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Zhang Y, Mei Y, Yu W, Guo M, Li B, Zhou H, Wang C, Du C. Association of indoor dampness indicators with rheumatic diseases/symptoms in older adults: A comparative cross-sectional study in Chongqing and Beijing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11633-11646. [PMID: 38221562 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31971-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Dampness is strongly associated with rheumatic diseases, which particularly affect the older adults. Tackling dampness is therefore important, especially given that climate change is expected to exacerbate rheumatic diseases; however, limited studies have compared the risk of rheumatic diseases in older adults based on humidity levels across different regions. To explore this, a comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to collect information on the residential characteristics, lifestyles, and health outcomes of 2000 individuals aged 60-74 years from Chongqing and Beijing. From this data, we tested for an association between six indoor dampness indicators and rheumatic related diseases/symptoms. The results showed that the risk values for joint pain were higher in Chongqing than in Beijing. Moreover, the risk of joint stiffness increased more strongly in Chongqing than in Beijing as the cumulative number of dampness exposure indicators increased. The key indoor dampness indicators affecting rheumatic diseases were different for Chongqing and Beijing. Overall, this study compared the risk of rheumatic diseases in older adults in the north and south of China because of dampness exposure and, from these, provided suggestions for modifying the indoor environments to prevent or reduce rheumatic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Yong Mei
- Institute of Defense Engineering, AMS, Beijing, 100036, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
| | - Miao Guo
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Haixia Zhou
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Chenyang Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Chenqiu Du
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
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Groot J, Nielsen ET, Nielsen TF, Andersen PK, Pedersen M, Sigsgaard T, Loft S, Nybo Andersen AM, Keller A. Exposure to residential mold and dampness and the associations with respiratory tract infections and symptoms thereof in children in high income countries: A systematic review and meta-analyses of epidemiological studies. Paediatr Respir Rev 2023; 48:47-64. [PMID: 37482434 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple reviews have been conducted on the associations between residential mold and dampness and respiratory outcomes in children, with few specifically investigating respiratory tract infections (RTIs). OBJECTIVE We aimed to review and synthesize the available epidemiological literature on mold and dampness and risk of RTIs and respiratory symptoms compatible with RTIs in children living in high-income countries. METHOD We performed a systematic search of literature available from MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science for observational studies. We conducted meta-analyses using two-level random effects (RE) and multi-level random effects (ML) models for contrasts of three exposure and three outcome categories, including multiple estimates reported by single studies. We report central estimates for pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI).We conducted a risk of bias assessment using the Joanna Briggs Initiative (JBI) checklists for cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies. We additionally report on cumulative meta-analyses, leave-one-out analyses of single estimates, subgroup analyses by study quality and study design and inclusion of all effect estimates. RESULTS Of the 932 studies initially screened by title and abstract, we included 30 studies with 267 effect estimates that met the inclusion criteria. Most were cross-sectional (n = 22), with fewer cohort (n = 5) and case-control (n = 3) studies. Most of the studies were according to the bias assessment of poor or fair quality (n = 24). The main meta-analyses generally provided similar results regardless of statistical model and central estimates ranged from OR 1.28 (95 % CI; 1.08, 1.53) for dampness and RTIs to OR 1.76 (95 % CI; 1.64, 1.88) for mold and respiratory symptoms. Most analyses were of moderate heterogeneity. Funnel plots did not indicate strong publication bias. CONCLUSION Our results are compatible with a weak to moderate effect of residential mold and or dampness on risk of RTIs in children in high-income countries. However, these results are based primarily on cross-sectional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Groot
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Emilie Tange Nielsen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Trine Fuhr Nielsen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Kragh Andersen
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Pedersen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Environment, Work and Health, Department of Public Health, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Steffen Loft
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amélie Keller
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Alves M, Asbell P, Dogru M, Giannaccare G, Grau A, Gregory D, Kim DH, Marini MC, Ngo W, Nowinska A, Saldanha IJ, Villani E, Wakamatsu TH, Yu M, Stapleton F. TFOS Lifestyle Report: Impact of environmental conditions on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:1-52. [PMID: 37062427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental risk factors that have an impact on the ocular surface were reviewed and associations with age and sex, race/ethnicity, geographical area, seasonality, prevalence and possible interactions between risk factors are reviewed. Environmental factors can be (a) climate-related: temperature, humidity, wind speed, altitude, dew point, ultraviolet light, and allergen or (b) outdoor and indoor pollution: gases, particulate matter, and other sources of airborne pollutants. Temperature affects ocular surface homeostasis directly and indirectly, precipitating ocular surface diseases and/or symptoms, including trachoma. Humidity is negatively associated with dry eye disease. There is little data on wind speed and dewpoint. High altitude and ultraviolet light exposure are associated with pterygium, ocular surface degenerations and neoplastic disease. Pollution is associated with dry eye disease and conjunctivitis. Primary Sjögren syndrome is associated with exposure to chemical solvents. Living within a potential zone of active volcanic eruption is associated with eye irritation. Indoor pollution, "sick" building or house can also be associated with eye irritation. Most ocular surface conditions are multifactorial, and several environmental factors may contribute to specific diseases. A systematic review was conducted to answer the following research question: "What are the associations between outdoor environment pollution and signs or symptoms of dry eye disease in humans?" Dry eye disease is associated with air pollution (from NO2) and soil pollution (from chromium), but not from air pollution from CO or PM10. Future research should adequately account for confounders, follow up over time, and report results separately for ocular surface findings, including signs and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Alves
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, University of Campinas Campinas, Brazil.
| | - Penny Asbell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, USA
| | - Murat Dogru
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Cantanzaro, Italy
| | - Arturo Grau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Darren Gregory
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, USA
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - William Ngo
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Anna Nowinska
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ian J Saldanha
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Edoardo Villani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Eye Clinic, San Giuseppe Hospital, IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Tais Hitomi Wakamatsu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Hospital, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mitasha Yu
- Sensory Functions, Disability and Rehabilitation Unit, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Alhuthaili AA, Alakash SA, Al Mansour MH, Gammash MR. Prevalence and Influencing Risk Factors of Eczema Among Preschool Children in Hail City. Cureus 2022; 14:e32723. [PMID: 36686099 PMCID: PMC9851571 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eczema is a common inflammatory skin disorder in the pediatric population. Although eczema is a significant public health issue with negative impacts on quality of life, studies looking at the prevalence and risk factors among preschool-aged children in Saudi Arabia are limited. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional, online-based study was conducted among parents of preschool children in Hail City, Saudi Arabia, between July 2022 and September 2022. The self-administered, pre-tested questionnaire was distributed on social media networks for data gathering, which was subsequently analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) software. Results Among 964 preschool children, 54.5% of the children have been diagnosed with eczema. A total of 152 (60.1%) male children had eczema compared to 231 (59.8%) female children, while 142 (43.7%) parents had children of both genders diagnosed with eczema (P = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.41, 95% confidence interval = 1.16-1.71), smoking in the house (OR = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.37-2.50), presence of mold or dampness in the house while the mother was pregnant (OR = 1.95, 95%CI = 1.17-3.24), house renovation during the mother's pregnancy (OR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.01-2.34), use of an air conditioner (OR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.07-2.30), and dry skin (OR = 5.83, 95%CI = 4.27-7.96) were significant predictors for the development of eczema. Conclusion The high prevalence of eczema among preschool-aged children in Hail indicates the need for parents to take action at the household level and beyond to successfully lower the risk of eczema development in the region.
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Hu J, Liu Y, Ma Y, Gao M, Wan N, Li L, Liu B, Wen D. Sweet foods dietary pattern enhances negative associations of perceived indoor air quality during pregnancy with postpartum depression. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13124. [PMID: 36437672 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is possibly caused by indoor air pollution and may be modified by maternal diet during pregnancy. Using the data from a prospective cohort study, we examined the interaction between indoor air quality and maternal dietary patterns on PPD development. A perceived indoor air quality (PIAQ) score was used to assess indoor air pollution. A higher PIAQ score indicated a worse indoor air quality. Women with higher PIAQ scores were at increased risk for PPD (tertile 3 vs. tertile 1, odds ratio [OR] = 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37-3.29). Compared with a lower adherence to a "sweet foods pattern" (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.66-2.18), a higher adherence to a "sweet foods pattern" enhanced the hazardous associations of the PIAQ on PPD (OR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.81-5.27, adjusted p for interaction = 0.044). Higher adherence to a "whole grain-seafood pattern" and lower adherence to a "traditional pattern" also increased the risk for PPD, although the p values for the interaction were not significant. Our findings provide further evidence of the link between diet during pregnancy, air pollution, and PPD, and it can be used to develop PPD prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Hu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanan Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ningyu Wan
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin Li
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Borui Liu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Deliang Wen
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Obesity and Glucose, Lipid Associated Metabolic Diseases, Shenyang, China
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Qiao R, Lou X, Sun Y, Liu Y. Effects of occupant behaviors on perceived dormitory air quality and sick building syndrome symptoms among female college students. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13153. [PMID: 36437662 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We performed a cross-sectional survey of 2143 female students in a university in Tianjin, China regarding perceived air quality (PAQ) and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms in the student dormitory. The prevalence of general, mucosal, and skin symptoms was 22.1%, 21.9%, and 26.3%, respectively. The three most prevalent PAQ complaints were "dry air" (48.9% often), "stuffy odor" (18.2%), and "other unpleasant odors" (5.1%), and they were significant risk factors for 11-12 out of 12 SBS symptoms (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]: 1.6-5.8). Survey data of 1471 undergraduates, whose dorms were of uniform layout and furnishing, were used to further investigate the influences of occupancy level and occupant behaviors on PAQ and SBS symptoms. Frequent use of air freshener/perfume was a significant risk factor for "dry air," less frequent room cleaning and higher occupancy density were significant risk factors for "stuffy odor," and less natural ventilation was a significant risk factor for both "stuffy odor" and "pungent odor." These factors were also significantly associated with some SBS symptoms. In particular, the use of air freshener/perfume exhibited a significant dose-response pattern with "fatigue" (sometimes: AOR 1.3; often: AOR 2.0) and with "irritated, stuffy, or runny nose" (sometimes: AOR 1.6; often: AOR 2.2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruohong Qiao
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyuan Lou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingjun Liu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Hu J, Wan N, Ma Y, Liu Y, Liu B, Li L, Liu C, Qiao C, Wen D. Trimester-specific association of perceived indoor air quality with antenatal depression: China Medical University Birth Cohort Study. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13167. [PMID: 36437675 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Antenatal depression is associated with adverse birth and long-term outcomes for mothers and children. Pregnant women spend 90% of time indoors; however, the association between indoor air quality and risk of antenatal depression has not been established. In this study, we aim to determine the total and trimester-specific association of perceived indoor air quality (PIAQ) with antenatal depression. A total of 2166 pregnant women were enrolled during the first trimester and evaluated during the second and third trimesters in the China Medical University Birth Cohort Study, a prospective pre-birth cohort study in northeastern China. PIAQ scores were obtained during each of three trimesters, which a higher score indicated a worse indoor air quality. Antenatal depression was screened using an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and defined as an EPDS score ≥ 9. Prevalence of antenatal depression was 26.7%, 20.6%, and 20.9% during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. A higher PIAQ score was positively associated with a depression score throughout pregnancy (β = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.15-0.39). Trimester-specific adverse PIAQ exposure was associated with a higher depression score in the same trimester, but not with a higher score in a subsequent trimester. A dose-response pattern and incremental increases in risk of depression were observed with calculated adverse PIAQ exposures across all three trimesters, with the highest risk (OR = 3.24; 95% CI = 2.28-4.78) among women with adverse PIAQ across all three trimesters. The hazardous association between adverse PIAQ exposure and risk of depression were less pronounced among women with higher physical activity levels (P for interaction < 0.001). The results of present study provided important evidence that pregnant women's mental health was linked to indoor air quality during pregnancy. These findings could be helpful in the development of guidelines to prevent antenatal depression by improving indoor air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Hu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Division of Chronic Disease Research across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ningyu Wan
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanan Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Borui Liu
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin Li
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Developmental Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Caixia Liu
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chong Qiao
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Deliang Wen
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Research Center of China Medical University Birth Cohort, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Obesity and Glucose/Lipid Associated Metabolic Diseases, Shenyang, China
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Zhao Y, Sun Y, Zhu C, Zhang Y, Hou J, Zhang Q, Ataei Y. Phthalate Metabolites in Urine of Chinese Children and Their Association with Asthma and Allergic Symptoms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14083. [PMID: 36360961 PMCID: PMC9654528 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are ubiquitous 'modern' chemical compounds with potential negative impacts on children's health. A nested case-control study was designed to investigate associations of phthalate exposure with children's asthma and allergic symptoms. We collected 243 first morning urine samples from 4-8-year-old children in Tianjin, China. Eight metabolites (i.e., mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxylpentyl) phthalate (MECPP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP)) of five phthalates were analyzed using HPLC-MS. MiBP, MnBP and MECPP were the dominant phthalate metabolites in urine of children in Tianjin with median concentrations of 31.6 μg/L, 26.24 μg/L and 46.12 μg/L, respectively. We found significantly positive associations of diagnosed asthma with MnBP (adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 1.96; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.07-3.61), MEHHP (AOR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.08-3.71) and MEOHP (AOR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.06-4.10). Our study indicates that phthalate exposure in childhood, especially to di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), may be a risk factor for children's asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Changqi Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jing Hou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qinghao Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yeganeh Ataei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
