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Mite Allergen Concentration (mite + allergen_concentration)
Selected AbstractsMajor mite allergen Der f 1 concentration is reduced in buildings with improved energy performanceALLERGY, Issue 5 2010F. Spertini To cite this article: Spertini F, Berney M, Foradini F, Roulet C-A. Major mite allergen Der f 1 concentration is reduced in buildings with improved energy performance. Allergy 2010; 65: 623,629. Abstract Background:, Environmental conditions play a crucial role in mite growth, and optimal environmental control is key in the prevention of airway inflammation in chronic allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or asthma. Objective:, To evaluate the relationship between building energy performance and indoor mite allergen concentration in a cross-sectional study. Methods:, Major allergen concentration (Der f 1, Der p 1, mite group 2, Fel d 1 and Bla g 2) was determined by quantitative dot blot analysis from mattress and carpet dust samples in five buildings designed for low energy use (LEB) and in six control buildings (CB). Inhabitants had received 4 weeks prior to mite measurement a personal validated questionnaire related to the perceived state of health and comfort of living. Results:, Cumulative mite allergen concentration (with Der f 1 as the major contributor) was significantly lower in LEB as compared with CB both in mattresses and in carpets. In contrast, the two categories of buildings did not differ in Bla g 2 and Fel d 1 concentration, in the amount of dust and airborne mould collected. Whereas temperature was higher in LEB, relative humidity was significantly lower than in CB. Perceived overall comfort was better in LEB. Conclusions:, Major mite allergen Der f 1 preferentially accumulates in buildings not specifically designed for low energy use, reaching levels at risk for sensitization. We hypothesize that controlled mechanical ventilation present in all audited LEB may favour lower air humidity and hence lower mite growth and allergen concentration, while preserving optimal perceived comfort. [source] Window pane condensation and high indoor vapour contribution , markers of an unhealthy indoor climate?CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 3 2000Emenius Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether window pane condensation and indoor vapour contribution , 3 g/m3 could be used as indicators of defective air change rate, high indoor humidity and high mite allergen concentration in mattress dust. Methods Actual ventilation rate, indoor temperature, air humidity (AIH/RH) and concentrations of mite allergen were measured in 59 houses and compared with received outdoor temperatures and air humidity. Indoor vapour contribution defined as the difference between the indoor and the outdoor vapour concentration was calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and accuracy were calculated for window pane condensation and high vapour contribution (, 3 g/m3), as indicators of defective ventilation (< 0.5 ACH), high indoor humidity (, 7 g/kg and , 45% RH) and high mite allergen concentration in mattress dust (, 2 ,g/g). Results All houses with high humidity and high mite allergen concentrations were positive for the two indicators (high sensitivity), but with a specificity of only 50% so that half of the houses with reported condensation and high vapour contribution turned out to be low pollution houses with adequate high ventilation levels. Both indicators had high negative predictive values and absence of the two indicators almost certainly (97,100%) excluded high indoor pollution with high humidity and high mite concentrations. Overall more than 70% of the dwellings were correctly classified by the two indicators. Conclusion Absence of window pane condensation on double-glazed windows and low indoor vapour contribution (< 3 g/m3) during the winter are true markers of a dwelling without high indoor air humidity and without high mite allergen concentrations in mattress dust in houses in a cold temperate climate with subzero outdoor temperatures. The presence of the two indicators is associated with a 18,45% risk of high humidity and mite allergen concentrations so in this latter group further measurements are needed for correct classification. [source] | ||||||||||