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1.
The aim was to study asthma and allergy in relation to diet and the school environment. Pupils (5-14 years) in eight schools received a questionnaire, 1014 participated (68%). Settled dust was collected on ALK-filters and analyzed for allergens from cat (Fel d 1), dog (Can f 1), horse (Equ cx), house dust mites (Der p 1, Der f 1), and cockroach (Bla g 1) by ELISA. In total, 6.8% reported cat allergy, 4.8% dog allergy, 7.7% doctor's diagnosed asthma and 5.9% current asthma, and 7.8% reported wheeze. Current asthma was less common among those consuming more fresh milk (P < 0.05) and fish (P < 0.01). Poly-unsaturated fatty acids was associated with more wheeze (P < 0.05), olive oil was associated with less doctors' diagnosed asthma (P < 0.05). Totally, 74% of the classrooms had mean CO(2) <1000 ppm. The median concentration per gram dust was 860 ng/g Fel d 1, 750 ng/g Can f 1 and 954 U/g Equ cx. Horse allergen was associated with more wheeze (P < 0.05), daytime breathlessness (P < 0.05), current asthma (P < 0.05) and atopic sensitization (P < 0.05). Dog allergen was associated with wheeze (P < 0.05) and daytime breathlessness (P < 0.05). The associations between allergens and respiratory symptoms were more pronounced among those consuming margarine, not consuming butter, and with a low intake of milk. In conclusion, cat, dog and horse allergens in schools could be a risk factor for asthma and atopic sensitization, and dietary factors may interact with the allergen exposure. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Previous school studies performed by us in mid-Sweden, showed that most classrooms did not fulfill the ventilation standards. In this study, most of the classrooms fulfilled the ventilation standard, but despite that had widespread allergen contamination. Most previous studies have focused on cat allergen, but our study has shown that also dog and horse allergens can be risk factors for asthma and allergy in schools. As allergens are transported from other environments, mainly the home environment, the main prevention should be to minimize transfer of allergens. This could be achieved by reducing contacts with furry pets and horses, or using different clothes at home and at school (e.g. school uniforms). Increased cleaning in the schools may reduce allergen levels, but the efficiency of this measure must be evaluated in further intervention studies. Finally, our study supports the view that dietary habits among pupils should not be neglected and interaction between dietary factors and indoor allergen exposure needs to be further investigated. 相似文献
2.
Meyer HW Würtz H Suadicani P Valbjørn O Sigsgaard T Gyntelberg F;Members of a Working Group under the Danish Mould in Buildings program 《Indoor air》2004,14(1):65-72
This stratified cross-sectional epidemiological study included 1053 school children aged 13-17 years. All pupils filled in a questionnaire on building-related symptoms and other relevant health aspects. The following exposure measurements were carried out: room temperature, CO2 level, and relative humidity; building characteristics including mold infestation were assessed, and dust was collected from floors, air, and ventilation ducts during a working day. Dust was examined for endotoxin level, and cultivated for viable molds. We did not find a positive association between building-related symptoms and extent of moisture and mold growth in the school buildings. Five of eight building-related symptoms were significantly and positively associated with the concentration of colony forming units of molds in floor dust: eye irritation, throat irritation, headache, concentration problems, and dizziness. After adjusting for different potentially confounding factors in separate analyses of each symptom, the above-mentioned associations between molds in dust and symptoms were still present, except for concentration problems. However, in none of the analyses was mold exposure the strongest covariate, being secondary to either asthma, hay fever, recent airway infection, or psychosocial factors. 相似文献
3.
Dust is a major contaminant of the indoor air environment and may affect human health. Indoor dust accumulates on surfaces including heaters and light fixtures, and will be heated when these devices are used. Heat treatment of the dust may change its biologic properties and in this study we simulated the heat treatment with a dust-heating model (50-250 degrees C). The residual and the non-heated dust from seven samples were tested in cultures of fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in A549 cell culture using the release of TNFalpha and IL-8, respectively, as effect indicators. The endotoxin-content and the particle size distribution of the residual and the non-heated dust suspensions were determined for some of the samples. We found that the residual dust had less ability to induce the release of TNFalpha and IL-8. The cytokine decline pattern was similar for all the dust tested and could partly be explained by the reduction in endotoxin content or possibly by inhibitory decomposition products. No correlation was found between the measured particle size distribution and the decreased cytokine levels. The results in this study suggest that the residual dust promotes reduced cytokine response and thereby a possibly lower inflammation reaction in the airways if suspended and inhaled compared with the non-heated dust. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Accumulation of indoor dust on electric heaters and light fixtures may produce a bad odor when switched on in the cold season and some people claim respiratory distress during such events. To investigate to what extent the residuals of heated indoor dust represent a health hazard, we measured the effect in cell cultures before and after heat treatment of the dust. The in vitro results imply that the residual dust will cause a lower proinflammatory response in the airways if suspended and inhaled compared with non-heated dust. This is partly explained by heat destruction of inflammatory components in the dust. 相似文献
4.
