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Der p I concentrations in mattress surface and floor dust collected from infants' bedrooms
R T van Strien1, A P Verhoeff, J H van Wijnen
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Wageningen, Netherlands.
Insights
Young children are exposed to high levels of dust mite allergen (Der p I) in their homes, particularly on mattresses. Infants of allergic mothers had lower allergen exposure, suggesting a protective effect.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Allergy
- Immunology
Background:
- Early childhood allergen exposure is linked to asthma development.
- Limited data exists on home allergen exposure in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- Document house dust mite allergen exposure in infants.
- Compare exposure levels between high-risk (atopic mothers) and low-risk infants.
Main Methods:
- Collected dust samples from 104 infants' homes (3-15 months old).
- Sampled floors and child mattress surfaces.
- Classified infants as high-risk or low-risk based on maternal atopy.
Main Results:
- Most infants had high Der p I concentrations (>2000 ng/g) on mattresses.
- High-risk infants showed lower Der p I on mattresses and floors.
- New bedding and plastic sheeting reduced Der p I levels.
Conclusions:
- Dutch infants experience significant Der p I exposure, especially on mattresses.
- Maternal atopy correlates with reduced mite allergen exposure in infants' homes.
- Environmental controls like new bedding may lower exposure.
Background:
Allergen exposure in early childhood is thought to be important for sensitization and subsequent development of asthma. Not much is known, however, about exposure of young children to allergens in the home.
Objectives:
This study was designed to document dust mite allergen exposure in young children, and to determine whether infants from atopic mothers (= 'high-risk' infants) are exposed to lower concentrations of house dust mite allergen than infants from non-atopic parents (= 'low-risk' infants).
Methods:
Dust samples were taken in the homes of 104 infants (48 'high-risk' and 56 'low-risk' infants, selected by questionnaire) aged 3-15 months, from floors in different rooms and from the child's mattress surface.
Results:
The majority of the infants were found to be exposed to Der p I concentrations of more than 2000 ng/g in dust collected from the surface of their mattresses. Lower Der p I concentrations were found in mattress surface dust from the beds of infants from atopic mothers than of infants from non-atopic parents. Also, lower Der p I concentrations were found in floor dust from the homes of infants from atopic mothers. Infant beds equipped with new mattresses, new blankets and top plastic sheeting had significantly lower Der p I concentrations than beds equipped with used mattresses and blankets, without top plastic sheeting.
Conclusions:
Young children in the Netherlands are exposed to significant concentrations of Der p I in mattress surface dust. Allergic parents appear to provide their children with environments somewhat less rich in mite allergen than non-allergic parents.