A community-university research study enrolled nine families of one public housing development in Boston in a pilot asthma intervention program. As part of the study monthly measurements were made in each apartment for biological antigens and 25 species/varieties of viable mold spores, NO2, 21 volatile organic compounds, PM2.5, PM10, temperature and relative humidity. We included physical interventions such as air filters, industrial cleaning and mattress covers in each apartment. Indoor temperature ranged from 73 – 82 ºF and indoor relative humidity ranged from 24 – 39% during winter months. Insulation of steam pipes did not lower temperature. Cockroach, mouse and pet antigen were variable and high in settled dust. Viable fungal spores were variable, but high in some apartments, with species and varieties present that have been associated with asthma. Dust mites allergen levels were below the level of concern. Industrial cleaning led to transient reduction in mouse and cockroach antigen burden and mattress and pillow covers lowered dust mite antigen in the bedroom, but not the living room. NO2 levels exceeded ambient concentrations due to use of gas stoves and PM2.5 concentrations were above ambient levels due to smoking. Air filtering systems did not reduce PM levels. A number of VOCs were above commonly used adverse risk concentrations. We suggest that our findings are consistent with a multifactoral model for exacerbation of asthma in this population and that no single problem dominates, although some (e.g., cockroach) seem more severe than others (e.g. dust mite).
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to recognize a range of indoor environmental problems in public housing. Participants will be able to describe how these factors might be associated with health outcomes, particularly asthma. Participants will be able to prioritize a general relative importance of different environmental factors found in public housing.
Keywords: Housing, Asthma
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.