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Du C, Li B, Yu W, Yao R, Cai J, Li B, Yao Y, Wang Y, Chen M, Essah E. Characteristics of annual mold variations and association with childhood allergic symptoms/diseases via combining surveys and home visit measurements. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13113. [PMID: 36168229 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The presence of dampness and visible molds leads to concerns of poor indoor air quality which has been consistently linked with increased exacerbation and development of allergy and respiratory diseases. Due to the limitations of epidemiological surveys, the actual fungal exposure characteristics in residences has not been sufficiently understood. This study aimed to characterize household fungal diversity and its annual temporal and spatial variations. We developed combined cross-sectional survey, repeated air sampling around a year, and DNA sequencing methods. The questionnaire survey was conducted in 2019, and 4943 valid cases were received from parents; a follow-up case-control study (11 cases and 12 controls) was designed, and onsite measurements of indoor environments were repeated in typical summer, transient season, and winter; dust from floor and beddings in children's room were collected and ITS based DNA sequencing of totally 68 samples was conducted. Results from 3361 children without changes to their residences since birth verified the significant associations of indoor dampness/mold indicators and prevalence of children-reported diseases, with increased adjusted odd ratios (aORs) >1 for studied asthma, wheeze, allergic rhinitis, and eczema. The airborne fungal concentrations from air sampling were higher than 1000 CFU/m3 in summer, regardless of indoors and outdoors, indicating an intermediate pollution level. The DNA sequencing for dust showed the Aspergillus was the predominant at genus level and the Aspergillus_penicillioides was the most common at species level; while the fungal community and composition varied significantly in different homes and seasons, according to α and β diversity analyses. The comprehensive research methods contribute to a holistic understanding of indoor fungal exposure, including the concentrations, seasonal variations, community, and diversity, and verifies the relations with children's adverse health outcomes. The study further elucidates the role of microbiome in human health, which helps setting health-protective thresholds and managing mold treatments in buildings, to promote indoor air quality and human well-beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenqiu Du
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Runming Yao
- School of the Built Environment, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Jiao Cai
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bicheng Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yinghui Yao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Emmanuel Essah
- School of the Built Environment, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Zhu C, Sun Y, Zhao Y, Hou J, Zhang Q, Wang P. Associations between Children's asthma and allergic symptoms and phthalates in dust in metropolitan Tianjin, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 302:134786. [PMID: 35508265 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prevalences of allergies and asthma have increased through the past few decades around the world, especially in countries and regions that have adopted modern lifestyles. Epidemiological studies outside of China have found a relationship between phthalates concentrations in indoor dust and symptoms of respiratory, skin and nose allergies. The aim of our study is to investigate the association between children's asthma and allergic symptoms and concentrations of different phthalates in settled dust samples collected from children's homes in metropolitan Tianjin (Tianjin and Cangzhou), China. We selected 126 cases with current allergic symptoms and 254 controls without allergic symptoms from the cohort of 7865 children. We collected dust samples from children's bedroom and analyzed them for their content of diethyl phthalate (DEP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP). We found a higher concentration of DEP in rhinitis children's homes (0.33 vs. 0.27 μg/g dust) and a higher concentration of DiBP in asthma children's homes (29.04 vs. 15.66 μg/g dust). The concentration of DiBP was significantly associated with diagnosed asthma (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.57). A dose-response relationship was found between concentrations of DiBP in dust and asthma. This study shows that some phthalates are associated with allergic and asthma symptoms in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqi Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China.
| | - Yuxuan Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Jing Hou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Qingnan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
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11
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Liu W, Cai J, Sun C, Zou Z, Zhang J, Huang C. Time-trends for eczema prevalences among children and adults from 1985 to 2015 in China: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1294. [PMID: 35790959 PMCID: PMC9254617 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13650-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Several studies have reported that childhood prevalence of eczema has been increasing worldwide. However, none study quantitatively evaluated prevalence trends of eczema among children and adults in the last 30 years in China.
Methods and Findings
Via a systematic review of literature databases in English and Chinese, we summarized all studies reporting eczema prevalences from 1985 to 2015 in China as well as diagramed prevalence and eczematous population trends against year for different age groups. A total of 93 studies and 17 studies (16 for children and one for adults) were selected for qualitative and quantitative synthesis, respectively. Childhood lifetime-ever eczema prevalences ranged from 10.0% to 30.0%. Prevalences among 3-12-year-olds children showed increasing trends in most specific cities, but national lifetime-ever eczema prevalences among 13-14-year-olds children decreased from 10.6% in 2001 to 8.6% in 2009 in mainland China. We estimated that about 1.5 million children aged 13-14-year-olds in 2009 and 15.5 million children aged 3-6-year-olds in 2012 had lifetime-ever eczema in mainland China. Similar studies were too few to ascertain time-trends of eczema prevalence among adults. About 39.4, 20.0, and 11.6 million adults aged 15-86-year-olds in 2010 had contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis in the mainland China, respectively.
Conclusions
The burden of eczema became heavier in young children, whereas perhaps had been reduced in adolescent in China. More studies for eczema prevalence in adults are warranted.
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12
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Chen T, Norback D, Deng Q, Huang C, Qian H, Zhang X, Sun Y, Wang T, Zhang Y, Li B, Kan H, Wei L, Liu C, Xu Y, Zhao Z. Maternal exposure to PM 2.5/BC during pregnancy predisposes children to allergic rhinitis which varies by regions and exclusive breastfeeding. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 165:107315. [PMID: 35635966 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing prevalence of childhood allergic rhinitis(AR) needs a deeper understanding on the potential adverse effects of early life exposure to air pollution. OBJECTIVES The main aim was to evaluate the effects of maternal exposure to PM2.5 and chemical constituents during pregnancy on preschool children's AR, and further to explore the modification effects of regions and exclusive breastfeeding. METHODS A multi-center population-based study was performed in 6 cities from 3 regions of China in 2011-2012. Maternal exposure to ambient PM2.5 and main chemical constituents(BC, OM, SO42-, NO3-, NH4+) during pregnancy was assessed and a longitudinal prospective analysis was applied on preschool children's AR. The modification effects of regions and exclusive breastfeeding were investigated. RESULTS A total of 8.8% and 9.8% of children reported doctor-diagnosed allergic rhinitis(DDAR) and current hay fever, respectively, and 48.6% had less than 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding. The means of PM2.5 during pregnancy were 52.7 μg/m3, 70.3 μg/m3 and 76.4 μg/m3 in the east, north and central south of China, respectively. Multilevel log-binomial model regression showed that each interquartile range(IQR) increase of PM2.5 during pregnancy was associated with an average increase in prevalence ratio (PR) of DDAR by 1.43(95% confidence interval(CI): 1.11, 1.84) and current hay fever by 1.79(95% CI: 1.26, 2.55), respectively. Among chemical constituents, black carbon (BC) had the strongest associations. Across 3 regions, the eastern cities had the highest associations, followed by those in the central south and the north. For those equal to or longer than 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, the associations were significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS Children in east of China had the highest risks of developing AR per unit increase of maternal exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy, especially BC constituent. Remarkable decline was found in association with an increase in breastfeeding for ≥6 months, in particular in east of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dan Norback
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751, Sweden
| | - Qihong Deng
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Chen Huang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Hua Qian
- School of Energy & Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Research Center for Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- Tianjin Key Lab of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- School of Nursing & Health Management, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Haidong Kan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Shanghai Typhoon Institute/CMA, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai 200030, China; IRDR International Center of Excellence on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; WMO/IGAC MAP-AQ Asian Office Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Lan Wei
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yanyi Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Shanghai Typhoon Institute/CMA, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai 200030, China; IRDR International Center of Excellence on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; WMO/IGAC MAP-AQ Asian Office Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Shanghai Typhoon Institute/CMA, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai 200030, China; IRDR International Center of Excellence on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; WMO/IGAC MAP-AQ Asian Office Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
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13
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Liu Y, Sun S, Zhang D, Li W, Duan Z, Lu S. Effects of Residential Environment and Lifestyle on Atopic Eczema Among Preschool Children in Shenzhen, China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:844832. [PMID: 35651861 PMCID: PMC9149154 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.844832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Eczema, one of the most prevalent inflammatory skin diseases among children, is potentially influenced by genetic, environmental and social factors. However, few studies have investigated the effect of residential environment and lifestyle on childhood eczema. Therefore, this study conducted a cross-sectional study based on 2,781 preschool children in Shenzhen, China, during 2015–2016. Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the associations between residential/household environment, lifestyle, dietary habits and eczema in children. The prevalence of eczema among children in Shenzhen was 24.6%. Significant associations (increased odds >50%, P < 0.05) were found between childhood eczema and the factors of using composite wood floors (adjusted OR = 1.777 for doctor-diagnosed eczema, 1.911 for eczema-like symptoms), living in a villa/townhouse (aOR = 3.102, 2.156), the presence of mold or damp stains in the child's room (aOR = 1.807, 2.279), and rarely cleaning the child's room (aOR = 1.513, 1.540). In addition, watching TV/playing computer games for more than one hour per day was significantly associated with eczema (aOR = 1.172, 1.174). Notably, we found that eating rice/pasta one to three times per week may elevate the risk of eczema-like symptoms (aOR = 1.343), which warrants further investigation. In addition, ambient air pollution, in the covariates, may also affect childhood eczema. Therefore, avoiding these adverse factors and creating a low-risk environment are crucial to prevent childhood eczema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Liu
- School of Transportation and Environment, Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shujie Sun
- School of Transportation and Environment, Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, Shenzhen, China.,College of Electromechanical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Duo Zhang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenchen Li
- School of Transportation and Environment, Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, Shenzhen, China.,College of Electromechanical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhenya Duan
- College of Electromechanical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Shaoyou Lu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
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14
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Antonogeorgos G, Liakou E, Koutsokera A, Drakontaeidis P, Thanasia M, Mandrapylia M, Fouzas S, Ellwood P, García-Marcos L, Panagiotakos DB, Priftis KN, Douros K. Parental education moderates the association between indoor moisture environment and asthma in adolescents: the Greek Global Asthma Network (GAN) cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:597. [PMID: 35346139 PMCID: PMC8962010 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13065-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Asthma is a major contributor to childhood morbidity. Several environmental and socioeconomic status (SES) factors have been implicated in its etiopathogeneses such as indoor moisture and parental education level. Our study examined the association between exposure to indoor dampness and/or mould (IDM) with adolescent asthma and how parental education could modify or mediate this relationship. Method A total of 1934 adolescents (boys: 47.5%, mean age (standard variation): 12.7(0.6) years) and their parents were voluntarily enrolled and completed a validated questionnaire on adolescents’ asthma status, parental educational level, and adolescents’ indoor exposure to IDM during three different lifetime periods, i.e., pregnancy, the first year of life and the current time. Results There was a significant modification effect of parental education only for the current exposure; higher parental education lowered almost 50% the odds of IDM and asthma (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.96, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI): (1.05–3.68) and aOR:1.55, 95% CI (1.04–2.32), for primary/secondary and tertiary parental education, respectively). Conclusion Adolescents whose parents had a higher education level had lesser odds to have asthma, even if they were exposed to a moisture home environment. This could be attributed to the increased knowledge about asthma risk factors and the improved measures for the amelioration of moisture-home environment that highly educated parents are more likely to take. Further research is needed in order to elucidate the interweaved role of family SES in the aforementioned relation.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Antonogeorgos
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, 3Rd Paediatric Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece.,Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences and Education, Harokopio University, 17676, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Liakou
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, 3Rd Paediatric Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Koutsokera
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, 3Rd Paediatric Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Pavlos Drakontaeidis
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, 3Rd Paediatric Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Marina Thanasia
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, 3Rd Paediatric Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Mandrapylia
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, 3Rd Paediatric Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Fouzas
- Division of Paediatrics & Obstetrics - Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Philippa Ellwood
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Luis García-Marcos
- Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Units, 'Virgen de La Arrixaca' University Children's Hospital, University of Murcia, ARADyAL Network and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30394, Murcia, Spain
| | - Demosthenes B Panagiotakos
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences and Education, Harokopio University, 17676, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas N Priftis
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, 3Rd Paediatric Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Douros
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, 3Rd Paediatric Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462, Athens, Greece.
