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Variable risk of atopic disease due to indoor fungal exposure in NHANES 2005-2006

R A Sharpe1, C R Thornton2, J Tyrrell1

  • 1European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK.

Clinical and Experimental Allergy : Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|April 8, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Exposure to mildew or musty odors increases the risk of asthma in children and adults. However, exposure to multiple indoor allergens may reduce the risk of eczema and asthma.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Allergology

Background:

  • Damp indoor environments are linked to increased risks of eczema, allergy, and asthma.
  • The specific role of dampness-related exposures in allergic diseases within the US population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if exposure to fungi, house dust mites, and endotoxin elevates the risk of eczema, allergy, and asthma in US children and adults.
  • To analyze the association between specific indoor biological agents and atopic disease prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 8412 participants (including 2849 children) in the NHANES 2005-2006 survey.
  • Employed multiple logistic regression to assess the impact of mildew/musty odor, fungal allergens, house dust mite, and endotoxin on disease risk.
  • Stratified analyses by total IgE levels to differentiate allergic and non-allergic asthma outcomes.

Main Results:

  • A mildew/musty odor was linked to higher risks of childhood asthma and adult eczema, allergy, and asthma.
  • Specific IgE levels showed associations with asthma risk in children and adults.
  • Exposure to over eight biological agents correlated with a reduced risk of eczema in children and asthma in adults.

Conclusions:

  • Exposure to mildew/musty odors, a proxy for fungal exposure, is associated with increased atopic disease risk.
  • Allergen sensitization may differ between children and adults.
  • Exposure to a diverse range of indoor allergens might offer a protective effect against atopic diseases.
Keywords:
allergyasthmaatopydampeczemafungimicrobiomeodour

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