Increased prevalence of atopy among children exposed to mold in a school building

Savilahti, Risto; Uitti, Jukka; Roto, Pekka; Laippala, Pekka; Husman, Tuula

doi:10.1034/j.1398-9995.2001.056002175.x

Cited by 53 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…This agrees with previous findings where an increased prevalence of atopy was reported among children in schools where airborne moulds were found, compared to control schools with no mould damage [19,20]. Among preschool children, a higher odds ratio for skin prick test reactivity was related to dampness and visible mould in the home [21].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Otitis, rhinitis, and atopy in relation to domestic endotoxin and β-glucan exposure among children in Singapore

Yee

Yan

Rylander

2010

Environ Health Prev Med

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Background Exposure to microbial cell wall agents (MCWAs) has been related to the risk for atopy, otitis, and rhinitis. Objectives To relate domestic exposure to two important MCWAs-b-glucan and endotoxin-to the risk for otitis, rhinitis, atopy, and allergy in a sample of children from Singapore. Methods Subjects (n = 98) were recruited from July 2006 to December 2008. Blood samples were taken to determine nonspecific IgE and skin prick tests were performed. Dust samples were collected from the bedrooms of the subjects and analyzed for the content of b-glucan and endotoxin, using the Limulus method. Results Levels of IgE were significantly higher among children with rhinitis, and these children also had a larger proportion of atopics. There were no differences in b-glucan values between children with otitis, children with rhinitis, and controls. Endotoxin levels were lower in the homes of children with otitis, with a tendency for the levels to be lower in those with rhinitis. Among children with a high level of b-glucan, there was a higher proportion of those with high IgE values and atopy. Conclusions The results suggest that a low level of endotoxin is a risk factor for otitis and that a high level of b-glucan is a risk factor for atopic sensitisation. Reactions to domestic indoor exposure are determined by several indoor agents and their relative exposure levels.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Otitis, rhinitis, and atopy in relation to domestic endotoxin and β-glucan exposure among children in Singapore

Yee

Yan

Rylander

2010

Environ Health Prev Med

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“…Other authors have failed to show links between atopy and symptoms. Higher mold IgE levels have been found in individuals exposed to water damaged structures (242,368). Several groups have reported links between Alternaria allergen sensitivity (measured by specific IgE), but the relationship was not as strong as that between routine indoor allergens and asthma (325).…”

Section: Effects Of Stachybotrys In Indoor Air 155mentioning

confidence: 99%

Indoor Mold, Toxigenic Fungi, andStachybotrys chartarum: Infectious Disease Perspective

2003

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Damp buildings often have a moldy smell or obvious mold growth; some molds are human pathogens. This has caused concern regarding health effects of moldy indoor environments and has resulted in many studies of moisture- and mold-damaged buildings. Recently, there have been reports of severe illness as a result of indoor mold exposure, particularly due to Stachybotrys chartarum. While many authors describe a direct relationship between fungal contamination and illness, close examination of the literature reveals a confusing picture. Here, we review the evidence regarding indoor mold exposure and mycotoxicosis, with an emphasis on S. chartarum. We also examine possible end-organ effects, including pulmonary, immunologic, neurologic, and oncologic disorders. We discuss the Cleveland infant idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage reports in detail, since they provided important impetus for concerns about Stachybotrys. Some valid concerns exist regarding the relationship between indoor mold exposure and human disease. Review of the literature reveals certain fungus-disease associations in humans, including ergotism (Claviceps species), alimentary toxic aleukia (Fusarium), and liver disease (Aspergillys). While many papers suggest a similar relationship between Stachybotrys and human disease, the studies nearly uniformly suffer from significant methodological flaws, making their findings inconclusive. As a result, we have not found well-substantiated supportive evidence of serious illness due to Stachybotrys exposure in the contemporary environment. To address issues of indoor mold-related illness, there is an urgent need for studies using objective markers of illness, relevant animal models, proper epidemiologic techniques, and examination of confounding factors

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“…Adverse health effects of dampness and mold in school buildings on school children have been reported [4][5][6][7]. Moreover, an interventional study, in which a moisturedamaged school was repaired, showed a positive effect on schoolchildren's health [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dampness, food habits, and sick building syndrome symptoms in elementary school pupils

Saijo

Nakagi

Ito

et al. 2010

Environ Health Prev Med

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Objectives We investigated dampness/mold in schools and dwellings, and food habits and subjective symptoms in elementary school pupils, in order to clarify the effect of dampness and food habits on subjective symptoms in elementary school pupils. Methods Questionnaires were used to investigate dampness in classrooms and dwellings in Hokkaido, Japan, and its effect on subjective symptoms in 1,077 pupils in 8 elementary schools. We used a dampness index for both the home and classroom; the index was the sum of the presence of four dampness indicators: (1) visible mold, (2) moldy odor, (3) water leakage, and (4) condensation on windowpanes. The questionnaire also contained queries about food habits, as follows: the frequency of eating breakfast, whether the energy provided by the school lunch was sufficient, and whether eating too many snacks and/or sweets were consumed. Adjusted logistic regression was used to determine whether dampness and food habits were related to the subjective symptoms. Results In fully adjusted models, the home dampness index was significantly related to cough, general symptoms, and having at least one symptom; the classroom dampness index was significantly related to nasal symptoms. In addition, usually not eating breakfast was significantly related to eye symptoms, and too many snacks and/or sweets was significantly related to eye, nasal, and general symptoms. Conclusions Both home and classroom dampness can affect pupils' health. Home dampness, in particular, was significantly related to cough and general symptoms, and classroom dampness was significantly related to nasal symptoms. Furthermore, favorable food habits have a positive effect on pupils' subjective symptoms.

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Increased prevalence of atopy among children exposed to mold in a school building

Cited by 53 publications

References 26 publications

Otitis, rhinitis, and atopy in relation to domestic endotoxin and β-glucan exposure among children in Singapore

Otitis, rhinitis, and atopy in relation to domestic endotoxin and β-glucan exposure among children in Singapore

Indoor Mold, Toxigenic Fungi, andStachybotrys chartarum: Infectious Disease Perspective

Dampness, food habits, and sick building syndrome symptoms in elementary school pupils

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