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Magyar D, Tischner Z, Szabó B, Freiler-Nagy Á, Papp T, Allaga H, Kredics L. Characterization of Indoor Molds after Ajka Red Mud Spill, Hungary. Pathogens 2023; 13:22. [PMID: 38251330 PMCID: PMC10820486 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
A red mud suspension of ~700,000 m3 was accidentally released from the alumina plant in Ajka, Hungary, on the 4th of October 2010, flooding several buildings in the nearby towns. As there is no information in the literature on the effects of red mud on indoor mold growth, we conducted studies to answer the following question: does the heavy metal content of red mud inhibit fungal colonization in flooded houses? In order to gain knowledge on fungal spectra colonizing surfaces soaked with red mud and on the ability of fungi to grow on them, swabs, tape lifts, and air samples were collected from three case study buildings. A total of 43 fungal taxa were detected. The dominant species were Penicillium spp. on plaster/brick walls, but Aspergillus series Versicolores, Cladosporium, Acremonium, and Scopulariopsis spp. were also present. The level of airborne penicillia was high in all indoor samples. Selected fungal strains were subcultured on 2% MEA with 10-1 and 10-4 dilutions of red mud. The growth rate of most of the strains was not significantly reduced by red mud on the artificial media. The consequences of similar industrial flooding on indoor molds are also discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donát Magyar
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, H-1097 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Tischner
- Department of Environmental Safety, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary;
| | - Bence Szabó
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Ágnes Freiler-Nagy
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Herd Health and Mobile Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Tamás Papp
- HUN-REN-SZTE Pathomechanisms of Fungal Infections Research Group, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Henrietta Allaga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (H.A.); (L.K.)
| | - László Kredics
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (H.A.); (L.K.)
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Makrufardi F, Manullang A, Rusmawatiningtyas D, Chung KF, Lin SC, Chuang HC. Extreme weather and asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:32/168/230019. [PMID: 37286218 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0019-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change's influence on extreme weather events poses a significant threat to the morbidity and mortality of asthma patients. The aim of this study was to examine associations between extreme weather events and asthma-related outcomes. METHODS A systematic literature search for relevant studies was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and ProQuest databases. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were applied to estimate the effects of extreme weather events on asthma-related outcomes. RESULTS We observed that extreme weather events were associated with increasing risks of general asthma outcomes with relative risks of 1.18-fold for asthma events (95% CI 1.13-1.24), 1.10-fold for asthma symptoms (95% CI 1.03-1.18) and 1.09-fold for asthma diagnoses (95% CI 1.00-1.19). Extreme weather events were associated with increased risks of acute asthma exacerbation with risk ratios of asthma emergency department visits of 1.25-fold (95% CI 1.14-1.37), of asthma hospital admissions of 1.10-fold (95% CI 1.04-1.17), of asthma outpatient visits of 1.19-fold (95% CI 1.06-1.34) and of asthma mortality of 2.10-fold (95% CI 1.35-3.27). Additionally, an increase in extreme weather events increased risk ratios of asthma events by 1.19-fold in children and 1.29-fold in females (95% CI 1.08-1.32 and 95% CI 0.98-1.69, respectively). Thunderstorms increased the risk ratio of asthma events by 1.24-fold (95% CI 1.13-1.36). CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that extreme weather events more prominently increased the risk of asthma morbidity and mortality in children and females. Climate change is a critical concern for asthma control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firdian Makrufardi
- International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada - Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Amja Manullang
- International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Desy Rusmawatiningtyas
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada - Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sheng-Chieh Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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3
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Amin H, Marshall IPG, Bertelsen RJ, Wouters IM, Schlünssen V, Sigsgaard T, Šantl-Temkiv T. Optimization of bacterial DNA and endotoxin extraction from settled airborne dust. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159455. [PMID: 36252657 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Collecting and obtaining sufficient amount of airborne particles for multiple microbial component assessments can be challenging. A passive dust sampling device, the electrostatic dust fall collector (EDC) has been established for assessing airborne exposures including endotoxin and glucans. Recently, with advances in next-generation sequencing techniques, EDCs were used to collect microbial cells for DNA sequencing analysis to promote the study of airborne bacterial and fungal communities. However, low DNA yields have been problematic when employing passive sampling with EDC. To address this challenge, we attempted to increase the efficiency of extraction. We compared DNA extraction efficiency of bacterial components from EDCs captured on filters through filtration using five extraction techniques. By measuring the abundance, diversity and structure of bacterial communities using qPCR and amplicon sequencing targeting 16S rRNA genes, we found that two techniques outperformed the rest. Furthermore, we developed protocols to simultaneously extract both DNA and endotoxin from a single EDC cloth. Our technique promotes a high quality to price ratio and may be employed in large epidemiological studies addressing airborne bacterial exposure where a large number of samples is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham Amin
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Ian P G Marshall
- Section for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Randi J Bertelsen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Inge M Wouters
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health, Environment, Work and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tina Šantl-Temkiv
- Section for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Climate Change Related Catastrophic Rainfall Events and Non-Communicable Respiratory Disease: A Systematic Review of the Literature. CLIMATE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/cli10070101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events, the impacts of which disproportionately impact urban populations. Pluvial flooding and flooding related sewer backups are thought to result in an increase in potentially hazardous human-pathogen encounters. However, the extent and nature of associations between flooding events and non-communicable respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not well understood. This research seeks to characterize the state of research on flooding and NCRDs through a systematic review of the scientific literature. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for published scholarly research papers using the terms flooding, monsoon, and tropical storm with terms for common NCRDs such as asthma, COPD, and chronic bronchitis. Papers were included if they covered research studies on individuals with defined outcomes of flooding events. We excluded review papers, case studies, and opinion pieces. We retrieved 200 articles from PubMed, 268 from Web of Science and 203 from Scopus which comprised 345 unique papers. An initial review of abstracts yielded 38 candidate papers. A full text review of each left 16 papers which were included for the review. All papers except for one found a significant association between a severe weather event and increased risk for at least one of the NCRDs included in this research. Our findings further suggest that extreme weather events may worsen pre-existing respiratory conditions and increase the risk of development of asthma. Future work should focus on more precisely defining measure of health outcomes using validated tools to describe asthma and COPD exacerbations. Research efforts should also work to collect granular data on patients’ health status and family history and assess possible confounding and mediating factors such as neighborhood water mitigation infrastructure, housing conditions, pollen counts, and other environmental variables.
