Despite the prevalence and costs of allergic diseases caused by pollen, we know little about the distributions of allergenic and non-allergenic pollen inside and outside homes at the continental scale. To better understand patterns in potential pollen diversity across theUnited States, we usedDNA sequencing of a chloroplast marker gene to identify the plant DNA found in settled dust collected o...

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in furniture foam, electronics, and other home furnishings. A field study was conducted that enrolled 139 households from California, which has had more stringent flame retardant requirements than other countries and areas. The study collected passive air, floor and indoor window surface wipes, and dust samples (investigator co...

Endotoxin, a component of the cell walls of gram-negative bacteria, is a contaminant in organic dusts (house dust) and aerosols. In humans, small amounts of endotoxin may cause a local inflammatory response. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels, an inflammation indicator, are associated with the pH values of exhaled breath condensate (EBC). This study evaluated seasonal changes on indoor endotoxin...

PURPOSE Several studies over the past 4 decades have indicated a significant reduction in house dust mite (HDM) and HDM allergen concentration in areas higher than 1,500 m above sea level. These have served as basis of allergen avoidance therapies for HDM allergy and asthma. However, modern construction techniques used in the insulation, heating, and glazing of buildings as well as global warmi...

Exposure to bioaerosols in indoor animal farms associates with respiratory illnesses, but little is known about the immune modulation to chicken farmers. This study aimed to compare the general immunity of chicken farmers with those of control subjects with non-agricultural jobs. Blood taken from the farmers and controls was subjected to plasma IgE and IgG subclass measurements. Isolated periph...

The present study measured eight PBDE congeners' (BDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183, and 209) exposure via ingestion of indoor dust and soil, inhalation, and food consumption. Contributions to PBDEs exposure from different media revealed that indoor dust (dust suspended in air) was not an important exposure route for PBDE congeners for adults in Shenzhen, China. Food consumption contributed mo...

In 1929 Storm Van Leuven published his results on treatment of asthma using a “climate chamber.” His design of a room included maintaining low dust levels and a supply of clean air. This experiment was based on the observation that many asthmatics improved when they spent time in the high altitude clinics in Switzerland (1). It was also well known .50 years ago that patients with asthma improve...

Introduction: This study covered the assessment of the natural radioactivity levels and heavy metalsconcentration in dust samples collected from selected schools in the holy Governorate of Karbala. The purpose of thisstudy was to assess the radiological health and safety impact of dust pollution on the children going to school. Material and Methods:</...

During a study of indoor fungi, 145 isolates belonging to Chaetomiaceae were cultured from air, swab and dust samples from 19 countries. Based on the phylogenetic analyses of DNA-directed RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), β-tubulin (tub2), ITS and 28S large subunit (LSU) nrDNA sequences, together with morphological comparisons with related genera and species, 30 indoor taxa are r...

Importance Home aeroallergen exposure is associated with increased asthma morbidity in children, yet little is known about the contribution of school aeroallergen exposures to such morbidity. Objective To evaluate the effect of school-specific aeroallergen exposures on asthma morbidity among students, adjusting for home exposures. Design, Setting, and Participants The School Inner-City Asth...