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Published on: March 3, 2023
[Domestic exposure to moulds and mite allergens in Parisian patients]
E Dalibert1, M Dusséaux1, V Bex1
1Service parisien de santé environnementale, 11, rue George-Eastman, 75013 Paris, France.
Introduction:
Moulds and mite allergens present in indoor environments are well known for their effects on respiratory health.
Methods:
From 2011 to 2015, the Paris Service for Environmental Health (SPSE) conducted investigations in 293 dwellings following medical referral. These audits included fungal analysis of air (in 12% of dwellings), in mattress surface and floor dust (24%), and mite allergen quantifications in mattresses and carpets (18%).
Results:
Indoor air fungal concentrations are not significantly different from those in outdoor air. When there is no ventilation or when the system is malfunctioning, an increase in indoor/outdoor air ratios is observed, indicating mould enrichment in the dwelling's indoor air. With regard to house dust samples, fungal spore concentrations vary according to the media from which samples were collected. Mattress fungal contamination is higher in dwellings where observed surface moulds exceed 1 per square meter. In the same way Der p1 mite allergens levels are greater in mattress dust in dwellings where mould contamination is visible.
Conclusions:
This study describes the levels of contamination in the dwellings of Parisian patients.
Insights
Indoor mould and mite allergens can impact respiratory health. This study found higher levels of both in Parisian homes, especially when ventilation is poor or mould is visible.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Indoor Air Quality
- Allergen Exposure
Background:
- Indoor moulds and mite allergens are significant contributors to respiratory health issues.
- Previous research highlights the link between indoor allergens and adverse health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the levels of fungal and mite allergen contamination in Parisian dwellings.
- To investigate the relationship between environmental factors and allergen presence.
Main Methods:
- Investigations conducted in 293 dwellings from 2011-2015 by the Paris Service for Environmental Health (SPSE).
- Included fungal analysis of air, mattress, and floor dust.
- Quantified mite allergens (Der p1) in mattresses and carpets.
Main Results:
- Indoor air fungal concentrations were similar to outdoor levels, but increased with poor ventilation.
- Mattress fungal contamination correlated with visible surface moulds.
- Higher Der p1 mite allergen levels were found in mattress dust where mould contamination was visible.
Conclusions:
- This study provides data on indoor contamination levels in Parisian patient homes.
- Findings suggest a correlation between visible mould, poor ventilation, and increased allergen levels.
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