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Chen NT, Chen MJ, Wu CD, Guo YL. Emergency room visits for childhood atopic dermatitis are associated with floods? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 773:145435. [PMID: 33940726 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Floods are known to increase the level of allergens such as molds in the environments. Under climate change, the frequency of floods could be increased, which highlights the importance of understanding the impacts of floods on atopic diseases. However, there was a lack of studies. This study examines whether floods induce attacks of childhood atopic dermatitis (AD). A retrospective population-based study was conducted in Taiwan Island using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Emergency room (ER) visits for AD were identified among children aged 0-12 years. Weekly data of flood occurrence, number of flood sites, temperature, and air pollution were obtained for each township of the identified cases. A time-stratified case-crossover design was used. The relationship between ER visits for AD and floods was assessed by conditional logistic regression, adjusting for weekly mean temperature, PM2.5 and NO2. There were a total of 55,488 ER visits due to AD during the study period. Such visits increased when flood occurred, and then declined. The effects of floods at the week of flood remained robust, with OR of 1.14 (95% CI = 1.01-1.28) for flood occurrence and 1.31 (95% CI = 1.10-1.55) for the number of flood sites, after adjusting for covariates. Such effects were slightly higher in boys and children aged 1-12 years. This study demonstrated the impact of floods on flare-up of childhood AD, and the effect was most prominently at the week of flood. Healthcare workers should be alarmed for potential increase of AD flare ups after flood events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Tzu Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan; Research Center of Environmental Trace Toxic Substances, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704302, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Jean Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Da Wu
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan; Department of Geomatics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yue Leon Guo
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) and NTU Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10055, Taiwan.
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6
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Fanny SA, Kaziny BD, Cruz AT, Camp EA, Murray KO, Nichols TJ, Chumpitazi CE. Pediatric Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Visits in Houston after Hurricane Harvey. West J Emerg Med 2021; 22:763-768. [PMID: 34125058 PMCID: PMC8203006 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2021.2.49050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Natural disasters are increasingly common and devastating. It is essential to understand children’s health needs during disasters as they are a particularly vulnerable population. The objective of this study was to evaluate pediatric disease burden after Hurricane Harvey compared to the preceding month and the same period in the previous year to inform pediatric disaster preparedness. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients seen at pediatric emergency departments (ED) and urgent care centers (UCC) 30 days before (late summer) and after (early fall) the hurricane and from the same time period in 2016. We collected demographic information and the first five discharge diagnoses from a network of EDs and UCCs affiliated with a quaternary care children’s hospital in Houston, Texas. We calculated the odds of disease outcomes during various timeframes using binary logistic regression modeling. Results There were 20,571 (median age: 3.5 years, 48.1% female) and 18,943 (median age: 3.5 years, 47.3% female) patients in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Inpatient admission rates from the ED a month after Harvey were 20.5%, compared to 25.3% in the same period in 2016 (P<0.001). In both years, asthma and other respiratory illnesses increased from late summer to early fall. After controlling for these seasonal trends, the following diseases were more commonly seen after the hurricane: toxicological emergencies (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.61, 95% [confidence interval] CI, 1.35–5.05); trauma (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI, 1.32–1.53); and dermatological complaints (aOR: 1.34, 95% CI, 1.23–1.46). Conclusion We observed increases in rashes, trauma, and toxicological diagnoses in children after a major flood. These findings highlight the need for more medication resources and public health and education measures focused on pediatric disaster preparedness and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Aya Fanny
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Emergency Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Brent D Kaziny
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Emergency Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Andrea T Cruz
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Emergency Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Elizabeth A Camp
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Emergency Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Kristy O Murray