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15
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Zhang J, Sun C, Lu R, Zou Z, Liu W, Huang C. Association of childhood rhinitis with phthalate acid esters in household dust in Shanghai residences. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:629-643. [PMID: 35192054 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01797-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) have been identified to be associated with children's health. Present study was conducted to assess associations between PAEs in household dust and childhood rhinitis. METHODS Based on phase II of CCHH study (China, Children, Home, Health) conducted in Shanghai, China, 266 indoor dust samples were collected from participants' families. Concentrations of PAEs in dust samples were measured by chemical treatment and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. Information about individuals and residences was surveyed by questionnaires. Logistic regression models were applied to obtain the associations between PAEs and childhood rhinitis. RESULTS Higher concentrations of benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) were found in those families with children who had diagnosed rhinitis. Significantly higher concentrations of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and PAEs with high molecular weight (HMW-PAEs) were found in the positive group of lifetime rhinitis. Using the multiple and ordinal logistic regression models adjusted by covariates, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), DEHP, and HMW-PAEs were found to be significantly associated with diagnosed rhinitis. Boys who exposure to higher concentrations of DBP, DEHP, HMW-PAEs, and total PAEs have significant associations with diagnosed rhinitis compared with girls who exposure to lower concentration of PAEs. CONCLUSIONS Present observational study indicated that exposure to high concentrations of DBP, DEHP, and HMW-PAEs in house settled dust was a risk factor for rhinitis for children, especially for boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Zhang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chanjuan Sun
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongchun Lu
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Zou
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute for Health and Environment, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Huang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Groot J, Keller A, Pedersen M, Sigsgaard T, Loft S, Nybo Andersen AM. Indoor home environments of Danish children and the socioeconomic position and health of their parents: A descriptive study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 160:107059. [PMID: 34959195 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Housing and indoor home environments are associated with the risk of infections and asthma in children. To better understand the determinants and characteristics of these environments, we aimed to describe the associations between parental health and socioeconomic position and housing and indoor home environments of children in Denmark, and the clustering of the factors within these environments. METHODS Offspring in the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) whose parents responded to the 11-year follow-up were eligible for inclusion. We included complete cases only. Data on the indoor and housing environments (i.e. variables on housing, sources of gaseous and particle pollution, mould and moisture, and pets) were collected through an online questionnaire responded to by a parent. Data on socioeconomic position were obtained through linkage with registry data on maternal education at offspring birth and household equivalized income at offspring birth. Data on parental health were obtained by linking self-reported data from the 11-year follow-up for mother and father with administrative registry data for the mother. We present descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analyses. RESULTS A total of 42 723 offspring were included for analyses. The distributions of nearly all indoor and housing environments differed according to educational and income strata, with patterns similar for both education and income. Generally, higher parental educational and income strata had more favorable indoor and housing environments (less secondhand smoking, gas stove use, mould and condensation and higher house ownership, detached house dwellings and newer building age). However, candle use was approximately similar between strata, fireplace use among lower educational and income strata tended towards the extremes (none or daily), and water damage was more common among higher educational and income strata. Parental health was strongly associated with housing and indoor home environment factors - especially parental affective disorders was strongly associated with mould. Four factors were extracted from the exploratory factor analyses, relating primarily in order of extraction to: housing ownership, mould and moisture, candle use and household density. CONCLUSION Parental health and socioeconomic position are strongly related to housing and indoor home environments. Additionally, several factors in these environments correlate strongly and cluster together. Observational studies on associations and causal effects of factors in the indoor and housing environments of children on their morbidity, must consider both of these conclusions to arrive at valid estimates and effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Groot
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Amélie Keller
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Pedersen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Environment, Work and Health, Department of Public Health, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Steffen Loft
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Yang Q, Wang J, Norbäck D. The home environment in a nationwide sample of multi-family buildings in Sweden: associations with ocular, nasal, throat and dermal symptoms, headache, and fatigue among adults. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1402-1416. [PMID: 33682978 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Risk factors at home for ocular, nasal, throat and dermal symptoms, headache, and fatigue were studied in a nationwide questionnaire survey in Sweden, the BETSI study in 2006. Totally, 5775 adults from a stratified random sample of multi-family buildings participated. Associations between home environment factors and weekly symptoms were analyzed by multi-level logistic regression. In total, 8.3% had ocular symptoms; 11.9% nasal symptoms; 7.1% throat symptoms; 11.9% dermal symptoms; 8.5% headache and 23.1% fatigue. Subjects in colder climate zones had more mucosal and throat symptoms but less fatigue and ocular symptoms. Rented apartments had poorer indoor environment than self-owned apartments. Those living in buildings constructed from 1961 to 1985 had most symptoms. Building dampness, mold and mold odor were risk factors, especially headache and ocular symptoms. Lack of mechanical ventilation system was another risk factor, especially for headache. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), electric radiators, and crowdedness were other risk factors. Oiled wooden floors, recent indoor painting, and new floor materials were negatively associated with symptoms. In conclusion, building dampness, mold, poor ventilation conditions, crowdedness, ETS, and emissions from electric radiators in apartments in Sweden can increase the risk of ocular, nasal, throat and dermal symptoms, headache, and fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yang
- College of Civil Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Shi H, Wan G, Wang T, Zhu J, Jiang L, Ma S, Yao J, Yin Z, Maimaiti M, Dong H. Prevalence and influencing risk factors of eczema among preschool children in Urumqi city: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:347. [PMID: 34399722 PMCID: PMC8365957 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02819-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eczema is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with impaired quality of life. We identified indoor environmental risk factors, to provide strong evidence for the prevention and control of eczema in preschool children. Methods Using a cross-sectional study with stratified random cluster sampling, we conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey among 8153 parents of children aged 2–8 years in 60 kindergartens in six districts of Urumqi city during August 2019. Results Among 8153 preschool children, 12.0% of the children have been diagnosed with eczema. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that caesarean section (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.36), being an only child (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18–1.57), presence of mould or moisture in the mother’s home before pregnancy (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.17–2.00), presence of flies or mosquitoes in the dwelling currently (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10–1.55), pets kept in the child’s home currently (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.51), presence of pets during child’s first year (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.14–1.85), and family history of eczema (OR = 3.53, 95% CI: 2.98–4.19) are the risk factors for the development of eczema, whereas ethnicity other than the Han Chinese (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61–0.96) is a protective factor for eczema. Conclusion Preschool children in Urumqi are at a high risk of eczema, particularly those of the Han Chinese ethnicity. Parents should be attentive to the indoor living environment of children and take actions to reduce indoor humidity, pest control and elimination, and avoid raising pets to reduce the risk of development of eczema in children. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-021-02819-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Shi
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Guangsheng Wan
- School of Nursing & Health Management, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, No.279, Zhouzhu Highway, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- School of Nursing & Health Management, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, No.279, Zhouzhu Highway, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201318, China.