Haverinen U Husman T Vahteristo M Koskinen O Moschandreas D Nevalainen A Pekkanen J 《Indoor air》2001,11(3):192-199
A total of 630 randomly selected dwellings were surveyed for visible signs of moisture damage by civil engineers, and questionnaire responses were collected from the occupants (a total of 1,017 adults) to analyse the association between moisture damage and occupant health. A three-level grading system was developed, which took into account the number of damage sites in buildings and estimated the severity of the damage. In the present study, this grading system was tested as an improved model of moisture damage-related exposure in comparison to a conventional two-category system: based on independent, technical criteria it also allowed dose-response to be estimated. The questionnaire probed 28 individual health symptoms, based on earlier reported associations with building moisture and mould-related exposure. Criteria in evaluating the goodness of the selected exposure model were (1) dose-responsiveness and (2) higher risk compared to a two-level classification. Dose-responsiveness was observed with the three-level classification in 7, higher risk in 10, and both criteria in 5 out of 28 health symptoms. Two-level classification had higher risk in 4 health symptoms. Dose-dependent risk increases for respiratory infections and lower respiratory symptoms, and recurrent irritative and skin symptoms were observed with the three-level classification using symptom score variables. Although the results did not unambiguously support the three-level model, they underline the importance of developing more accurate exposure models in assessing the severity of moisture damage. 相似文献
5.
There are few incidence studies on sick building syndrome (SBS). We studied two-year change of SBS in Chinese pupils in relation to parental asthma/allergy (heredity), own atopy, classroom temperature, relative humidity (RH), absolute humidity (AH), crowdedness, CO?, NO?, and SO?. A total of 1993 participated at baseline, and 1143 stayed in the same classrooms after two years. The prevalence of mucosal and general symptoms was 33% and 28% at baseline and increased during follow-up (P < 0.001). Twenty-seven percent reported at least one symptom improved when away from school. Heredity and own atopy were predictors of SBS at baseline and incidence of SBS. At baseline, SO? was associated with general symptoms (OR=1.10 per 100 μg/m3), mucosal symptoms (OR=1.12 per 100 μg/m3), and skin symptoms (OR=1.16 per 100 μg/m3). NO? was associated with mucosal symptoms (OR=1.13 per 10 μg/m3), and symptoms improved when away from school (OR=1.13 per 10 μg/m3). Temperature, RH, AH, and CO? were negatively associated with prevalence of SBS. Incidence or remission of SBS was not related to any exposure, except a negative association between SO? and new skin symptoms. In conclusion, heredity and atopy are related to incidence and prevalence of SBS, but the role of the measured exposures for SBS is more unclear. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: We found high levels of CO? indicating inadequate ventilation and high levels of SO? and NO?, both indoors and outdoors. All schools had natural ventilation, only. Relying on window opening as a tool for ventilation in China is difficult because increased ventilation will decrease the level of CO? but increase the level of NO? and SO? indoors. Prevalence studies of sick building syndrome (SBS) might not be conclusive for causal relationships, and more longitudinal studies on SBS are needed both in China and other parts of the world. The concept of mechanical ventilation and air filtration should be introduced in the schools, and when planning new schools, locations close to heavily trafficked roads should be avoided. 相似文献
6.
Schools may be poorly ventilated and may contain furry pet allergens, particles and microorganisms. We studied health effects when changing from mixing ceiling ventilation to two types of displacement ventilation, front ventilation system (FVS) and floor master system (FMS). The study included pupils in three elementary school classes (N = 61), all with floor heating. One class received blinded interventions; the two others were unchanged (controls). Ventilation flow and supply air temperature was kept constant. The medical investigation included tear film stability (BUT), nasal patency and a questionnaire containing rating scales. When changing from mixing ventilation to FVS, the pupils (N = 26) perceived better air quality (P = 0.006) and less dyspnoea (P = 0.007) as compared to controls (N = 35), and BUT was improved (P = 0.03). At desk level, mean CO(2) was reduced from 867 to 655 ppm. Formaldehyde and viable bacteria were numerically lower, while total bacteria and molds were higher with displacement ventilation. There was no difference in symptoms or signs when changing from FVS to FMS. Cat (Der p1), dog (Can f1) and horse allergen (Equ cx) were common in air at all conditions. In conclusion, displacement ventilation may have certain positive health effects among pupils, as compared to conventional mixing ceiling systems. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Displacement ventilation may be a suitable ventilation principle for achieving good indoor environment in classrooms. The type of supply air diffuser does not seem to be of major importance. The combination of floor heating and displacement ventilation can be a useful way of avoiding the previously described problem of thermal discomfort. 相似文献
7.
Colour temperature and illumination level have affected the subjective impressions at an office setting. 2000 lx was preferred to 500 lx for impressions of comfort, spaciousness, brightness and saturation evaluation. A 4000 K colour temperature was preferred to 2700 K for impressions of ‘comfort and spaciousness’, while 2700 K was suggested for ‘relaxation’ and ‘saturation evaluation’. Test results indicate that, task–background contrast is more important and shall be studied for ‘perceived brightness’ evaluation. Participants liked the ‘mixed colour temperature mood’, the remote control and the flexibility in the lighting system and the majority offered to use it at offices. 相似文献