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Corrie E Chumpitazi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Emergency Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Oluyomi AO, Panthagani K, Sotelo J, Gu X, Armstrong G, Luo DN, Hoffman KL, Rohlman D, Tidwell L, Hamilton WJ, Symanski E, Anderson K, Petrosino JF, Walker CL, Bondy M. Houston hurricane Harvey health (Houston-3H) study: assessment of allergic symptoms and stress after hurricane Harvey flooding. Environ Health 2021; 20:9. [PMID: 33468146 PMCID: PMC7816385 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00694-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused unprecedented flooding across the greater Houston area. Given the potential for widespread flood-related exposures, including mold and sewage, and the emotional and mental toll caused by the flooding, we sought to evaluate the short- and long-term impact of flood-related exposures on the health of Houstonians. Our objectives were to assess the association of flood-related exposures with allergic symptoms and stress among Houston-area residents at two time points: within approximately 30 days (T1) and 12 months (T2) after Hurricane Harvey's landfall. METHODS The Houston Hurricane Harvey Health (Houston-3H) Study enrolled a total of 347 unique participants from four sites across Harris County at two times: within approximately 1-month of Harvey (T1, n = 206) and approximately 12-months after Harvey (T2, n = 266), including 125 individuals who participated at both time points. Using a self-administered questionnaire, participants reported details on demographics, flood-related exposures, and health outcomes, including allergic symptoms and stress. RESULTS The majority of participants reported hurricane-related flooding in their homes at T1 (79.1%) and T2 (87.2%) and experienced at least one allergic symptom after the hurricane (79.4% at T1 and 68.4% at T2). In general, flood-exposed individuals were at increased risk of upper respiratory tract allergic symptoms, reported at both the T1 and T2 time points, with exposures to dirty water and mold associated with increased risk of multiple allergic symptoms. The mean stress score of study participants at T1 was 8.0 ± 2.1 and at T2, 5.1 ± 3.2, on a 0-10 scale. Participants who experienced specific flood-related exposures reported higher stress scores when compared with their counterparts, especially 1 year after Harvey. Also, a supplementary paired-samples analysis showed that reports of wheezing, shortness of breath, and skin rash did not change between T1 and T2, though other conditions were less commonly reported at T2. CONCLUSION These initial Houston-3H findings demonstrate that flooding experiences that occurred as a consequence of Hurricane Harvey had lasting impacts on the health of Houstonians up to 1 year after the hurricane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiodun O. Oluyomi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Jewish Building, Room 607D, (MS BCM307), Houston, TX USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Environmental Health Service, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Kristen Panthagani
- Genetics and Genomics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jesus Sotelo
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Jewish Building, Room 607D, (MS BCM307), Houston, TX USA
| | - Xiangjun Gu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Jewish Building, Room 607D, (MS BCM307), Houston, TX USA
| | - Georgina Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Jewish Building, Room 607D, (MS BCM307), Houston, TX USA
| | - Dan Na Luo
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Kristi L. Hoffman
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Diana Rohlman
- Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR USA
| | - Lane Tidwell
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR USA
| | - Winifred J. Hamilton
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Environmental Health Service, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Elaine Symanski
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Jewish Building, Room 607D, (MS BCM307), Houston, TX USA
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Kimberly Anderson
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR USA
| | - Joseph F. Petrosino
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Cheryl Lyn Walker
- Genetics and Genomics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Melissa Bondy
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
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Masterson EE, Younglove LB, Perez A, Torres E, Krenz JE, Tchong French MI, Riederer AM, Sampson PD, Metwali N, Min E, Jansen KL, Aisenberg G, Babadi RS, Farquhar SA, Thorne PS, Karr CJ. The home air in agriculture pediatric intervention (HAPI) trial: Rationale and methods. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 96:106085. [PMID: 32721578 PMCID: PMC7494646 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.106085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data addressing air quality effects on children with asthma in rural U.S. communities are rare. Our community engaged research partnership previously demonstrated associations between neighborhood NH3 and ambient PM2.5 and asthma in the agricultural lower Yakima Valley of Washington. As a next step, the partnership desired an intervention approach to address concerns about pediatric asthma in this largely Latino immigrant, farm worker community. OBJECTIVE The Home Air in Agriculture Pediatric Intervention (HAPI) sought to examine the effectiveness of enrichment of an existing asthma education program with portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners designed to reduce PM2.5 and NH3. We investigated the effect of this enriched approach on these exposures and asthma health measures. DESIGN We randomized children with poorly controlled asthma to a control arm (current asthma education program) or an intervention arm (current asthma education program + placement of two indoor air cleaners in the family's home). Outcomes included (1) 14-day integrated samples of indoor air contaminants (PM2.5 and NH3) at baseline and one-year follow-up and (2) child asthma health metrics at baseline, midpoint (4-6 months) and one-year follow-up. These included the Asthma Control Test, symptoms days, clinical utilization, oral corticosteroid use, pulmonary function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and urinary leukotriene E4 concentration. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this is the first randomized HEPA cleaner intervention designed to assess NH3 as well as PM2.5 and to evaluate health outcomes of children with asthma in an agricultural region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Masterson
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America.