| | - Jia Zhu
- Cadre Health Center, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, 830001, China
| | - Lan Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Urumqi, 830002, China
| | - Shaowei Ma
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Jian Yao
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Zhe Yin
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Murizhati Maimaiti
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Huijuan Dong
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
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19
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Ellie AS, Sun Y, Hou J, Wang P, Zhang Q, Sundell J. Prevalence of Childhood Asthma and Allergies and Their Associations with Perinatal Exposure to Home Environmental Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Tianjin, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18084131. [PMID: 33919769 PMCID: PMC8070727 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Asthma, rhinitis, and eczema are becoming increasingly prevalent among children in China. Studies have shown that the perinatal period is critical and impacts children’s health. However, research on the associations between perinatal factors and childhood allergic diseases in China are few. We investigated 7366 children of ages 0–8 years old. The childhood asthma and allergies were surveyed by distributing questionnaires, modelled after Dampness in Buildings and Health (DBH) study in Sweden and had been validated. To determine the prevalence of the allergic conditions, explore for potential confounders, and analyze the associations between the allergies and the home environmental factors, chi-square test and binary logistic regression models (enter method) were employed. The prevalence of children’s doctor-diagnosed asthma, rhinitis, and eczema were 4.4%, 9.5%, and 39.1%, respectively. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, the negative effect of dampness/humidity on children’s health became more obvious, with odd ratios (aORs) of up to 1.70 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12–2.57) for doctor-diagnosed asthma (DDA), 2.12 (95% CI: 1.38–3.25) for doctor-diagnosed rhinitis (DDR) and 1.79 (95% CI: 1.46–2.21) for doctor-diagnosed eczema (DDE). With parental smoking, aORs of up to 4.66 (95% CI: 1.99–10.92) for DDA and 1.74 (95%: 1.00–3.02) for DDE. Renovation exhibited aORs of up to 1.67 (95% CI: 1.13–2.47) for DDR. Although they showed no significant associations with some of the health outcomes, contact with animals, in general, were risk factors for the allergic conditions. Generally, the indoor environmental factors around the perinatal period were significant risk factors for the doctor-diagnosed allergic conditions discussed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuexia Sun
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-022-85356721
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20
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Du C, Li B, Yu W, Cai J, Wang L, Li X, Yao Y, Li B. Evaluating the effect of building construction periods on household dampness/mold and childhood diseases corresponding to different energy efficiency design requirements. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:541-556. [PMID: 32731305 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite concerns about building dampness and children' health, few studies have examined the effects of building energy efficiency standards. This study explored the connections between self-reported household dampness and children' adverse health outcomes across buildings corresponding to construction periods (pre-2001, 2001-2010, post-2010). Significant differences of dampness-related indicators were found between buildings; the prevalence was remarkable in pre-2001 buildings. The prevalence of lifetime-ever doctor-diagnosed diseases for children was significantly associated with building dampness (adjust odd ratios > 1), but was not affected by construction periods. The hygrothermal performance for a typical residence was simulated, varying in U-values of envelopes and air change rates. The simulated performance improvement increased indoor temperatures in 2001-2010 and post-2010 buildings. The frequency with higher indoor relative humidity was higher in pre-2001 buildings, leading to the highest values for maximum mold index (Mmax ) on wall surface, especially in winter. Compared to buildings in 2001-2010, increased insulation and lower air change rate led to a relatively higher relative humidity in post-2010 buildings, adversely increasing the Mmax values. The findings addressed the positive and negative role of building standard development, which help suggesting appropriate environmental and design solutions to trade-off energy savings and dampness/mold risk in residences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenqiu Du
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Cai
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lexiang Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Sheffield University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Yinghui Yao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bicheng Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science and Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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21
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Hou J, Sun Y, Wang P, Zhang Q, Kong X, Sundell J. Associations between ventilation and children's asthma and allergy in naturally ventilated Chinese homes. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:383-391. [PMID: 32939827 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Building ventilation is important for occupants' health. There are few studies of associations between home ventilation and occupant's health in China. During 2013-2016, we measured ventilation in 399 homes in Tianjin and Cangzhou, China, and surveyed the health history of children. Ventilation rates were measured using mass balance of occupant generated CO2 . The associations of home ventilation with children's asthma and allergy were analyzed in different strata of time and space. A low bedroom ventilation at night was significantly associated with an increased proportion of rhinitis among children (rhinitis current, adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-2.49; diagnosed rhinitis, AOR: 3.02 (1.16-7.89)). Our findings suggest a dose-response relationship between ventilation rate at night in children's bedrooms and rhinitis current. The night-time ventilation rate in bedrooms has a greater association with rhinitis than the whole home ventilation rate during daytime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hou
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qingnan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangrui Kong
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jan Sundell
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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22
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Li W, Liu Q, Chen Y, Yang B, Huang X, Li Y, Zhang JJ. Effects of indoor environment and lifestyle on respiratory health of children in Chongqing, China. J Thorac Dis 2020; 12:6327-6341. [PMID: 33209472 PMCID: PMC7656398 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2020.03.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background The prevalence of certain respiratory diseases of children in China appears to be on the rise in recent decades. This study aims to explore residential environmental factors that may affect respiratory diseases and lung function of children and to assess the effects of lifestyle (diet and exercise) on lung function. Methods The study was conducted in Chongqing, southwest of China in June, 2017. Information on respiratory diseases was obtained from 2,126 primary school children through a family questionnaire by purposive sampling. In addition, a random sample of 771 children participating in the family-questionnaire was selected for physical measurements and lung function test as well as lifestyle questionnaire survey. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the relationship between indoor environment and children's respiratory diseases. The effects of indoor environment and lifestyle on lung function indices were analyzed by t-test, variance analysis, and univariate and multivariate linear regression methods. Results Among residential environmental factors, indoor ventilation and air circulation were significant associated with children's respiratory health outcomes. The use of air conditioning for more than 8 h/day in summer was a risk factor for asthma with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.99, bronchitis (AOR =1.62), and allergic rhinitis (AOR =1.51). Ventilation for less than 12 h per day during summer increased the risk for allergic rhinitis (AOR =1.40). Children living in homes with an opened kitchen had the risk of developing allergic rhinitis 1.51 times higher than children living in homes with a closed kitchen. Indoor dampness and mold were significantly associated with increased risks for childhood asthma (AOR =2.16), bronchitis (AOR =1.55) and allergic rhinitis (AOR =1.55). The frequent use of hygienic incense and mosquito coils also increased the risk for asthma (AOR =2.58) and bronchitis (AOR =1.42) in children. The multiple linear regression results showed that frequent use of air fresheners reduced children's peak expiratory flow (PEF) and small airway function (FEF25-75) after potential influencing factors were adjusted for. Analyses of lifestyle variables showed that increased lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEV3) was associated with increasing consumption of vegetable and fruit as well as increasing time of physical exercise. Conclusions This study identified the following residential risk factors for children's respiratory diseases in Chongqing: poor indoor ventilation, home dampness and mold presence, and frequent use of hygienic incense and mosquito coils. Frequent use of air fresheners is associated with reduced lung function in children. High frequency consumption of vegetables, fruits and dairy products as well as daily exercise for more than 1 hour have positive effects on children's lung development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Li
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Qin Liu
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Bo Yang
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xin Huang
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yueyue Li
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Junfeng Jim Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan 215316, China.,Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
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23
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Kushnir-Sukhov NM. A Novel Link between Early Life Allergen Exposure and Neuroimmune Development in Children. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 5:188-195. [PMID: 33179020 DOI: 10.33140/jcei.05.04.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose As COVID-19 unprecedented situation significantly increased the time families spend indoors, the awareness of unhealthy living conditions negatively impacting immune system and early neurodevelopment of children is of crucial importance. Methods We retrospectively reviewed unrelated cases of the children with confirmed multiple indoor allergen sensitization due to prolonged exposure to unhealthy indoor environment with infestation and water damage, who, in addition to multiple health problems related to allergy and asthma, also developed neuroimmune complications and growth delay. Results Documented early in life atypical neurologic and behavioral changes were common in all cases. Clinical analysis did not establish other causative reason aside from prenatal and early life exposure to unhealthy living conditions. Alternaria Alternara and Penicillium/Aspergillus molds were found in all homes and sensitization was confirmed in all cases. Significant similarities in the symptoms recorded in all three families led us to a hypothesis that, likely, a significant level of the immune response to external immunogenic pathological stimulus such as mold spore protein, mycotoxin protein, dust mite protein, decay-related volatile particles (VOC) skewed a balance of the neuroimmune interactions, and further affected neuronal network establishment. As all children exhibited significant spectrum of the systemic inflammatory conditions early in life, coupled with inability to follow normal neurodevelopment, we hypothesize that an overwhelming activation of the aggressive immune mechanisms by the epigenetic factors led to glia activation, cytokine storm and break of tolerance. Conclusions We hypothesize that developing immune system exhibited aggressive responses due to environmental danger signals, subsequently TH-1 or TH-2 switch enables multiple clinical syndromes development with atypical presentation due to the described novel mechanism. An increased due to the COVID-19 lock-down may increase an amount of exposure of vulnerable people to indoor biological particles and volatile organic compounds present in unhealthy buildings. It is of crucial importance to identify and remediate indoor exposure factors that can decrease immune protection, especially against infectious pathogens such as novel coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya M Kushnir-Sukhov
- Institute of Integrative Immunology, Berkeley, USA.,UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, USA
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24
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Cai J, Li B, Yu W, Yao Y, Wang L, Li B, Wang Y, Du C, Xiong J. Associations of household dampness with asthma, allergies, and airway diseases among preschoolers in two cross-sectional studies in Chongqing, China: Repeated surveys in 2010 and 2019. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 140:105752. [PMID: 32371306 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have investigated the associations between household damp indicators, and allergies and respiratory diseases in childhood. However, the findings are rather inconsistent. In 2010, we conducted a cross-sectional study of preschoolers aged three-six years in three urban districts of Chongqing, China. In 2019, we repeated this cross-sectional study with preschoolers of the same ages and districts. Here, we selected data for 2935 and 2717 preschoolers who did not change residences since birth in the 2010 and 2019 studies, respectively. We investigated associations of household damp indicators with asthma, allergic rhinitis, pneumonia, eczema, wheeze, and rhinitis in childhood in the two studies. The proportions of residences with household damp indicators and the prevalence of the studied diseases (except for allergic rhinitis) were significantly lower in 2019 than in 2010. In the two-level (district-child) logistic regression analyses, household damp exposures that showed by different indicators were significantly associated with the increased odds of lifetime-ever asthma (range of adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.69-3.50 in 2019; 1.13-1.90 in 2010), allergic rhinitis (1.14-2.39; 0.67-1.61), pneumonia (1.09-1.64; 1.21-1.59), eczema (0.96-1.83; 0.99-1.56), wheeze (1.64-2.79; 1.18-1.91), rhinitis (1.43-2.71; 1.08-1.58), and current (in the past 12 months before the survey) eczema (0.46-2.08; 0.99-1.48), wheeze (0.97-2.86; 1.26-2.07) and rhinitis (1.34-2.25; 1.09-1.56) in most cases. The increased odds ratios (ORs) of most diseases had exposure-response relationships with the cumulative number (n) of household damp indicators in the current and early residences. Our results indicated household damp exposure could be a risk factor for childhood allergic and respiratory diseases, although the magnitudes of these effects could be different in different studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Cai
