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Indoor exposure to molds and allergic sensitization
Beate Jacob1, Beate Ritz, Ulrike Gehring
1GSF-Institute of Epidemiology, Munich, Germany. beate.jacob@t-online.de
Abstract:
Evidence that indoor dampness and mold growth are associated with respiratory health has been accumulating, but few studies have been able to examine health risks in relation to measured levels of indoor mold exposure. In particular, little is known about the contribution of indoor molds to the development of allergic sensitization. As a part of an ongoing study examining the effects of ambient air pollutants on respiratory health and atopic diseases in German school children, we examined the relation between viable mold levels indoors and allergic sensitization in 272 children. We examined whether allergic sensitization in children is associated with higher fungal spore count in settled house dust sampled from living room floors. Adjusting for age, sex, parental education, region of residency, and parental history of atopy, we found that mold spore counts for Cladosporium and Aspergillus were associated with an increased risk of allergic sensitization. Sensitized children exposed to high levels of mold spores (> 90th percentile) were more likely to suffer from symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis. We conclude that elevated indoor concentrations of molds in wintertime might play a role in increasing the risk of developing atopic symptoms and allergic sensitization not only to molds but also to other common, inhaled allergens. These effects were strongest in the group of children who had lived in the same home since birth.
Insights
Indoor mold exposure, particularly Cladosporium and Aspergillus, is linked to allergic sensitization and rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms in German children. Elevated mold levels may increase the risk of developing atopic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Allergology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Growing evidence links indoor dampness and mold to respiratory issues.
- Limited research quantifies mold exposure's role in allergic sensitization.
- Understanding indoor mold's impact on children's atopic diseases is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between indoor viable mold levels and allergic sensitization in German school children.
- To determine if higher fungal spore counts in house dust correlate with allergic sensitization.
- To explore the relationship between mold exposure and rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 272 German school children as part of an ongoing air pollutant research.
- Viable mold levels were measured in settled house dust from living room floors.
- Statistical analysis adjusted for age, sex, parental education, residency, and family history of atopy.
Main Results:
- Increased mold spore counts for Cladosporium and Aspergillus were associated with a higher risk of allergic sensitization.
- Children exposed to high mold spore levels (> 90th percentile) showed a greater likelihood of rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms.
- The strongest effects were observed in children residing in their homes since birth.
Conclusions:
- Elevated indoor mold concentrations during winter may contribute to atopic symptoms and allergic sensitization.
- Indoor mold exposure can increase sensitivity not only to molds but also to other inhaled allergens.
- This highlights the importance of managing indoor mold for pediatric respiratory and allergic health.