| | - Lisa B Younglove
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Adriana Perez
- Yakima Valley Farm Worker's Clinic, Toppenish, WA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Torres
- Northwest Communities Education Center, Radio KDNA, Granger, WA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer E Krenz
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Maria I Tchong French
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Anne M Riederer
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Paul D Sampson
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Esther Min
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Karen L Jansen
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Gino Aisenberg
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Ryan S Babadi
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Stephanie A Farquhar
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America; Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Catherine J Karr
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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Grineski SE, Flores AB, Collins TW, Chakraborty J. Hurricane Harvey and Greater Houston households: comparing pre-event preparedness with post-event health effects, event exposures, and recovery. DISASTERS 2020; 44:408-432. [PMID: 31231850 DOI: 10.1111/disa.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Most disaster studies rely on convenience sampling and 'after-only' designs to assess impacts. This paper, focusing on Hurricane Harvey (2017) and leveraging a pre-/post-event sample of Greater Houston households (n=71) in the United States, establishes baselines for disaster preparedness and home structure flood hazard mitigation, explores household-level ramifications, and examines how preparedness and mitigation relate to health effects, event exposures, and recovery. Between 70 and 80 per cent of participants instituted preparedness measures. Mitigation actions varied: six per cent had interior drainage systems and 83 per cent had elevated indoor heating/cooling components. Sixty per cent reported home damage. One-half highlighted allergies and two-thirds indicated some level of post-traumatic stress (PTS). Three-quarters worried about family members/friends. The results of generalised linear models revealed that greater pre- event mitigation was associated with fewer physical health problems and adverse experiences, lower PTS, and faster recovery. The study design exposed the broad benefits of home structure flood hazard mitigation for households after Harvey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Grineski
- Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Utah, United States
| | - Aaron B Flores
- Doctoral Student in the Department of Geography at the University of Utah, United States
| | - Timothy W Collins
- Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Utah, United States
| | - Jayajit Chakraborty
- Professor of Geography in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Texas at El Paso, United States
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Mendy A, Metwali N, Perry SS, Chrischilles EA, Wang K, Thorne PS. Household endotoxin reduction in the Louisa Environmental Intervention Project for rural childhood asthma. INDOOR AIR 2020; 30:88-97. [PMID: 31605641 PMCID: PMC7889405 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Endotoxin exacerbates asthma. We designed the Louisa Environmental Intervention Project (LEIP) and assessed its effectiveness in reducing household endotoxin and improving asthma symptoms in rural Iowa children. Asthmatic school children (N = 104 from 89 homes) of Louisa and Keokuk counties in Iowa (aged 5-14 years) were recruited and block-randomized to receive extensive (education + professional cleaning) or educational interventions. Environmental sampling collection and respiratory survey administration were done at baseline and during three follow-up visits. Mixed-model analyses were used to assess the effect of the intervention on endotoxin levels and asthma symptoms in the main analysis and of endotoxin reduction on asthma symptoms in exploratory analysis. In the extensive intervention group, dust endotoxin load was significantly reduced in post-intervention visits. The extensive compared with the educational intervention was associated with significantly decreased dust endotoxin load in farm homes and less frequent nighttime asthma symptoms. In exploratory analysis, dust endotoxin load reduction from baseline was associated with lower total asthma symptoms score (Odds ratio: 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.92). In conclusion, the LEIP intervention reduced household dust endotoxin and improved asthma symptoms. However, endotoxin reductions were not sustained post-intervention by residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelico Mendy
- Departments of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Departments of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Sarah S Perry
- Departments of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Kai Wang
- Departments of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Departments of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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11
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Pałczyński C, Kupryś-Lipinska I, Wittczak T, Jassem E, Breborowicz A, Kuna P. The position paper of the Polish Society of Allergology on climate changes, natural disasters and allergy and asthma. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2018; 35:552-562. [PMID: 30618521 PMCID: PMC6320485 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2017.71273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The observed global climate change is an indisputable cause of the increased frequency of extreme weather events and related natural disasters. This phenomenon is observed all over the world including Poland. Moreover, Polish citizens as tourists are also exposed to climate phenomena that do not occur in our climate zone. Extreme weather events and related disasters can have a significant impact on people with allergic diseases, including asthma. These effects may be associated with the exposure to air pollution, allergens, and specific microclimate conditions. Under the auspices of the Polish Society of Allergology, experts in the field of environmental allergy prepared a statement on climate changes, natural disasters and allergy and asthma to reduce the risk of adverse health events provoked by climate and weather factors. The guidelines contain the description of the factors related to climate changes and natural disasters affecting the course of allergic diseases, the specific microclimate conditions and the recommendations of the Polish Society of Allergology for vulnerable population, patients suffering from asthma and allergy diseases, allergologists and authorities in the event of climate and weather hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cezary Pałczyński
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Barlicki University Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Izabela Kupryś-Lipinska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Barlicki University Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Ewa Jassem
- Department of Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Breborowicz
- Department of Pediatric Pneumonolgy, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Kuna
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Barlicki University Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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12
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Gold DR, Adamkiewicz G, Arshad SH, Celedón JC, Chapman MD, Chew GL, Cook DN, Custovic A, Gehring U, Gern JE, Johnson CC, Kennedy S, Koutrakis P, Leaderer B, Mitchell H, Litonjua AA, Mueller GA, O'Connor GT, Ownby D, Phipatanakul W, Persky V, Perzanowski MS, Ramsey CD, Salo PM, Schwaninger JM, Sordillo JE, Spira A, Suglia SF, Togias A, Zeldin DC, Matsui EC. NIAID, NIEHS, NHLBI, and MCAN Workshop Report: The indoor environment and childhood asthma-implications for home environmental intervention in asthma prevention and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 140:933-949. [PMID: 28502823 PMCID: PMC5632590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposures have been recognized as critical in the initiation and exacerbation of asthma, one of the most common chronic childhood diseases. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and Merck Childhood Asthma Network sponsored a joint workshop to discuss the current state of science with respect to the indoor environment and its effects on the development and morbidity of childhood asthma. The workshop included US and international experts with backgrounds in allergy/allergens, immunology, asthma, environmental health, environmental exposures and pollutants, epidemiology, public health, and bioinformatics. Workshop participants provided new insights into the biologic properties of indoor exposures, indoor exposure assessment, and exposure reduction techniques. This informed a primary focus of the workshop: to critically review trials and research relevant to the prevention or control of asthma through environmental intervention. The participants identified important limitations and gaps in scientific methodologies and knowledge and proposed and prioritized areas for future research. The group reviewed socioeconomic and structural challenges to changing environmental exposure and offered recommendations for creative study design to overcome these challenges in trials to improve asthma management. The recommendations of this workshop can serve as guidance for future research in the study of the indoor environment and on environmental interventions as they pertain to the prevention and management of asthma and airway allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane R Gold
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass.
