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[Housing conditions and allergic sensitization in children]
J Heinrich1, B Hölscher, M Wjst
1GSF-Forschungszentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit, Institut für Epidemiologie, Neuherberg. Joachim.Heinrich@gsf.de
Zentralblatt Fur Hygiene Und Umweltmedizin = International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine
|October 28, 1998
Summary
Living in modern homes, particularly prefabricated concrete slab or new brick buildings, increases children's risk of allergic sensitization. This study highlights the impact of building type on developing allergies, even after accounting for other indoor factors.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Allergy
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Genetic predisposition and early childhood indoor allergen exposure are key factors in developing allergic diseases.
- The type of building a child resides in since birth may influence their risk of allergic sensitization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between allergic sensitization in children and their residence in different building types since birth.
- To compare the prevalence of allergic sensitization across various building types in children aged 5-14 years.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 811 children (aged 5-14) who have lived in the same home since birth.
- Indoor environmental factors were assessed via questionnaire.
- Allergic sensitization was determined using skin prick tests.
Main Results:
- Children residing in prefabricated concrete slab buildings (post-1970) and new brick buildings showed higher odds of allergic sensitization compared to old brick buildings.
- Pollen sensitization was more prevalent in newer building types (prefabricated slab and new brick).
- Timber-framed houses were associated with increased odds of sensitization to mites.
- Inclusion of specific indoor factors (heating, occupancy, smoke, dampness, mold) had minimal impact on these associations.
Conclusions:
- Modern building types are associated with an increased risk of allergic sensitization in children.
- Building characteristics play a significant role in the development of allergies, independent of common indoor environmental factors.