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Interior surface materials and asthma in adults: a population-based incident case-control study
Jouni J K Jaakkola1, Antonia Ieromnimon, Maritta S Jaakkola
1Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom. j.jaakkola@bham.ac.uk
American Journal of Epidemiology
|August 1, 2006
Summary
Certain indoor materials like plastic walls and carpets at work increase asthma risk. Recent home renovations using floor-leveling plaster also contribute to adult-onset asthma, highlighting the need for healthier building materials.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Indoor environments contain various materials and undergo renovations that may impact respiratory health.
- Asthma is a significant public health concern, and its environmental triggers are actively investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between interior surface materials and home/workplace renovations with adult-onset asthma.
- To identify specific building materials and renovation practices that elevate asthma risk.
Main Methods:
- A population-based incident case-control study was conducted in South Finland.
- 521 new adult asthma cases and 932 controls were recruited between 1997 and 2000.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between indoor materials, renovations, and asthma risk, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- Plastic wall materials were associated with an increased risk of asthma (adjusted OR = 2.43).
- Wall-to-wall carpeting at work, especially with mold, significantly elevated asthma risk (adjusted OR = 4.64).
- Recent use of floor-leveling plaster at home was also linked to a higher risk of developing asthma (adjusted OR = 1.81).
Conclusions:
- Interior surface materials, including plastic walls and workplace carpeting, are potential risk factors for adult asthma.
- Home renovation materials, such as floor-leveling plaster, may contribute to asthma onset.
- Health implications of indoor surface materials necessitate careful consideration in building and renovation practices.
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