| | - Gary Adamkiewicz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass
| | - Syed Hasan Arshad
- David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, Isle of Wight, and Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Juan C Celedón
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | | | - Ginger L Chew
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects | Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Donald N Cook
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Adnan Custovic
- Section of Paediatrics and MRC and Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ulrike Gehring
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - James E Gern
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis
| | - Christine C Johnson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital & Health System, Detroit, Mich
| | - Suzanne Kennedy
- Department of Pediatrics, NC Children's Hospital, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Petros Koutrakis
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass
| | - Brian Leaderer
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale School of Medicine, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology (CPPEE), New Haven, Conn
| | | | - Augusto A Litonjua
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Geoffrey A Mueller
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - George T O'Connor
- Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass
| | - Dennis Ownby
- Division of Allergy-Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Augusta University, Augusta, Ga
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Asthma, Allergy and Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Victoria Persky
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Ill
| | - Matthew S Perzanowski
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Clare D Ramsey
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Päivi M Salo
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Julie M Schwaninger
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Md
| | - Joanne E Sordillo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Avrum Spira
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass
| | - Shakira F Suglia
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Alkis Togias
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Md
| | - Darryl C Zeldin
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Elizabeth C Matsui
- Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md
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13
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Park DW, Kim SH, Moon JY, Song JS, Choi J, Kwak HJ, Jeong MG, Ro YS, Kim TH, Sohn JW, Shin DH, Park SS, Yoon HJ. The effect of low-volatile organic compounds, water-based paint on aggravation of allergic disease in schoolchildren. INDOOR AIR 2017; 27:320-328. [PMID: 27007057 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Whether indoor painting aggravates preexisting allergic diseases remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the impact of new classroom painting on aggravation of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Studied school was previously painted with conventional water-based paint 20 years ago and had natural ventilation system. We identified a total of 172 children aged 10-12 years with allergic diseases in 17 classrooms, which were allocated to newly painted rooms with low-volatile organic compounds (VOC), water-based paint, or existing rooms. After painting, there was no intervention or internal airflow to influence indoor air environment in both classrooms. We prospectively assessed the symptom severity and serious events of allergic diseases between both classrooms at baseline and after one and eight weeks after painting. At one and eight weeks, there were no significant changes in the Childhood Asthma Control Test scores, the fractional nitric oxide levels, lung function in asthmatic children in either classroom. There were also no significant changes in the severity score of AR or AD, or serious events in all allergic diseases. These findings suggest classroom painting with this new paint at the levels encountered in this study might not be a major aggravating factor for school-aged children with allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - S-H Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - J-Y Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - J S Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - J Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - H J Kwak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - M G Jeong
- Department of Dermatology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Y S Ro
- Department of Dermatology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - T H Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - J W Sohn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - D H Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - S S Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - H J Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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14
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Chew GL, Horner WE, Kennedy K, Grimes C, Barnes CS, Phipatanakul W, Larenas-Linnemann D, Miller JD. Procedures to Assist Health Care Providers to Determine When Home Assessments for Potential Mold Exposure Are Warranted. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2016; 4:417-422.e2. [PMID: 27021632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2016.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Revised: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Drawing evidence from epidemiology and exposure assessment studies and recommendations from expert practice, we describe a process to guide health care providers helping their patients who present with symptoms that might be associated with living in damp housing. We present the procedures in the form of a guided 2-part interview. The first part has 5 questions that triage the patient toward a more detailed questionnaire that reflects features of housing conditions known to be reliably associated with exposures to mold and dampness contaminants. We chose the questions based on the conditions associated with moisture problems in homes across the United States and Canada. The goal is to facilitate the clinician's effort to help patients reduce exposure to environmental triggers that elicit symptoms to better manage their disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginger L Chew
- National Center for Environmental Health, Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Ga.