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wei Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yinghui Yao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lexiang Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bicheng Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chenqiu Du
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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25
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Zhang Q, Sun Y, Zhang Q, Hou J, Wang P, Kong X, Sundell J. Phthalate exposure in Chinese homes and its association with household consumer products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:136965. [PMID: 32120090 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are SVOCs (Semi-volatile Organic Compounds) that are widely used in industrial and daily home products. This study aimed to investigate exposure levels to phthalates in Chinese homes and to relate these to building characteristics and lifestyles. Dust in 399 homes of 410 children in urban Tianjin and rural Cangzhou was analyzed for concentrations of six target phthalates. The median concentrations were 0.31μg/g for diethyl phthalate (DEP), 16.39μg/g for di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP), 42.60μg/g for di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), 0.10μg/g for benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP), 127.11μg/g for di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and 0.28μg/g for di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP). Strong associations were found between modern flooring materials (laminated wood/wood) and concentrations of DiBP, BBzP and DiNP; modern window frame (aluminum/plastic steel) and BBzP concentration; leather polish and DEHP concentration; perfume and DEP concentration. Concentrations of phthalates were significantly higher in Tianjin urban homes than Cangzhou rural homes. Concentrations of phthalates increased significantly with increasing household income. Our study indicates that exposure to phthalates in Chinese homes increases with attributes of modern life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghao Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Qingnan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jing Hou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiangrui Kong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jan Sundell
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Yaguan Road 135, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
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26
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Kwan WS, Nikezic D, Roy VAL, Yu KN. Multiple Stressor Effects of Radon and Phthalates in Children: Background Information and Future Research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E2898. [PMID: 32331399 PMCID: PMC7215282 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The present paper reviews available background information for studying multiple stressor effects of radon (222Rn) and phthalates in children and provides insights on future directions. In realistic situations, living organisms are collectively subjected to many environmental stressors, with the resultant effects being referred to as multiple stressor effects. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can lead to lung cancers. On the other hand, phthalates are semi-volatile organic compounds widely applied as plasticizers to provide flexibility to plastic in consumer products. Links of phthalates to various health effects have been reported, including allergy and asthma. In the present review, the focus on indoor contaminants was due to their higher concentrations and to the higher indoor occupancy factor, while the focus on the pediatric population was due to their inherent sensitivity and their spending more time close to the floor. Two main future directions in studying multiple stressor effects of radon and phthalates in children were proposed. The first one was on computational modeling and micro-dosimetric studies, and the second one was on biological studies. In particular, dose-response relationship and effect-specific models for combined exposures to radon and phthalates would be necessary. The ideas and methodology behind such proposed research work are also applicable to studies on multiple stressor effects of collective exposures to other significant airborne contaminants, and to population groups other than children.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. S. Kwan
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China;
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - D. Nikezic
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, State University of Novi Pazar, Vuka Karadžića 9, RS-36300 Novi Pazar, Serbia;
- Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, R. Domanovica 12, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | | | - K. N. Yu
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China;
- State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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27
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Huang S, Garshick E, Weschler LB, Hong C, Li J, Li L, Qu F, Gao D, Zhou Y, Sundell J, Zhang Y, Koutrakis P. Home environmental and lifestyle factors associated with asthma, rhinitis and wheeze in children in Beijing, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 256:113426. [PMID: 31672368 PMCID: PMC7050389 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases has increased rapidly in urban China since 2000. There has been limited study of associations between home environmental and lifestyle factors with asthma and symptoms of allergic disease in China. METHODS In a cross-sectional analysis of 2214 children in Beijing, we applied a two-step hybrid Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm to identify environmental and lifestyle-related factors associated with asthma, rhinitis and wheeze from a wide range of candidates. We used group LASSO to select variables, using cross-validation as the criterion. Effect estimates were then calculated using adaptive LASSO. Model performance was assessed using Area Under the Curve (AUC) values. RESULTS We found a number of environmental and lifestyle-related factors significantly associated with asthma, rhinitis or wheeze, which changed the probability of asthma, rhinitis or wheeze from -5.76% (95%CI: -7.74%, -3.79%) to 27.4% (95%CI: 16.6%, 38.3%). The three factors associated with the largest change in probability of asthma were short birth length, carpeted floor and paternal allergy; for rhinitis they were maternal smoking during pregnancy, paternal allergy and living close to industrial area; and for wheeze they were carpeted floor, short birth length and maternal allergy. Other home environmental risk factors identified were living close to a highway, industrial area or river, sharing bedroom, cooking with gas, furry pets, cockroaches, incense, printer/photocopier, TV, damp, and window condensation in winter. Lifestyle-related risk factors were child caretakers other than parents, and age<3 for the day-care. Other risk factors included use of antibiotics, and mother's occupation. Major protective factors for wheeze were living in a rural/suburban region, air conditioner use, and mother's occupation in healthcare. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that changes in lifestyle and indoor environments associated with the urbanization and industrialization of China are associated with asthma, rhinitis, and wheeze in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaodan Huang
- Department of Building Science, Tsitnghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Beijing Key Lab of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Beijing, 100084, China; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Eric Garshick
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep, and Critical Care Medicine Section, Medical Service, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02132, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Louise B Weschler
- Department of Building Science, Tsitnghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; 161 Richdale Road, Colts Neck, NJ, 07722, USA
| | - Chuan Hong
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, USA.
| | - Linyan Li
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, USA
| | - Fang Qu
- Department of Building Science, Tsitnghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; China Meteorological Administration Training Centre, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Dewen Gao
- Beijing Key Lab of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yanmin Zhou
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Beijing Key Lab of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jan Sundell
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjing, 300072, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- Department of Building Science, Tsitnghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Beijing Key Lab of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Petros Koutrakis
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, USA
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Prefabricated Temporary Housing and Eczema or Respiratory Symptoms in Schoolchildren after the Great East Japan Earthquake: The ToMMo Child Health Study. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2019; 13:905-911. [PMID: 31156072 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2019.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the association between types of housing and allergic symptoms at 3-4 years following the Great East Japan Earthquake. METHODS Our study was based on the ToMMo Child Health Study conducted in 2014 and 2015, a cross-sectional survey of public school children in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Of the 46 648 invited schoolchildren in the 2nd to 8th grades, 9884 were included. Presence of eczema, wheezing, and mental health symptoms was defined with questionnaires. To calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for the associations between types of housing and eczema or respiratory symptoms, we fitted generalized linear mixed models, included a random effect for municipality of residence, and adjusted for sex, school grade, survey year, and mental health symptoms. RESULTS Prefabricated temporary housing was significantly associated with eczema symptoms (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.06-2.02). Even after adjusting for the presence of mental health symptoms, our analysis produced similar results (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03-1.96). Conversely, it was not significantly associated with respiratory symptoms (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.61-1.54). CONCLUSIONS Children living in prefabricated temporary housing had a higher prevalence of eczema symptoms; however, prevalence of respiratory symptoms was not significantly higher.
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Cai J, Li B, Yu W, Wang H, Du C, Zhang Y, Huang C, Zhao Z, Deng Q, Yang X, Zhang X, Qian H, Sun Y, Liu W, Wang J, Yang Q, Zeng F, Norbäck D, Sundell J. Household dampness-related exposures in relation to childhood asthma and rhinitis in China: A multicentre observational study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 126:735-746. [PMID: 30878869 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
During 2010-2012, we conducted an observational study on household environment and health outcomes among 40,010 preschool children from seven cities of China. Here we examined associations of six dampness-related indicators (visible mold spots, visible damp stains, damp clothing and/or bedding, water damage, condensation on windowpane, moldy odor) in the current residence and three dampness-related indicators (visible mold spots, condensation on windowpane, moldy odor) in the early residence with childhood asthma and rhinitis. In the multi-level logistic regression analyses, visible mold spots and visible damp stains in the current residence were significantly associated with the increased odds of doctor-diagnosed asthma and allergic rhinitis during lifetime-ever (adjusted odd ratios (AORs) range: 1.18-1.35). All dampness-related indicators were significantly associated with increased odds of wheeze and rhinitis during lifetime-ever and in the past 12 months (AORs range: 1.16-2.64). The cumulative numbers of damp indicators had positively dose-response relationships with the increased odds of the studied diseases. These associations for wheeze and rhinitis were similar between northern children and southern children. Similar results were found in the sensitive analyses among children without a family history of allergies and among children without asthma and allergic rhinitis. For 3-6 years-old children in mainland of China in 2011, we speculated that about 90,000 (2.02%) children with asthma and about 59,000 (1.09%) children with allergic rhinitis could be attributable to exposing to visible mold spots in the current residence. Our results suggested that early and lifetime exposures to household dampness indicators are risk factors for childhood asthma and rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Cai
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wei Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Han Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chenqiu Du
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Huang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihong Deng
- School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Research Center for Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hua Qian
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751, Sweden
| | - Qin Yang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fanbin Zeng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751, Sweden
| | - Jan Sundell
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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Grytting VS, Olderbø BP, Holme JA, Samuelsen JT, Solhaug A, Becher R, Bølling AK. Di-n-butyl phthalate modifies PMA-induced macrophage differentiation of THP-1 monocytes via PPARγ. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 54:168-177. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Modern life makes children allergic. A cross-sectional study: associations of home environment and lifestyles with asthma and allergy among children in Tianjin region, China. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2019; 92:587-598. [PMID: 30627853 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-018-1395-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the past 60 years, the prevalences of asthma and allergy among children have increased around the world. Neither genetic nor outdoor environmental factors can explain this increase. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study of 7366 children in Tianjin, China, on associations of home environment and lifestyles with asthma and allergy. RESULTS The prevalences of diagnosed asthma, rhinitis and eczema among 0- to 8-year-old children in the Tianjin area were 4%, 9% and 39%. Home environment and lifestyle, together with infections, were strong risk factors. For asthma and allergy, the population attributable fraction (PAF) due to modern floors and wall coverings (i.e., laminated wooden floors and painted walls compared to tile floors and lime-coated walls) was 22%. Window condensation in winter and air conditioner use in summer, both of which are proxies for less ventilation, accounted for 7-17% of rhinitis and eczema. Cesarean delivery accounted for 10% of eczema symptoms. We developed a modern life index from appropriate home characteristics and lifestyle and food consumption habits and found it to have a clear dose-response relationship with asthma and allergy in Tianjin children. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that a "modern" home environment together with a modern lifestyle is associated with increased prevalences of asthma and allergies among children. Appropriate indoor environmental interventions and education of children's caregivers are important in the management of childhood asthma and allergy.
