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eMaxHealth |
Preventing and managing occupational asthma: Indoor air quality matters
eMaxHealth Occupational asthma is a hazard many workers face due to poor air quality. Occupational asthma is a lung disorder caused by substances in the workplace, and this specifically refers to particulates in the air. The condition can be attributed to a … |
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Bel Marra Health |
Indoor winter allergy risks, stopping asthma, rhinitis causing allergens in …
Bel Marra Health Indoor winter allergy risks, stopping asthma, rhinitis causing allergens in your home The risk of winter allergies can be lowered by preventing the allergens that cause asthma and rhinitis. Although the springtime is more commonly known to produce … |
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| Related Articles |
Exposure to Indoor Pollutants and Wheeze and Asthma Development during Early Childhood.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015;12(4):3993-4017
Authors: Patelarou E, Tzanakis N, Kelly FJ
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This review aimed to summarize existing epidemiological evidence of the association between quantitative estimates of indoor air pollution with early childhood respiratory disease.
METHODS: We carried out a systematic literature search of peer-reviewed epidemiological studies undertaken in “westernized” countries that have assessed exposure to indoor pollutants and asthma and wheeze from infancy up to the age of 5.
RESULTS: The search, between January 2004 and February 2014 yielded 1840 studies for consideration. Following application of eligibility criteria to titles and abstracts 22 independent studies were deemed relevant for further review. Two additional studies were next identified through examination of the references’ lists of these studies. Of these 24 selected studies, 16 adopted a prospective cohort design and 8 were case-control studies. Fourteen studies assessed exposure to bio-aerosols, 8 studies assessed exposure to specific air chemicals and two studies assessed exposure to bio-aerosols and air chemicals. Furthermore, 11 studies examined the association of exposure with asthma and 16 with wheeze. Findings indicate that existing studies have reported contradictory effects of indoor pollutants levels and occurrence of asthma/wheeze.
CONCLUSION: Additional research to establish causality and evaluate interventions to prevent disease onset is needed.
PMID: 25872014 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]
View full post on pubmed: asthma
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
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Related Articles |
Effect of indoor nitrogen dioxide on lung function in urban environment.
Environ Res. 2015 Feb 12;138C:8-16
Authors: Cibella F, Cuttitta G, Della Maggiore R, Ruggieri S, Panunzi S, De Gaetano A, Bucchieri S, Drago G, Melis MR, La Grutta S, Viegi G
Abstract
BACKGROUND: High levels of indoor NO2 are associated with increased asthma symptoms and decreased expiratory peak flows in children. We investigated the association of exposure to domestic indoor NO2, objectively measured in winter and spring, with respiratory symptoms and lung function in a sample of adolescents from a southern Mediterranean area.
METHODS: From a large school population sample (n=2150) participating in an epidemiological survey in the urban area of the City of Palermo (southern Italy), a sub-sample of 303 adolescents was selected which furnished an enriched sample for cases of current asthma. All subjects were evaluated by a health questionnaire, skin prick tests and spirometry. One-week indoor NO2 monitoring of their homes was performed by diffusive sampling during spring and again during winter.
RESULTS: We found that about 25% of subjects were exposed to indoor NO2 levels higher than the 40µg/m(3) World Health Organization limit, during both spring and winter. Moreover, subjects exposed to the highest indoor NO2 concentrations had increased frequency of current asthma (p=0.005), wheeze episodes in the last 12 months (p<0.001), chronic phlegm (p=0.013), and rhinoconjunctivitis (p=0.008). Finally, subjects with a personal history of wheeze ever had poorer respiratory function (FEF25-75%, p=0.01) when exposed to higher indoor NO2 concentrations.
CONCLUSIONS: Home exposure to high indoor NO2 levels frequently occurs in adolescents living in a southern Mediterranean urban area and is significantly associated with the risks for increased frequency of both respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function.
PMID: 25682253 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]
View full post on pubmed: asthma
RedOrbit |
Indoor Mold Can Be Very Dangerous For Asthma Sufferers
RedOrbit Just to be clear, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America identifies that mold is a fungi which reproduces and grows through spreading spores in the wind outdoors and through air circulating indoors. In some individuals, these spores may cause … Indoor Mold May Pose a Significant Threat to Asthma Sufferers Indoor Mold Exposure Can Post Health Risk To Asthma Patients |
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University Herald |
Indoor Mold Exposure Can Post Health Risk To Asthma Patients
Medical Research News and Interviews_ MedicalResearch.com Dr. Sharpe: By systematically reviewing the findings from 17 studies across 8 different countries, we've found that increased levels of the fungal species Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium can pose a significant health risk to people with asthma. Indoor Mold May Pose a Significant Threat to Asthma Sufferers Indoor Mold Poses Health Risk to Asthma Sufferers |
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University Herald |
Indoor Mold May Pose a Significant Threat to Asthma Sufferers
University Herald We've found the strongest evidence yet of their potentially harmful effects, with higher levels of some of these molds presenting a breathing hazard to people suffering from asthma, worsening their symptoms significantly," Richard Sharpe, lead author … |
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Indoor mold poses health risk to asthma sufferers
Medical Xpress By critically reviewing the findings from 17 studies in eight different countries, the research has found that the presence of several types of mould can lead to breathing problems in asthma sufferers, as well as increasing the likelihood of developing … |
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Condition: Asthma
Interventions: Other: First home intervention with advice; Other: First home intervention without any advice; Other: Final home visit
Sponsors: Rennes University Hospital; EHESP – Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Santé Publique; IRDES – Institut de Recherche et Documentation en Economie de la Santé; INSERM 0203 – Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale
Not yet recruiting – verified August 2014
View full post on ClinicalTrials.gov: asthma | received in the last 14 days