| | | | - Kevin Kennedy
- Center for Environmental Health, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Mo
| | | | - Charles S Barnes
- Center for Environmental Health, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Mo
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | | | - J David Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Emerson JB, Keady PB, Brewer TE, Clements N, Morgan EE, Awerbuch J, Miller SL, Fierer N. Impacts of flood damage on airborne bacteria and fungi in homes after the 2013 Colorado Front Range flood. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:2675-84. [PMID: 25643125 DOI: 10.1021/es503845j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Flood-damaged homes typically have elevated microbial loads, and their occupants have an increased incidence of allergies, asthma, and other respiratory ailments, yet the microbial communities in these homes remain under-studied. Using culture-independent approaches, we characterized bacterial and fungal communities in homes in Boulder, CO, USA 2-3 months after the historic September, 2013 flooding event. We collected passive air samples from basements in 50 homes (36 flood-damaged, 14 non-flooded), and we sequenced the bacterial 16S rRNA gene (V4-V5 region) and the fungal ITS1 region from these samples for community analyses. Quantitative PCR was used to estimate the abundances of bacteria and fungi in the passive air samples. Results indicate significant differences in bacterial and fungal community composition between flooded and non-flooded homes. Fungal abundances were estimated to be three times higher in flooded, relative to non-flooded homes, but there were no significant differences in bacterial abundances. Penicillium (fungi) and Pseudomonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae (bacteria) were among the most abundant taxa in flooded homes. Our results suggest that bacterial and fungal communities continue to be affected by flooding, even after relative humidity has returned to baseline levels and remediation has removed any visible evidence of flood damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne B Emerson
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado at Boulder , 216 UCB, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0216, United States
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Sauni R, Verbeek JH, Uitti J, Jauhiainen M, Kreiss K, Sigsgaard T. Remediating buildings damaged by dampness and mould for preventing or reducing respiratory tract symptoms, infections and asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 2015:CD007897. [PMID: 25715323 PMCID: PMC6769180 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007897.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dampness and mould in buildings have been associated with adverse respiratory symptoms, asthma and respiratory infections of inhabitants. Moisture damage is a very common problem in private houses, workplaces and public buildings such as schools. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of repairing buildings damaged by dampness and mould in order to reduce or prevent respiratory tract symptoms, infections and symptoms of asthma. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL (2014, Issue 10), MEDLINE (1951 to November week 1, 2014), EMBASE (1974 to November 2014), CINAHL (1982 to November 2014), Science Citation Index (1973 to November 2014), Biosis Previews (1989 to June 2011), NIOSHTIC (1930 to March 2014) and CISDOC (1974 to March 2014). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs (cRCTs), interrupted time series studies and controlled before-after (CBA) studies of the effects of remediating dampness and mould in a building on respiratory symptoms, infections and asthma. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. MAIN RESULTS We included 12 studies (8028 participants): two RCTs (294 participants), one cRCT (4407 participants) and nine CBA studies (3327 participants). The interventions varied from thorough renovation to cleaning only.Repairing houses decreased asthma-related symptoms in adults (among others, wheezing (odds ratio (OR) 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55 to 0.75) and respiratory infections (among others, rhinitis (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.66), two studies, moderate-quality evidence). For children, we did not find a difference between repaired houses and receiving information only, in the number of asthma days or emergency department visits because of asthma (one study, moderate-quality evidence).One CBA study showed very low-quality evidence that after repairing a mould-damaged office building, asthma-related and other respiratory symptoms decreased. In another CBA study, there was no difference in symptoms between full or partial repair of houses.For children in schools, the evidence of an effect of mould remediation on respiratory symptoms was inconsistent and out of many symptom measures only respiratory infections might have decreased after the intervention. For staff in schools, there was very low-quality evidence that asthma-related and other respiratory symptoms in mould-damaged schools were similar to those of staff in non-damaged schools, both before and after intervention. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found moderate to very low-quality evidence that repairing mould-damaged houses and offices decreases asthma-related symptoms and respiratory infections compared to no intervention in adults. There is very low-quality evidence that although repairing schools did not significantly change respiratory symptoms in staff, pupils' visits to physicians due to a common cold were less frequent after remediation of the school. Better research, preferably with a cRCT design and with more validated outcome measures, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riitta Sauni
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O.Box 486, Tampere, Finland,
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17
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Kilburg-Basnyat B, Metwali N, Thorne PS. Effect of deployment time on endotoxin and allergen exposure assessment using electrostatic dust collectors. THE ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2015; 59:104-15. [PMID: 25187036 PMCID: PMC4303768 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The electrostatic dust collector (EDC) is a passive dust sampling device for exposure assessment of airborne endotoxin and possibly allergens. EDCs consist of a non-conducting plastic folder holding two or four electrostatic cloths of defined area. The sampling time needed to achieve detectable and reproducible loading for bioaerosols has not been systematically evaluated. Thus, in 15 Iowa farm homes EDCs were deployed for 7-, 14-, and 28-day sampling periods to determine if endotoxin and allergens could be quantified and if loading rates were uniform over time, i.e. if loads doubled from 7 to 14 days or 14 to 28 days and quadrupled from 7 to 28 days. Loadings between left and right paired EDC cloths were not significantly different and were highly correlated for endotoxin, total protein, and cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f1), and mouse (Mus m1) allergens (P < 0.001). EDCs performed especially well for endotoxin sampling with close agreement between paired samples (Pearson r = 0.96, P < 0.001). Endotoxin loading of the EDCs doubled from 7- to 14-day deployments as hypothesized although the loading rate decreased from 14 to 28 days of sampling with only a 1.38-fold increase. Allergen exposure assessment using EDCs was overall less satisfactory. Although there was reasonable agreement between paired samples, only exposures to cat, dog, and mouse allergens were reliable and these only at the longer deployment times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brita Kilburg-Basnyat
