Drug: BHT 0.1%; Drug: BHT 0.5%; Drug: Placebo for RMT-B; Drug: Placebo for HFA-MDI
Sponsor: Boehringer Ingelheim
Completed – verified August 2014
View full post on ClinicalTrials.gov: asthma | received in the last 14 days
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Impact of asthmatic control status on serum cystatin C concentrations.
Clin Chem Lab Med. 2012 Aug;50(8):1367-71
Authors: Shigemura M, Konno S, Nasuhara Y, Shimizu C, Matsuno K, Nishimura M
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To determine whether cystatin C accurately reflects renal function in asthma, we investigated serum cystatin C concentrations in a large number of asthmatic patients by adjusting for several confounding factors that might affect serum cystatin C concentrations.
METHODS: A total of 126 asthmatic patients and 126 healthy volunteers, matched for age and gender, were studied.
RESULTS: Serum cystatin C concentrations in symptomatic subjects with asthma were significantly higher than in healthy controls (p < 0.001) and asymptomatic subjects with asthma (p = 0.007), whereas no significant difference was observed between healthy controls and asymptomatic subjects. In asthmatic subjects, serum cystatin C concentrations were not influenced by inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). However, serum cystatin C concentrations were significantly higher in subjects who were regularly treated by oral corticosteroid (OCS) (p = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Serum cystatin C concentrations are elevated in asthmatic patients; particularly while symptomatic and/or taking OCS but not ICS. Serum cystatin C concentrations may not accurately reflect renal function in those patients.
PMID: 23035264 [PubMed – in process]
View full post on pubmed: asthma
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Fractionated breath condensate sampling: H2O2 concentrations of the alveolar …
7thSpace Interactive (press release) Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways but recent studies have shown that alveoli are also subject to pathophysiological changes. This study was undertaken to compare hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations in different parts of the … |
View full post on asthma – Google News
Particulate Matter Concentrations in Residences: An Intervention Study Evaluating Stand-Alone Filters and Air Conditioners.
Indoor Air. 2011 Dec 7;
Authors: Batterman S, Du L, Mentz G, Mukherjee B, Parker E, Godwin C, Chin JY, O’Toole A, Robins T, Rowe Z, Lewis T
Abstract
This study, a randomized controlled trial, evaluated the effectiveness of free-standing air filters and window air conditioners (ACs) in 126 low income households of children with asthma. Households were randomized into a control group, a group receiving a free-standing HEPA filter placed in the child’s sleeping area, and a group receiving the filter and a window-mounted AC. IAQ was monitored for week-long periods over three to four seasons. High concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and carbon dioxide were frequently seen. When IAQ was monitored, filters reduced PM levels in the child’s bedroom by an average of 50%. Filter use varied greatly among households and declined over time, e.g., during weeks when pollutants were monitored, filter use was initially high, averaging 84 ± 27%, but dropped to 63 ± 33% in subsequent seasons. In months when households were not visited, use averaged only 34 ± 30%. Filter effectiveness did not vary in homes with central or room ACs. The study shows that measurements over multiple seasons are needed to characterize air quality and filter performance. The effectiveness of interventions using free-standing air filters depends on occupant behavior, and strategies to ensure filter use should be an integral part of interventions.
PMID: 22145709 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]
View full post on pubmed: asthma