Dampness, bacterial and fungal components in dust in primary schools and respiratory health in schoolchildren across Europe

Abstract

Health effects of moisture and microbial exposures may vary between countries, but this requires further study.

Microbiological characterization of 3193 French dwellings of Elfe cohort children

“…This methodology (EDC + qPCR) has already been used in another recent important study which measures children's exposure at school (Jacobs et al, 2014). The EBRA-Elfe study targeted a small number of microorganisms focusing only on ten.…”

Introducing an environmental assessment and intervention program in inner-city schools

“…This study was borne out of a demand for research on indoor air pollution from the European Union 7 th framework programme. Thus far, HITEA has found high levels of mold in schools, particularly those with moisture damage 40-43 . These mold findings corroborate the results from the SICAS study done in the United States 24 .…”

“…A recent cross-sectional study in Taiwan additionally found that fungal spore levels in classrooms correlated with asthma symptoms and found relief of symptoms on weekends and holidays 44 . Additional studies suggest that high levels of microbial byproducts may correlate with respiratory symptoms, although results were mixed 40-43 . Recent meta-genomic studies, however, suggest that the effect of microbial exposures on asthma may depend not just on quantity, but rather on the biodiversity of microbial exposures, which may be characterized by sequencing and newer techniques that hold promise for the future 45, 46 .…”

Recent advances in environmental controls outside the home setting

“…An ongoing multicenter prospective study evaluating indoor air pollution in Europe, entitled the Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollutants (HITEA), has found high levels of mold in schools, particularly those with moisture damage [28,41,42, 43 ▪▪ ,44]. These mold findings substantiate the results from SICAS, which found elevated levels of mold in settled dust and airborne concentrations [25].…”