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, 100 CPHB, S341A, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-2007, USA
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, 100 CPHB, S341A, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-2007, USA
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, 100 CPHB, S341A, 145 N. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-2007, USA
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18
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Jacobs TS, Forno E, Brehm JM, Acosta-Pérez E, Han YY, Blatter J, Thorne P, Metwali N, Colón-Semidey A, Alvarez M, Canino G, Celedón JC. Mouse allergen exposure and decreased risk of allergic rhinitis in school-aged children. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2014; 113:614-618.e2. [PMID: 25304339 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 08/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about exposure to mouse allergen (Mus m 1) and allergic rhinitis (AR). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between mouse allergen exposure and AR in children. METHODS We examined the relation between mouse allergen level in house dust and AR in 511 children aged 6 to 14 years in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Study participants were chosen from randomly selected households using a multistage probability sample design. The study protocol included questionnaires, allergy skin testing, and collection of blood and dust samples. AR was defined as current rhinitis symptoms and skin test reactivity to at least one allergen. RESULTS In the multivariate analyses, mouse allergen level was associated with a 25% decreased odds of AR in participating children (95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.92). Although endotoxin and mouse allergen levels were significantly correlated (r = 0.184, P < .001), the observed inverse association between Mus m 1 and AR was not explained by levels of endotoxin or other markers of microbial or fungal exposure (peptidoglycan and glucan). CONCLUSION Mouse allergen exposure is associated with decreased odds of AR in Puerto Rican school-aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy S Jacobs
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Erick Forno
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John M Brehm
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Edna Acosta-Pérez
- Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Yueh-Ying Han
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Joshua Blatter
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Peter Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Angel Colón-Semidey
- Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - María Alvarez
- Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Glorisa Canino
- Behavioral Sciences Research Institute, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Juan C Celedón
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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19
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He C, Salonen H, Ling X, Crilley L, Jayasundara N, Cheung HC, Hargreaves M, Huygens F, Knibbs LD, Ayoko GA, Morawska L. The impact of flood and post-flood cleaning on airborne microbiological and particle contamination in residential houses. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 69:9-17. [PMID: 24785990 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In January 2011, Brisbane, Australia, experienced a major river flooding event. We aimed to investigate its effects on air quality and assess the role of prompt cleaning activities in reducing the airborne exposure risk. A comprehensive, multi-parameter indoor and outdoor measurement campaign was conducted in 41 residential houses, 2 and 6 months after the flood. The median indoor air concentrations of supermicrometer particle number (PN), PM10, fungi and bacteria 2 months after the flood were comparable to those previously measured in Brisbane. These were 2.88 p cm(-3), 15 μg m(-3), 804 cf um(-3) and 177 cf um(-3) for flood-affected houses (AFH), and 2.74 p cm(-3), 15 μg m(-3), 547 cf um(-3) and 167 cf um(-3) for non-affected houses (NFH), respectively. The I/O (indoor/outdoor) ratios of these pollutants were 1.08, 1.38, 0.74 and 1.76 for AFH and 1.03, 1.32, 0.83 and 2.17 for NFH, respectively. The average of total elements (together with transition metals) in indoor dust was 2296 ± 1328 μg m(-2) for AFH and 1454 ± 678 μg m(-2) for NFH, respectively. In general, the differences between AFH and NFH were not statistically significant, implying the absence of a measureable effect on air quality from the flood. We postulate that this was due to the very swift and effective cleaning of the flooded houses by 60,000 volunteers. Among the various cleaning methods, the use of both detergent and bleach was the most efficient at controlling indoor bacteria. All cleaning methods were equally effective for indoor fungi. This study provides quantitative evidence of the significant impact of immediate post-flood cleaning on mitigating the effects of flooding on indoor bioaerosol contamination and other pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congrong He
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Heidi Salonen
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia; Developing Indoor Environments, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), Topeliuksenkatu 41 aA, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Xuan Ling
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Leigh Crilley
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Nadeesha Jayasundara
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Hing Cho Cheung
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Megan Hargreaves
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Flavia Huygens
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Luke D Knibbs
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia; School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Godwin A Ayoko
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia.
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20
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Azuma K, Ikeda K, Kagi N, Yanagi U, Hasegawa K, Osawa H. Effects of water-damaged homes after flooding: health status of the residents and the environmental risk factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2014; 24:158-75. [PMID: 23802658 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2013.800964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the health status of residents and the environmental risk factors of housing after flooding. Questionnaires were distributed to 595 selected households (one adult resident per household) in six areas in Japan which were severely flooded between 2004 and 2010. A total of 379 responses were obtained. Indoor dampness and visible mold growth significantly increased in homes with greater flood damage. The incidence of respiratory, dermal, ocular, and nasal symptoms one week after flooding was significantly higher in flooded homes compared with non-flooded homes, the incidence of psychological disorders was significantly high for six months after flooding, and the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder was significantly high six months after flooding. Significant risk factors for respiratory and nasal symptoms included proximity to industrial and waste incineration plants. Our results suggest that rapid action should be taken after flooding to ensure adequate public health and environmental hygiene in the water-damaged homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Azuma
- a Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science , Kinki University Faculty of Medicine , Osakasayama , Japan
