Vasilis Nikolaou, PhD

Exposure to damp indoor environments is associated with increased risk of eczema, allergy and asthma. The role of dampness-related exposures and risk of allergic diseases are yet to be fully explored in a US population.

We assess whether exposure to fungi, house dust mites and endotoxin increase the risk of eczema, allergy and asthma in children and adults participating in NHANES 2005-2006.

A total of 8,412 participants (2,849 were children aged between 6 and 17 years) were… Show more

Exposure to damp indoor environments is associated with increased risk of eczema, allergy and asthma. The role of dampness-related exposures and risk of allergic diseases are yet to be fully explored in a US population.

We assess whether exposure to fungi, house dust mites and endotoxin increase the risk of eczema, allergy and asthma in children and adults participating in NHANES 2005-2006.

A total of 8,412 participants (2,849 were children aged between 6 and 17 years) were recruited in the 2005-2006 survey. We used multiple logistic regression to investigate whether mildew/musty odour, and increased concentrations of Alternaria alternata allergen, Aspergillus fumigatus antigens, house dust mite and endotoxin antigens increase risk of eczema, allergy and asthma. We stratified models by total IgE <170 and ≥170 KU/L to assess allergic and non-allergic asthma outcomes. Exposure to multiple biological agents and risk of reporting eczema, allergy and asthma was also investigated.

Reporting of a mildew/musty odour was associated with increased risk of childhood asthma (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.17-2.19), and adult eczema, allergy and asthma (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.39-2.63, OR 1.59 95% CI 1.26-2.02 and OR 1.61 95% CI 1.00-2.57, respectively). Risk of asthma was associated with total IgE ≥170 KU/L in children (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.01-3.25) and total IgE <170 KU/L in adults (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.07-3.42). Children and adults exposed to more than eight biological agents present in the home were at reduced risk of eczema (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.04-0.77) and asthma (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.25-0.97), respectively. Show less

The United Kingdom (UK) has one of the highest prevalence of asthma in the world, which represents a significant economic and societal burden. Reduced ventilation resulting from increased energy efficiency measures acts as a modifier for mould contamination and risk of allergic diseases. To our knowledge no previous study has combined detailed asset management property and health data together to assess the impact of household energy efficiency (using the UK Government's Standard Assessment… Show more

The United Kingdom (UK) has one of the highest prevalence of asthma in the world, which represents a significant economic and societal burden. Reduced ventilation resulting from increased energy efficiency measures acts as a modifier for mould contamination and risk of allergic diseases. To our knowledge no previous study has combined detailed asset management property and health data together to assess the impact of household energy efficiency (using the UK Government's Standard Assessment Procedure) on asthma outcomes in an adult population residing in social housing.
RESULTS:

Eighteen percent of our target social housing population were recruited into our study. Adults had a mean age of 59 (SD±17.3) years and there was a higher percentage of female (59%) and single occupancy (58%) respondents. Housing demographic characteristics were representative of the target homes. A unit increase in household Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating was associated with a 2% increased risk of current asthma, with the greatest risk in homes with SAP >71. We assessed exposure to mould and found that the presence of a mouldy/musty odour was associated with a two-fold increased risk of asthma (OR 2.2 95%; CI 1.3-3.8). A unit increase in SAP led to a 4-5% reduction in the risk of visible mould growth and a mouldy/musty odour.
CONCLUSION:

Energy efficiency may increase the risk of current adult asthma in a population residing in social housing. This association was not significantly modified by the presence of visible mould growth, although further research is needed to investigate the interaction between other demographic and housing characteristic risk factors, especially the impact of fuel poverty on indoor exposures and health outcomes. Show less