allergies

This study aims to assess the relationship between building and allergen exposure, and between dwellings and pollutants enhancing allergen response. Kind of allergens and pollutants are described with their sources, and measured levels. The authors conclude that the role of the medical corporation in the future will be very important for the improvement of the indoor air quality.

In so far as prevalence of asthma and allergies is different from East to West Germany, a suggestion that it was associated with lifestyle factors was made. The endotoxin levels in dust collected from more than 4000 infants and mothers mattresses were compared. But none of the predictors analyzed and even a combination of predictors can be used as a surrogate for high or low mattress dust endotoxin levels in epidemiological studies.

In order to identify the effects of various kinds of floor materials and that of humidity on theconcentration of mite allergens in houses of allergy patients, measurements were carried outin two houses near Tokyo in August, November and December 2001. Temperature, humidityand mite allergens, Der p 1, Der f 1 and Der 2, were measured and a questionnaire survey wasconducted.

A questionnaire study (on ventilation, surface materials, heating and cooling) was performed on 3562 employees working in 32 buildings without previously known indoor air problems.The associations between symptom prevalence and building characteristics are reported in this paper.

This paper describes a study of reduced performance of mechanical exhaust systems in 42 Dutch houses after several years of operation. It also describes the effect of reduced ventilation on air quality and the perception and use of the ventilation system by residents. The guanine contents of dust samples taken from the sleeping room were determined to assess the risk of allergy.

Background. A low ventilation rate has been shown to increase the risk for health and comfort problems in offices. However, very few studies have investigated the impact of ventilation rate at home on health effects, (Wargocki et al. 2002). The aim of this study was to investigate if low ventilation rates in homes do increase the risk for asthma and other allergic symptoms among pre-school children in Sweden.

The study investigates the effect of mechanical ventilation and high-efficiency vacuuming on house dust mite numbers and allergen concentrations in dwellings of mite-sensitive asthmatics. Of forty houses, some received mechanical ventilation, some an HEVC, and some both, while a number acted as controls. The monitoring exercise lasted for twelve months. It was found that humidity was reduced in homes with mechanical ventilation and mite numbers reduced accordingly. Use of the vacuum cleaners enhanced the effect.

Public facilities in Japan were investigated for the presence and distribution of allergenic mites. Dust was analysed from four hospitals, two hotels, two ryokans, one film theatre and four office buildings. Clinically important antigen levels were found in the theatre, and ryokans, but not in the hospitals, hotels or offices.

Attempts to determine the influence of the installation of highly insulated windows and central heating systems on indoor climate, and mite-allergen (Der f 1) and mould spore concentrations. A before and after study was carried out on 98 apartment bedrooms, with measurements taken of air exchange rate, temperature and humidity. A lifestyle and housing conditions questionnaire was undertaken by the occupants and dust on carpets and mattresses was analysed for mould spores and Der f 1.

Thirty asthmatic patients were tested for exposure to house dust mites before and after moving to mechanically ventilated homes. There was found to be a significant reduction in house dust mite numbers after four months in contrast to the control group of 23 patients. A further reduction had occurred after 15 months. Air change rates increased from 0.40 ACH to 1.52 ACH. There was also a reduction in absolute air humidity.