Recent evidence suggests that exposure to indoor allergens is a risk factor for allergy/asthma. The National Allergen Survey was conducted to examine the prevalence of indoor allergens in U.S. homes and to elucidate factors associated with high allergen exposure. A population-based, multi-stage area probability sampling design was implemented for collection of vacuumed dust, occupant health, and demographic data from 831 homes in 75 primary sampling units representative of the U.S. housing stock. Dust mite (DerpI, DerfI) and cockroach (BlagI) allergen levels were determined by ELISA in bed dust from all surveyed homes. 23% of occupied housing units (~22 million homes) are estimated to have beds with DerpI+DerfI>10mg/g dust, a level previously associated with symptomatic asthma. In a logistic regression model simultaneously accounting for multiple factors, the following are significantly associated with increased risk for high DerpI/DerfI: household income <$30,000/yr; single family home; bedroom humidity greater than 60%; non-western regions of the U.S.; and home built <1978. Detectable BlagI (>0.10 unit/g dust) is estimated to be present in beds from ~5.9 million U.S. homes (6.1% of occupied housing units). Logistic regression revealed that the following were associated with increased risk for detectable bed BlagI: household income less than $30,000/yr; presence of a child; presence of an allergic individual; non-white race; and poor humidity control. Conclusions: (1) a significant proportion of U.S. homes have beds with high levels of cockroach and dust mite allergens; (2) increased risk of allergen exposure is associated with poverty and housing characteristics. See www.niehs.nih.gov/airborne/home.htm
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Asthma, Children's Health
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.