Indoor Allergens in Schools: a Comparison between Sweden and China

There are few studies comparing indoor allergens schools from different parts of the world. We measured allergens levels in 23 classrooms in Uppsala, Sweden, and 30 classrooms in Shanghai, China. Dust was collected by vacuum cleaning, and analysed for allergens from cat (Fel d 1), dog (Can f 1), horse (Equ cx), house dust mites (Der p 1, Der f 1), cockroach (Bla g 1), and mould (Alternaria alternata, Alt a 1) by ELISA. All Swedish classrooms had cat allergen, and most had dog and horse allergens. In Shanghai, 13% had cat allergen, and 7% dog allergen, while none had horse allergen. House dust mite, cockroach and Alternaria allergen were not detected in any sample from either country. Pet allergy and current asthma were less common in Shanghai. Causative factors could be less furry pets at home, wearing of school uniforms resulting in reduced influx of allergens, and less fittings and textiles. INDEX TERMS Asthma, Allergy, Pet allergen, Horse allergen, School environment INTRODUCTION The school environment has been paid an increased attention. Poor ventilation, lack of maintenance and unsatisfactory cleaning are thought to be common in many countries. However, there are few studies available comparing the school environment in different parts of the world. In Uppsala, Sweden, we have undertaken a number of studies of health effects in the school environment, among school personnel and pupils (Elfman et al., 2000, Smedje et al., 1997a; Smedje and Norbäck, 2001a,b). The presence of allergens in schools, particularly cat allergen, may influence/increase allergy and asthma (Almqvist et al., 2001, Munir et al., 1993; Smedje and Norbäck, 2001b). The aim of this study was to compare allergens levels in settled dust in classrooms in Uppsala and Shanghai, and to compare the prevalence of allergies and asthma among pupils. * Contact author email: [email protected] Proceedings: Indoor Air 2002