Airborne Mouse and Other Indoor Allergens in Inner-City Schools

Abstract

RATIONALE: Previous studies have shown that children are exposed to multiple allergens at school which can contribute to their asthma symptoms. In order to better understand their risk of exposure, we tested air and dust samples from different schools for levels of known indoor allergens and determined the correlations between the samples.METHODS: Air and vacuumed dust samples were collected from 64 classrooms in 5 urban elementary schools in northeastern US and analyzed for dust mite (Der p1, Der f1), cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f1), mouse (Mus m1), rat (Rat n1), and cockroach (Bla g 2). Statistical analysis was then done to establish correlations.RESULTS: In both the air and vacuumed dust samples, dust mite (Der f1), cat, dog, and mouse allergen were present more than 80% of the time. Mouse allergen demonstrated the highest direct correlation between the samples (100% air, 98% dust; r=0.59, p<0.001). Dog allergen showed a weaker correlation (100% air, 84% dust; r=0.35, p=0.004), as did cat allergen (100% air, 91% dust; r=0.28, p=0.023). Dust mite (Der f1) allergen revealed no correlations at all (100% air, 83% dust; r=0.04, p=0.741). Dust mite (Der p1), rat, and cockroach allergen were present in the samples less than 25% of the time and not analyzed.CONCLUSIONS: In our study of urban schools, mouse allergen demonstrated the strongest correlation between air and dust samples with dog and cat allergens showing weaker correlations. Further studies are needed to determine the effect exposure to these airborne and settled dust allergens has on asthma morbidity. RATIONALE: Previous studies have shown that children are exposed to multiple allergens at school which can contribute to their asthma symptoms. In order to better understand their risk of exposure, we tested air and dust samples from different schools for levels of known indoor allergens and determined the correlations between the samples. METHODS: Air and vacuumed dust samples were collected from 64 classrooms in 5 urban elementary schools in northeastern US and analyzed for dust mite (Der p1, Der f1), cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f1), mouse (Mus m1), rat (Rat n1), and cockroach (Bla g 2). Statistical analysis was then done to establish correlations. RESULTS: In both the air and vacuumed dust samples, dust mite (Der f1), cat, dog, and mouse allergen were present more than 80% of the time. Mouse allergen demonstrated the highest direct correlation between the samples (100% air, 98% dust; r=0.59, p<0.001). Dog allergen showed a weaker correlation (100% air, 84% dust; r=0.35, p=0.004), as did cat allergen (100% air, 91% dust; r=0.28, p=0.023). Dust mite (Der f1) allergen revealed no correlations at all (100% air, 83% dust; r=0.04, p=0.741). Dust mite (Der p1), rat, and cockroach allergen were present in the samples less than 25% of the time and not analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: In our study of urban schools, mouse allergen demonstrated the strongest correlation between air and dust samples with dog and cat allergens showing weaker correlations. Further studies are needed to determine the effect exposure to these airborne and settled dust allergens has on asthma morbidity.