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Luo S, Sun Y, Hou J, Kong X, Wang P, Zhang Q, Sundell J. Pet keeping in childhood and asthma and allergy among children in Tianjin area, China. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197274. [PMID: 29768461 PMCID: PMC5955563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to find out the relationship between pet keeping in childhood and asthma and allergy among children aged 0–8 years old in Tianjin, China. Parental or guardians reports of 7360 children were analyzed. 1490 (21.6%) families kept pets at the time of the survey (current), among them 4.0% cats, and 14.7% dogs. For the first year of life of children (early), 1196 (18.4%) families kept pets, and among them 3.2% cats, and 13.7% dogs. Exposure to a pet in early childhood significantly increased the risk of current wheeze, current dry cough, and diagnosed rhinitis. 17.9% of parents reported an avoidance behavior, i.e., had removed or refrained a pet due to asthma or allergy in the family. After adjustment for avoidance behavior, the negative effect of pet keeping on children’s health became even more obvious, with e.g. an AOR of 3.37 (1.58–7.19) for diagnosed asthma, 3.60 (2.07–6.27) for diagnosed rhinitis, 1.92 (1.31–2.81) for diagnosed eczema. A dose-response relationship between pet keeping at current and current wheeze, current eczema and diagnosed eczema was found. In conclusion, pet exposure in early life of children in Tianjin is a risk factor for asthma and allergies among children aged 0–8 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Luo
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Jing Hou
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangrui Kong
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qingnan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jan Sundell
- Tianjin Key Lab. of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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Zhang J, Sun C, Liu W, Zou Z, Zhang Y, Li B, Zhao Z, Deng Q, Yang X, Zhang X, Qian H, Sun Y, Sundell J, Huang C. Associations of household renovation materials and periods with childhood asthma, in China: A retrospective cohort study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 113:240-248. [PMID: 29454245 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood asthma is prevalent in China. However, there is a lack of evidence on whether household renovation, including the materials used and the periods, are associated with the disease. OBJECTIVES To investigate the associations between household decoration materials and renovation periods, and childhood asthma and its related symptoms. METHODS During 2010-2012, a retrospective cohort study was initiated in seven cities of China, and 40,010 children, aged 3-6 years, were recruited. Data on demographics, health status, and home decoration conditions were collected using a parent-administered questionnaire. Two-level (city-child) logistic regression analyses with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed to show the target associations. Sensitivity analysis was performed by stratifying data for children in the southern and northern cities. RESULTS Children whose homes underwent renovation or the addition of new furniture within 1 year before pregnancy, during pregnancy, at age 0-1 year, and after age 1 year had significantly (p < 0.05) higher prevalence of childhood asthma and its related symptoms. The use of solid wood floors and wallpaper had significant associations (cement: AOR, 95% CI: 1.59, 1.17-2.17; lime: AOR, 95% CI: 1.31, 1.00-1.71) with an increased risk of lifetime asthma. Household renovation and the addition of new furniture during pregnancy had significant associations with lifetime asthma (renovation: AOR, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.01-1.51); lifetime wheeze (renovation: AOR, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.05-1.39; furniture: AOR, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.14-1.36), current wheeze (renovation: AOR, 95% CI, 1.21 1.05-1.40; furniture: AOR, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.12-1.34), and current dry cough (renovation: AOR, 95% CI: 1.41, 1.23-1.63; furniture: AOR, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.17-1.41). Similar associations were found between the addition of new furniture during early childhood and lifetime asthma and its related symptoms. Except for the association between lifetime wheeze and flooring materials, the studied associations were generally stronger among children from the northern cities. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed that using cellulose based materials in home decoration and renovation, and adding new furniture during early childhood and pregnancy could be risk factors for childhood asthma. The association between household decoration during early childhood and childhood asthma may be stronger in the northern cities of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Zhang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chanjuan Sun
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhijun Zou
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihong Deng
- School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Research Center for Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hua Qian
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jan Sundell
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Huang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
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Wise SK, Lin SY, Toskala E, Orlandi RR, Akdis CA, Alt JA, Azar A, Baroody FM, Bachert C, Canonica GW, Chacko T, Cingi C, Ciprandi G, Corey J, Cox LS, Creticos PS, Custovic A, Damask C, DeConde A, DelGaudio JM, Ebert CS, Eloy JA, Flanagan CE, Fokkens WJ, Franzese C, Gosepath J, Halderman A, Hamilton RG, Hoffman HJ, Hohlfeld JM, Houser SM, Hwang PH, Incorvaia C, Jarvis D, Khalid AN, Kilpeläinen M, Kingdom TT, Krouse H, Larenas-Linnemann D, Laury AM, Lee SE, Levy JM, Luong AU, Marple BF, McCoul ED, McMains KC, Melén E, Mims JW, Moscato G, Mullol J, Nelson HS, Patadia M, Pawankar R, Pfaar O, Platt MP, Reisacher W, Rondón C, Rudmik L, Ryan M, Sastre J, Schlosser RJ, Settipane RA, Sharma HP, Sheikh A, Smith TL, Tantilipikorn P, Tversky JR, Veling MC, Wang DY, Westman M, Wickman M, Zacharek M. International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2018; 8:108-352. [PMID: 29438602 PMCID: PMC7286723 DOI: 10.1002/alr.22073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critical examination of the quality and validity of available allergic rhinitis (AR) literature is necessary to improve understanding and to appropriately translate this knowledge to clinical care of the AR patient. To evaluate the existing AR literature, international multidisciplinary experts with an interest in AR have produced the International Consensus statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR:AR). METHODS Using previously described methodology, specific topics were developed relating to AR. Each topic was assigned a literature review, evidence-based review (EBR), or evidence-based review with recommendations (EBRR) format as dictated by available evidence and purpose within the ICAR:AR document. Following iterative reviews of each topic, the ICAR:AR document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus. RESULTS The ICAR:AR document addresses over 100 individual topics related to AR, including diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, disease burden, risk factors for the development of AR, allergy testing modalities, treatment, and other conditions/comorbidities associated with AR. CONCLUSION This critical review of the AR literature has identified several strengths; providers can be confident that treatment decisions are supported by rigorous studies. However, there are also substantial gaps in the AR literature. These knowledge gaps should be viewed as opportunities for improvement, as often the things that we teach and the medicine that we practice are not based on the best quality evidence. This document aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the AR literature to identify areas for future AR research and improved understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cezmi A. Akdis
- Allergy/Asthma, Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research, Switzerland
| | | | - Antoine Azar
- Allergy/Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Cemal Cingi
- Otolaryngology, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adam DeConde
- Otolaryngology, University of California San Diego, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jan Gosepath
- Otorhinolaryngology, Helios Kliniken Wiesbaden, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Jens M. Hohlfeld
- Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Airway Research Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, German Center for Lung Research, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amber U. Luong
- Otolaryngology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, USA
| | | | | | | | - Erik Melén
- Pediatric Allergy, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | | | | | - Joaquim Mullol
- Otolaryngology, Universitat de Barcelona, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Oliver Pfaar
- Rhinology/Allergy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | | | | | - Carmen Rondón
- Allergy, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, Spain
| | - Luke Rudmik
- Otolaryngology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Matthew Ryan
- Otolaryngology, University of Texas Southwestern, USA
| | - Joaquin Sastre
- Allergology, Hospital Universitario Fundacion Jiminez Diaz, Spain
| | | | | | - Hemant P. Sharma
- Allergy/Immunology, Children's National Health System, George Washington University School of Medicine, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - De Yun Wang
- Otolaryngology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Investigation on Indoor Air Pollution and Childhood Allergies in Households in Six Chinese Cities by Subjective Survey and Field Measurements. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14090979. [PMID: 28850091 PMCID: PMC5615516 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14090979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Greater attention is currently being paid to the relationship between indoor environment and childhood allergies, however, the lack of reliable data and the disparity among different areas hinders reliable assessment of the relationship. This study focuses on the effect of indoor pollution on Chinese schoolchildren and the relationship between specific household and health problems suffered. The epidemiological questionnaire survey and the field measurement of the indoor thermal environment and primary air pollutants including CO₂, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), chemical pollutants and fungi were performed in six Chinese cities. A total of 912 questionnaires were eligible for statistical analyses and sixty houses with schoolchildren aged 9-12 were selected for field investigation. Compared with Chinese national standards, inappropriate indoor relative humidity (<30% or >70%), CO₂ concentration exceeding 1000 ppm and high PM2.5 levels were found in some monitored houses. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were the most frequently detected semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in house dust. Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Penicillium were detected in both indoor air and house dust. This study indicates that a thermal environment with CO₂ exceeding 1000 ppm, DEHP and DBP exceeding 1000 μg/g, and high level of PM2.5, Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Penicillium increases the risk of children's allergies.
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Wang J, Engvall K, Smedje G, Nilsson H, Norbäck D. Current wheeze, asthma, respiratory infections, and rhinitis among adults in relation to inspection data and indoor measurements in single-family houses in Sweden-The BETSI study. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:725-736. [PMID: 28005296 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the Swedish Building Energy, Technical Status and Indoor environment study, a total of 1160 adults from 605 single-family houses answered a questionnaire on respiratory health. Building inspectors investigated the homes and measured temperature, air humidity, air exchange rate, and wood moisture content (in attic and crawl space). Moisture load was calculated as the difference between indoor and outdoor absolute humidity. Totally, 7.3% were smokers, 8.7% had doctor' diagnosed asthma, 11.2% current wheeze, and 9.5% current asthma symptoms. Totally, 50.3% had respiratory infections and 26.0% rhinitis. The mean air exchange rate was 0.36/h, and the mean moisture load 1.70 g/m3 . Damp foundation (OR=1.79, 95% CI 1.16-2.78) was positively associated while floor constructions with crawl space (OR=0.49, 95% CI 0.29-0.84) was negatively associated with wheeze. Concrete slabs with overlying insulation (OR=2.21, 95% CI 1.24-3.92) and brick façade (OR=1.71, 95% CI 1.07-2.73) were associated with rhinitis. Moisture load was associated with respiratory infections (OR=1.21 per 1 g/m3 , 95% CI 1.04-1.40) and rhinitis (OR=1.36 per 1 g/m3 , 95% CI 1.02-1.83). Air exchange rate was associated with current asthma symptoms (OR=0.85 per 0.1/h, 95% CI 0.73-0.99). Living in homes with damp foundation, concrete slabs with overlying insulation, brick façade, low ventilation flow, and high moisture load are risk factors for asthma, rhinitis, and respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - K Engvall
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - G Smedje
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - H Nilsson
- Division of Building Service and Energy Systems, School of Architecture and the Built Environment, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - D Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Cavaleiro Rufo J, Madureira J, Paciência I, Aguiar L, Pereira C, Silva D, Padrão P, Moreira P, Delgado L, Annesi-Maesano I, Oliveira Fernandes E, Teixeira JP, Moreira A. Indoor fungal diversity in primary schools may differently influence allergic sensitization and asthma in children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2017; 28:332-339. [PMID: 28208225 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood exposure to microbiologic agents may influence the development of allergic and respiratory diseases. Apart from home, children spend most of their time at school, which represents an environment of significant exposure to indoor air microbes. Therefore, we aimed to assess how the prevalence of allergic sensitization and asthma in schoolchildren is affected by microbiologic exposure within classrooms. METHODS Spirometry with bronchodilation, exhaled nitric oxide measurements and skin-prick tests data were retrieved from 858 children aged 8-10 years attending 71 classrooms in 20 primary schools. Air samples were collected in all classrooms using a single-stage microbiologic air impactor through agar plates. Gram-negative endotoxins were collected using flow control pumps and analysed by limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Diversity scores were established as the number of different fungal species found in each classroom. RESULTS Classrooms with increased diversity scores showed a significantly lower prevalence of children with atopic sensitization, but not asthma. The risk of sensitization increased with increasing endotoxin exposure in classrooms. Similarly, significantly higher concentrations of Penicillium spp were found in classrooms with a higher number of children with atopic sensitization. CONCLUSIONS Although no causal relationships could be established, exposure to higher fungal diversity was protective against allergic sensitization but this was not seen for asthma. In contrast, higher exposure to Gram-negative endotoxins and Penicillium spp in primary school's classrooms was associated with increasing odds of allergic sensitization in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Cavaleiro Rufo
- Basic and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal.,INEGI - Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit, Institute of Public Health (EPIUnit), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Madureira
- INEGI - Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Paciência
- Basic and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal.,INEGI - Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit, Institute of Public Health (EPIUnit), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lívia Aguiar
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Institute of Public Health (EPIUnit), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristiana Pereira
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Institute of Public Health (EPIUnit), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Silva
- Basic and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Padrão
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Moreira
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Delgado
- Basic and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM and UPC, Paris, France
| | - Eduardo Oliveira Fernandes
- INEGI - Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Institute of Public Health (EPIUnit), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - André Moreira
- Basic and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit, Institute of Public Health (EPIUnit), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Wang YH, Wang YC, Wu PH, Hsu L, Wang CY, Jan CR, Su HH. A cross-sectional study into the correlation of common household risk factors and allergic rhinitis in Taiwan's tropical environment. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2017; 10:134-140. [PMID: 28237477 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To discuss the effect of lesser-known potential risk factors, such as bedroom showers, on the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. METHOD A cross-sectional, population-based study was performed using both survey and fungal culturing in southern Taiwan. There were 998 participants enrolled in the survey, and 513 sets of fungal culture obtained. With score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR) more than 7, the patient was defined to have allergic rhinitis. Risks of allergic rhinitis were calculated as odds ratios for various predicted risk factors by logistic regression. Correlation between predicted risk factors and fungal level were examined with linear regression. RESULTS The adjusted odds ratio of frequently using bedroom shower to having allergic rhinitis was 1.572 (95% confidence interval: 1.090-2.265), and 0.962 for people with older age to have AR (95% confidence interval: 0.949-0.976). As to the 24-hour fungal level, the standardized coefficient was 0.254 for frequent use of bedroom shower, and 0.106 for window open hours. CONCLUSIONS Use of bedroom shower is a potential risk factor for allergic rhinitis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hao Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Yu-Chieh Wang
- Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, NC 27109, USA
| | - Pi-Hsiung Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Lan Hsu
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | | | - Chung-Ren Jan
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Hao Su
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan.
