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Reliability and Correlation Between Indoor Allergen Concentrations from Vacuumed Surface Samples and Electrostatic
Ingrid Sander1, Anne Lotz2, Heinz-Dieter Neumann3
1Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IPA), Kompetenz-Zentrum für Allergologie/Immunologie, Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Annals of Work Exposures and Health
|November 28, 2019
Summary
Electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs) and vacuumed surface samples both offer repeatable indoor allergen quantification in German day-care centers. However, agreement between these methods varies significantly by allergen, impacting exposure assessment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Allergen Exposure Science
- Indoor Air Quality
Background:
- Traditional indoor allergen exposure studies rely on vacuumed surface samples.
- Electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs) offer an alternative by sampling previously airborne settled dust.
- Comparing sampling methods is crucial for accurate allergen quantification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare allergen quantification using vacuumed surface samples and EDCs.
- To assess the repeatability of each sampling method.
- To determine the agreement between surface and EDC allergen measurements.
Main Methods:
- Samples were collected quarterly from 20 German day-care centers (167 rooms).
- Allergens (Fel d 1, Can f 1, Mus m 1, DM, Dp, Tp) were quantified using fluorescence enzyme immunoassays.
- Correlations and variances between repeat measurements and between sampling methods were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Repeat measurements over the year showed significant correlations for both methods.
- EDC samples showed representative results for Fel d 1, Can f 1, and DM.
- Agreement between surface and EDC samples varied, with notable discrepancies for Mus m 1 and some mite antigens.
Conclusions:
- Both vacuumed dust from upholstered furniture and EDC samples are suitable for repeatable allergen quantification.
- Little agreement exists between different collection methods for specific allergens like Mus m 1 and mite antigens.
- Sampling method and location significantly influence allergen exposure assessment outcomes.
