Background
Children living in a damp house
are more likely to suffer from respiratory symptoms and it has
been suggested that exposure to fungi is an important
contributing factor. However, more knowledge about underlying
mechanisms for the association are needed.
Objective
To identify associations
between measures of house dampness, levels of airborne fungal
spores, housing factors and health outcomes in children.
Methods
Eighty households with 148
children between 7 and 14 years of age were recruited in the
Latrobe Valley, Victoria, Australia. Some 36% of participating
children were asthmatic. Six sampling visits were made to each
house between March 1994 and February 1995 on a 2-monthly cycle.
Samples for airborne total and viable fungal spores were
collected from bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and outdoors. A
detailed dwelling characterization, using a questionnaire and
inspection surveys, was carried out. Skin-prick tests were
performed with extracts of common aeroallergens and a
respiratory questionnaire was completed for each child.
Results
Large airborne fungal spore
concentrations were recorded in association with: musty odour,
water intrusion, high indoor humidity, limited ventilation
through open windows, few extractor fans and failure to remove
indoor mould growth. Visible mould growth or condensation
evidence was associated with large concentrationsof
Cladosporium spores, but not with large total spore
concentrations. Penicillium exposure was a risk factor
for asthma, while Aspergillus exposure was a risk factor
for atopy. Fungal allergies were more common among children
exposed to Cladosporium or Penicillium in winter
or to musty odour. Respiratory symptoms were marginally more
common with exposure to Cladosporium or total spores in
winter.
Conclusion
Indoor exposure to certain
fungal genera in winter was a risk factor for asthma, atopy and
respiratory symptoms in children. On the other hand, no
significant associations were seen between average viable or
total spore concentrations and child health. Actual measurements
of fungal spores predict health outcomes better than reported
dampness. |