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Choi H, Schmidbauer N, Bornehag CG. Volatile organic compounds of possible microbial origin and their risks on childhood asthma and allergies within damp homes. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 98:143-151. [PMID: 27838117 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk of indoor exposure to volatile organic compounds of purported microbial origin on childhood symptoms of wheezing, rhinitis, and/or eczema, and doctor-diagnosed asthma, rhinitis, and eczema, respectively, remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To test hypotheses that total sum of 28 microbial volatile organic compounds (Σ26 MVOCs): 1) poses independent risk on doctor-diagnosed asthma, rhinitis, and eczema, respectively, as well as multiple symptom presentation with a minimum of the two of the above conditions (i.e. case); 2) is associated with significant interaction with absolute humidity (AH) on additive scale. METHODS In a case-control investigation, 198 cases and 202 controls were examined during November 2001 - March 2002 period through home indoor air sampling, air quality inspection, and health outcome ascertainment. RESULTS Not only the Σ28 MVOCs but also the global MVOC index were significantly higher within the homes of the cases with a high AH, compared to the controls with a low AH (all Ps<0.001). Only the cases, but not the controls, were associated with a dose-dependent increase in the exposure variables of interest (Σ28 MVOCs) per quartile increase in AH (P<0.0001 for the cases; P=0.780 for the controls). Only among the children who live in a high AH homes, a natural log (ln)-unit of Σ 28 MVOCs was associated with 2.5-times greater odds of the case status (95% CI, 1.0-6.2; P=0.046), compared to 0.7-times the odds (95% CI, 0.4-1.0; P=0.074) of the same outcome among the low AH homes. Specifically, joint exposure to a high MVOCs and high AH was associated with 2.6-times greater odds of the doctor-diagnosed asthma status (95% CI, 0.7-8.91; P=0.137). CONCLUSION Joint occurrence of high Σ28 MVOCs and AH was associated with a significant increase in the case status and asthma risks in an additive scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunok Choi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, State University of New York, United States.
| | - Norbert Schmidbauer
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, PO Box 100, 2027 Kjeller, Instituttveien 18, 2007 Kjeller, Norway.
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Box 857, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden; Department of Public Health Sciences, Karlstad University, SE-651 88 Karlstad, Sweden.
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Cai J, Liu W, Hu Y, Zou Z, Shen L, Huang C. Household environment, lifestyle behaviors, and dietary habits in relation to childhood atopic eczema in Shanghai, China. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2016; 90:141-159. [PMID: 27812754 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-016-1177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSES We aim to investigate associations of the child's individual characteristics, building characteristics, home environmental exposures, family lifestyle behaviors, and dietary habits on childhood eczema during lifetime-ever and in the last year before the survey. METHODS During April 2011-April 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study and collected 13,335 parents-reported questionnaires of 4-6-year-old children from 72 kindergartens in Shanghai, China. Logistic regression model was used to investigate associations. RESULTS After adjusted for sex, age, family history of atopy, and questionnaire reporter, the factors which were strongly associated (increased odds >30% and p value <0.05) with lifetime-ever eczema included mother employed during pregnancy (adjusted OR 1.33), residence renovated during pregnancy (1.49) and in the child's first year of life (1.31), using laminate (1.58) and solid (1.42) wood as material of floor covering (compared to using cement), residence located in urban district (1.38), and dampness-related exposures in the early residence (mold spots/stains: 1.41; mold odor: 1.41) and in the current residence (water damage: 1.33; damp stains: 1.34; mold spots: 1.32; and windows pane condensation: 1.31). Parental smoking, pet-keeping, and incense-burning had no significant associations with childhood eczema. Similar associations were found for eczema in the last year before the survey. Families with sick children likely changed lifestyle behaviors and dietary habits. CONCLUSIONS Childhood eczema could be influenced by many household environmental and non-environmental factors. Exposures during early lifetime likely have greater impact on childhood eczema than current exposures. Associations of lifestyle behaviors and dietary habits with childhood eczema could be modified by family avoidance behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Cai
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Hu
- Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Company Limited (TJAD), Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Zou
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Shen
- R&B Technology (Shanghai) Company Limited, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Huang C, Liu W, Cai J, Weschler LB, Wang X, Hu Y, Zou Z, Shen L, Sundell J. Breastfeeding and timing of first dietary introduction in relation to childhood asthma, allergies, and airway diseases: A cross-sectional study. J Asthma 2016; 54:488-497. [PMID: 27603296 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2016.1231203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated associations of breastfeeding (BF) durations and patterns and of timing of other dietary introductions with prevalence of asthma, wheeze, hay fever, rhinitis, pneumonia, and eczema among preschool children. METHODS During April 2011-April 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 72 kindergartens from five districts of Shanghai, China and obtained 13,335 questionnaires of children 4-6-years-old. We used multiple logistic regression models to evaluate the target associations. RESULTS Compared to children who were never BF, children who were exclusively breastfed 3-6 months had the lowest risk of asthma (adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 0.81, 0.72-0.91) and wheeze (0.93, 0.87-0.99); and exclusive BF >6 months was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hay fever (0.93, 0.89-0.97), rhinitis (0.97, 0.94-0.99), pneumonia (0.97, 0.94-0.99), and eczema (0.96, 0.93-0.99). No significant associations were found between time when fruits or vegetables were introduced and the studied diseases. Associations were independent of the child's sex and parent's ownership of the current residence. Longer duration BF was only significantly protective when there was no family history of atopy. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that heredity, but not sex and socioeconomic status, may negatively impact the effect of BF on childhood airway and allergic diseases. Our findings support China's national recommendation that mothers provide exclusive BF for the first four months, and continue partial BF for more than 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Huang
- a Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering , School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology , Shanghai , China
| | - Wei Liu
- a Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering , School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology , Shanghai , China
| | - Jiao Cai
- a Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering , School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology , Shanghai , China
| | | | - Xueying Wang
- a Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering , School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology , Shanghai , China
| | - Yu Hu
- a Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering , School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology , Shanghai , China
| | - Zhijun Zou
- a Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering , School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology , Shanghai , China
| | - Li Shen
- a Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering , School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology , Shanghai , China
| | - Jan Sundell
- a Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering , School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology , Shanghai , China.,c Department of Building Science , Tsinghua University , Beijing , China
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Choi H, Schmidbauer N, Bornehag CG. Non-microbial sources of microbial volatile organic compounds. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 148:127-136. [PMID: 27043176 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The question regarding the true sources of the purported microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) remains unanswered. OBJECTIVE To identify microbial, as well as non-microbial sources of 28 compounds, which are commonly accepted as microbial VOCs (i.e. primary outcome of interest is Σ 28 VOCs). METHODS In a cross-sectional investigation of 390 homes, six building inspectors assessed water/mold damage, took air and dust samples, and measured environmental conditions (i.e., absolute humidity (AH, g/m(3)), temperature (°C), ventilation rate (ACH)). The air sample was analyzed for volatile organic compounds (μg/m(3)) and; dust samples were analyzed for total viable fungal concentration (CFU/g) and six phthalates (mg/g dust). Four benchmark variables of the underlying sources were defined as highest quartile categories of: 1) the total concentration of 17 propylene glycol and propylene glycol ethers (Σ17 PGEs) in the air sample; 2) 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate (TMPD-MIB) in the air sample; 3) semi-quantitative mold index; and 4) total fungal load (CFU/g). RESULTS Within severely damp homes, co-occurrence of the highest quartile concentration of either Σ17 PGEs or TMPD-MIB were respectively associated with a significantly higher median concentration of Σ 28 VOCs (8.05 and 13.38μg/m(3), respectively) compared to the reference homes (4.30 and 4.86μg/m(3), respectively, both Ps ≤0.002). Furthermore, the homes within the highest quartile range for Σ fungal load as well as AH were associated with a significantly increased median Σ 28 VOCs compared to the reference group (8.74 vs. 4.32μg/m(3), P=0.001). Within the final model of multiple indoor sources on Σ 28 VOCs, one natural log-unit increase in summed concentration of Σ17 PGEs, plus TMPD-MIB (Σ 17 PGEs + TMPD-MIB) was associated with 1.8-times (95% CI, 1.3-2.5), greater likelihood of having a highest quartile of Σ 28 VOCs, after adjusting for absolute humidity, history of repainting at least one room, ventilation rate, and mold index (P-value =0.001). Homes deemed severely mold damaged (i.e., mold index =1) were associated with 1.7-times (95% CI, 0.8-3.6), greater likelihood of having a highest quartile of Σ 28 VOCs, even though such likelihood was not significant (P-value =0.164). In addition, absolute humidity appeared to positively interact with mold index to significantly elevate the prevalence of the highest quartile category of Σ 28 VOCs. CONCLUSION The indoor concentration of Σ 28 VOCs, which are widely accepted as MVOCs, are significantly associated with the markers of synthetic (i.e. Σ17 PGEs and TMPD-MIB), and to less extent, microbial (i.e., mold index) sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunok Choi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, State University of New York, United States.
| | - Norbert Schmidbauer
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, PO Box 100, 2027 Kjeller, Norway, Instituttveien 18, 2007 Kjeller, Norway.
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Box 857, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden; Department of Public Health Sciences, Karlstad University, SE-651 88 Karlstad, Sweden.