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Rando RJ, Kwon CW, Lefante JJ. Exposures to thoracic particulate matter, endotoxin, and glucan during post-Hurricane Katrina restoration work, New Orleans 2005-2012. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2014; 11:9-18. [PMID: 24283332 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2013.839879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the city of New Orleans in August 2005, restoration workers were at risk for respiratory illness from exposure to airborne particles and microbial agents. In support of an epidemiologic investigation of this risk, an exposure assessment for restoration work activities (demolition, trash & debris management, landscape restoration, sewer/waterline repair, and mold remediation) was performed from 2005 to 2012. For 2005 and 2006, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data (n = 730) for personal and area monitoring of total and respirable dust exposures of restoration workers were accessed and analyzed. The most significant exposures were for demolition work, with average respirable dust exposures in 2005 above the action level of 2.5 mg/m(3) and 17.6% of exposures exceeding the permissible exposure limit (PEL) (5 mg/m(3)). Additional personal and area monitoring for thoracic particulate matter was performed from 2007 to 2012 (n = 774) and samples were assayed for endotoxin and (1→3, 1→6)-β-D-glucan (n = 202). In order to integrate the OSHA data with the later monitoring data, three independent predictive models were developed to convert total and respirable dust measures into the equivalent thoracic dust. The three models were not statistically different and the modeling results were in good agreement with an overall coefficient of variation of 16% for the thoracic dust means across work activities estimated by each of the three models. Overall, thoracic dust exposure levels decreased by about an order of magnitude within the first year after Katrina and then more gradually declined and stabilized through 2012. Estimated average exposures to endotoxin and microbial glucan in 2005 were as high as 256 EU/m(3) and 118 μg/m(3), respectively, and likewise were seen to decrease dramatically and stabilize after 2005. The results of this exposure assessment support previously published reports of respiratory illness including sinusitis, toxic pneumonitis, and Katrina Cough among restoration workers in the years immediately after the hurricane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy J Rando
- a Department of Global Environmental Health Science , Tulane School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine , New Orleans , Louisiana
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Johanning E, Auger P, Morey PR, Yang CS, Olmsted E. Review of health hazards and prevention measures for response and recovery workers and volunteers after natural disasters, flooding, and water damage: mold and dampness. Environ Health Prev Med 2013; 19:93-9. [PMID: 24254802 DOI: 10.1007/s12199-013-0368-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Health problems and illnesses encountered by unprotected workers, first-responders, home-owners, and volunteers in recovery and restoration of moldy indoor environments after hurricanes, typhoons, tropical storms, and flooding damage are a growing concern for healthcare providers and disaster medicine throughout the world. Damp building materials, particularly cellulose-containing substrates, are prone to fungal (mold) and bacterial infestation. During remediation and demolition work, the airborne concentrations of such microbes and their by-products can rise significantly and result in an exposure risk. Symptoms reported by unprotected workers and volunteers may relate to reactions of the airways, skin, mucous membranes, or internal organs. Dampness-related fungi are primarily associated with allergies, respiratory symptoms or diseases such as dermatitis, rhinosinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma, as well as changes of the immunological system. Also, cognitive, endocrine, or rheumatological changes have been reported. Based on the consensus among experts at a recent scientific conference and a literature review, it is generally recommended to avoid and minimize unnecessary fungal exposure and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in disaster response and recovery work. Mycologists recommend addressing any moisture or water intrusion rapidly, since significant mold growth can occur within 48 h. Systematic source removal, cleaning with "soap and water," and "bulk removal" followed by high-efficiency particulate air vacuuming is recommended in most cases; use of "biocides" should be avoided in occupied areas. Public health agencies recommend use of adequate respiratory, skin, and eye protection. Workers can be protected against these diseases by use of dust control measures and appropriate personal protective equipment. At a minimum, a facial dust mask such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved N95 respirator should be used for mold remediation jobs. For any large-scale projects, trained remediation workers who have medical clearance and use proper personal protection (PPE) should be employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eckardt Johanning
- Fungal Research Group Foundation (FRG-F), Inc., 4 Executive Park Drive, Albany, NY, 12203, USA,
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Brooks CR, Siebers R, Crane J, Noss I, Wouters IM, Sander I, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Thorne PS, Metwali N, Douwes J. Measurement of β-(1,3)-glucan in household dust samples using Limulus amebocyte assay and enzyme immunoassays: an inter-laboratory comparison. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2013; 15:405-411. [PMID: 25208705 DOI: 10.1039/c2em30749a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Environmental levels of β-(1,3)-glucan, an inflammatory fungal cell wall component, have been suggested to be related to respiratory symptoms. However there is currently little data comparing β-(1,3)-glucan detection methods and/or results obtained in different laboratories. The aim of this study was to compare levels of β-(1,3)-glucans detected in household dust samples (n = 40) using different extraction/detection methods (Limulus amebocyte assay (LAL), inhibition enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and sandwich EIA) in five different laboratories. Dust sample aliquots were sent to participating centres, extracted and analysed for β-(1,3)-glucan according to standard in-house procedures. Significant differences in the levels of β-(1,3)-glucan were observed between all laboratories (geometric mean levels ranging from 15.4 μg g (-1) to 4754 μg g(-1) dust; p < 0.0001) with the exception of those using a similar LAL method. The inhibition EIA used in laboratory D produced mean β-(1,3)-glucan measurements 80-100 times higher than the LAL assays, 4 times higher than the sandwich EIA in the same lab, 17.6 times those obtained with the EIA in lab E and 363 times those obtained in the EIA in laboratory C. Pearson's correlations generally showed significant associations between methods and laboratories, particularly those using similar methodology (R ranging from 0.5 to 0.8; p < 0.001), although some poor and even inverse correlations were observed. Bland-Altman analyses showed moderate to good agreement between most assays, although clear absolute differences were observed. In conclusion, although results obtained with different methods were often significantly correlated and therefore comparable in relative terms, direct comparison of results between laboratories and assays may be inappropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin R Brooks
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University Wellington Campus, Wellington, New Zealand.
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