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Arikoglu T, Batmaz SB, Coşkun T, Otag F, Yildirim DD, Kuyucu S. The characteristics of indoor and outdoor fungi and their relation with allergic respiratory diseases in the southern region of Turkey. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:380. [PMID: 27236446 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5371-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Indoor and outdoor fungal exposure has been shown to be associated with the development of allergic respiratory diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the types and concentrations of airborne fungi inside and outside homes and evaluate the association between fungal levels and allergic diseases in the southern region of Turkey. A total of 61 children admitted with respiratory complaints to the pediatric allergy clinic between September 2007 and November 2008 were included in this study. The air samples were obtained using the Air IDEAL volumetric air sampler longitudinally for 1 year. A comprehensive questionnaire was used for medical history and housing conditions. Skin prick test was performed to determine fungal sensitivity and spirometric indices were employed. The predominant indoor fungal species were Cladosporium (69.3 %), Penicillium (18.9 %), Aspergillus (6.5 %), and Alternaria (3.1 %). A strong correlation between indoor and outdoor fungal levels was detected for the Cladosporium species (p < 0.001, r = 0.72) throughout the year. Living in a detached home (p = 0.036) and the presence of cockroaches (p = 0.005) were associated with total indoor fungal levels. The presence of cockroaches (aOR 3.5; 95 % CI 0.95-13.10, p = 0.059) was also associated with fungal sensitization at the edge of significance. The statistical cutoff values of indoor and outdoor Cladosporium levels to predict symptomatic asthma were found to be >176 CFU/m(3) (p = 0.003, AUC 0.696; sensitivity 65.5 %; specificity 68.7 %) and >327 CFU/m(3) (p = 0.038; AUC 0.713; sensitivity 66.6 %; specificity 76.9 %), respectively. Children with respiratory symptoms are exposed to a considerable level of fungi inside and outside their homes. The prevention of fungal exposure may provide valuable intervention for respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugba Arikoglu
- Department of Pediatric Allergy Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, 33343, Ciftlikkoy Kampusu, Mersin, Turkey.
| | - Sehra Birgul Batmaz
- Department of Pediatric Allergy Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, 33343, Ciftlikkoy Kampusu, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Taner Coşkun
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Feza Otag
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | | | - Semanur Kuyucu
- Department of Pediatric Allergy Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, 33343, Ciftlikkoy Kampusu, Mersin, Turkey
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Lin Z, Norback D, Wang T, Zhang X, Shi J, Kan H, Zhao Z. The first 2-year home environment in relation to the new onset and remission of asthmatic and allergic symptoms in 4246 preschool children. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 553:204-210. [PMID: 26925732 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The home environment can influence childhood allergies and respiratory health but there is little information on associations between early life exposure at home and new onset and remission of the asthmatic or allergic symptoms in preschool children. A questionnaire survey was performed in a random cluster sample of 4246 preschool children in Urumqi, China. Information on the home environment (perceptions of odors and indicators of pollution sources) and children's health (wheeze, rhinitis and eczema) was collected for the first 2 years of life and the last year (before answering the questionnaire) from one of the parents or another guardian of the child. Associations between the home environment the first 2 years of life and new onset and remission of childhood symptoms were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. Home environment factors reported for the first 2 years of life were consistently positively associated with new onset of symptoms and negatively associated with remission of symptoms. Visible mold (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.12-1.90), moldy odor (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.45-3.18), air dryness (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.08-1.59), stuffy odor (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.54) and parental smoking (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.13-1.65) were associated with new onset of symptoms. These factors were negatively associated with the remission of symptoms. In conclusion, mold contamination at home (moldy odor/visible mold), poor indoor air quality (stuffy odor, air dryness) and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the first 2 years of life can increase the incidence of asthmatic and allergic symptoms and decrease the remission from these symptoms in preschool children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijin Lin
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Dan Norback
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751, Sweden
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, PR China
| | - Jingjin Shi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Haidong Kan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
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Cai J, Liu W, Hu Y, Zou Z, Shen L, Huang C. Associations between home dampness-related exposures and childhood eczema among 13,335 preschool children in Shanghai, China: A cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 146:18-26. [PMID: 26708528 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
From April 2011 to April 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China. A total of 13,335 modified ISAAC questionnaires (response rate: 85.3%) were returned by parents or guardians for 4-6 year-old children. Six dampness-related indicators (visible mold spots, visible damp stains, damp bed clothing, water damage, window pane condensation, and moldy odor) were used to evaluate home dampness-related exposures. In the present study, we applied logistic regression model to reveal associations, dose-response relationships, and statistical interaction effects of these dampness-related exposures, with childhood eczema, during lifetime since birth (ever) and in the last 12 months before the questionnaire. The dampness-related indicators were frequently reported in the perinatal and current residences. Prevalences of eczema ever and in the last 12 months were 22.9% and 13.2%, respectively. The dampness-related indicators were robustly associated and dose-response related with increased risk of eczema ever and in the last 12 months in the logistic regression analyses, with adjusted for potential confounders. Specifically, in the perinatal residence, visible mold spots or damp stains could increase 46% (OR, 95% CI: 1.46, 1.29-1.66) odds of childhood eczema (ever); in the current residence, visible mold spots and visible damp stains could increase 34% (1.34, 1.14-1.58) and 38% (1.38, 1.22-1.56) odds of childhood eczema (ever), respectively. Associations were not appreciably different between boys and girls, nor were they different between children with and without parental history of atopy. In conclusion, perinatal and current dampness-related exposures in the residence perhaps are risk factors for childhood eczema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Cai
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yu Hu
- Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Company Limited (TJAD), Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhijun Zou
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Li Shen
- R&B Technology (Shanghai) Company Limited, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, PR China.
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Wang X, Liu W, Hu Y, Zou Z, Shen L, Huang C. Home environment, lifestyles behaviors, and rhinitis in childhood. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2015; 219:220-31. [PMID: 26712524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of children allergic rhinitis has been increasing in China and associated factors still are not clear. In the present paper, we selected 13,335 parent-reported questionnaires of 4-6 years-old children, in a cross-sectional study from April 2011 to April 2012 in Shanghai city, and investigated associations of various factors with parent-reported allergic rhinitis (doctor-diagnosed) and rhinitis symptoms in childhood. After adjusted by age, sex, family history of atopy, and respondent of questionnaire, we find that no siblings, mother in older age during pregnancy, shorter breastfeeding, using antibiotics in the first year, and home dampness-related exposures, had significant associations with increased prevalence of the studied diseases. Location, type, building area, decoration materials and construction period of the residence, also had significant associations with these diseases. Current parental smoking and pet-keeping had no significant associations with the studied diseases. Incense-burning and using mosquito coils had significant associations with reduced risk of allergic rhinitis and with increased risk of rhinitis symptoms. Using air cleaner and cleaning the residence in high frequency had associations with increased risk, but eating fast food and ice cream often had associations with the reduced risk, of the studied diseases. Families with children being diagnosed allergic rhinitis likely change their lifestyle behaviors. In conclusion, childhood rhinitis could be influenced by heredity and many "environmental exposures". Avoidance behaviors and reverse causation in parental smoking, pet-keeping, and dietary habits for childhood rhinitis should be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Wang
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yu Hu
- Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Company Limited (TJAD), Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhijun Zou
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Li Shen
- R&B Technology (Shanghai) Company Limited, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, PR China.
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Home Dampness Signs in Association with Asthma and Allergic Diseases in 4618 Preschool Children in Urumqi, China-The Influence of Ventilation/Cleaning Habits. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134359. [PMID: 26230849 PMCID: PMC4521786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing prevalence of childhood asthma and allergic diseases in mainland of China. Few studies investigated the indoor dampness, ventilation and cleaning habits and their interrelationship with childhood asthma and allergic diseases. A large-scale cross-sectional study was performed in preschool children in Urumqi, China. Questionnaire was used to collect information on children’s health, home dampness and ventilation/cleaning (V/C) habits. Multiple logistic regressions were applied to analyze the associations between childhood asthma/allergic diseases and each sign of home dampness, dampness levels, each V/C habit and total V/C scores. The associations between dampness and health were further performed by strata analyses in two groups with low and high V/C scores. Totally 4618(81.7%) of 5650 children returned the questionnaire. Reports on home dampness were most common for water condensation on windows (20.8%) followed by damp beddings (18.0%). The most common ventilation measure was the use of exhaust fan in bathroom (59.3%), followed by daily home cleaning (48.3%), frequently putting beddings to sunshine (29.9%) and frequently opening windows in winter (8.4%). There were positive associations between the 6 signs of home dampness and children’s health particularly the symptoms last 12 months. By comparing with the reference dampness level (dampness scored 0), both the low dampness (scored 1~2) level and the high dampness level (scored 3~6) showed significantly increasing associations with childhood symptoms. There were crude negative associations between V/C habits and childhood health but not significant adjusting for home dampness levels. The risks of home dampness on children’s health were lower in the group with higher V/C score but the differences were not statistically significant. Home dampness is a potential risk factor for childhood asthma and allergic symptoms in preschool children in Urumqi, China. No significant effects were observed for ordinary home ventilation and cleaning habits in reducing the risks of home dampness on childhood asthma and allergic diseases in Urumqi, China.
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Takaoka M, Suzuki K, Norbäck D. Sick Building Syndrome Among Junior High School Students in Japan in Relation to the Home and School Environment. Glob J Health Sci 2015; 8:165-77. [PMID: 26383200 PMCID: PMC4803974 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v8n2p165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: There is an increasing concern about sick building syndrome (SBS), especially in Asia. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between SBS and the home, school environment and personal factors among Japanese junior high school students. Methods: We investigated students in four junior high schools in Hyogo in Kansai area, Japan. A questionnaire study was performed among students (n=1056), 12-15 years old. Temperature and relative air humidity was measured in the classrooms and dust was collected from the classroom floors and air and was analysed for cat and dog allergens. Associations were analysed by multi-level logistic regression. Results: Mucosal symptoms (45.4%), general symptoms (38.9%) and skin symptoms (22.6%) were common. Totally 8.8% reported cat allergy, 6.1% dog allergy, 6.0% mold allergy and 25.7% pollen allergy. Atopy, window pane condensation, floor dampness and odor at home and high relative air humidity in the classrooms were associated with SBS. Conclusion: The prevalence of SBS symptoms was high and associated with both home and school environment. Window pane condensation and floor dampness at home can increase the risk for SBS symptoms in students. Moreover high relative air humidity at school may increase the risk for SBS.
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Seo S, Han Y, Kim J, Choung JT, Kim BJ, Ahn K. Infrared camera-proven water-damaged homes are associated with the severity of atopic dermatitis in children. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2014; 113:549-55. [PMID: 25216974 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moisture problems in dwellings have been linked to respiratory symptoms, but little is known about their association with symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD). Moreover, the questionnaire-based survey or visual inspection for water damage does not use a standardized approach for assessing dampness. OBJECTIVE To determine water damage in the houses of children with AD by assessing variations in surface temperature with an infrared camera, an interview-led questionnaire, and evaluation of the relation between the presence of water damage and the severity of AD. METHODS Fifty-two homes of patients with AD were visited, and air samples were obtained from the living room and a child's bedroom. Water damage was determined by thermal assessments using an infrared camera and by the presence of visible mold or water stains. The effect of water damage on the severity of AD was analyzed by comparing the presence or absence of water damage and other aggravating factors between water-damaged and undamaged homes. RESULTS Water damage was observed in 31 of 52 homes (59.6%), and the concentrations of airborne mold were significantly higher in water-damaged homes than in undamaged homes (P = .0013). However, there was no difference in airborne mold levels between homes with and those without visible mold or water stains. Logistic regression analyses showed that water-damaged homes were significantly related to moderate to severe AD (adjusted odds ratio 14.52, 95% confidence interval 1.75-121.13, P = .0025). CONCLUSION Water-damaged homes affect the severity of AD in children. Infrared camera-driven assessment is a promising tool for determining moisture problems in buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- SungChul Seo
- The Environmental Health Center for Asthma, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youngshin Han
- The Environmental Health Center for Atopic Diseases, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jihyun Kim
- The Environmental Health Center for Atopic Diseases, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea; Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Ji Tae Choung
- The Environmental Health Center for Asthma, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Beom Joon Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kangmo Ahn
- The Environmental Health Center for Atopic Diseases, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea; Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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