Indoor visible mold and mold odor are associated with new‐onset childhood wheeze in a dose‐dependent manner. (11th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shorter, Caroline; Crane, Julian; Pierse, Nevil; Barnes, Phillipa; Kang, Janice; Wickens, Kristin; Douwes, Jeroen; Stanley, Thorsten; Täubel, Martin; Hyvärinen, Anne; Howden‐Chapman, Philippa
• Other Names: Chitty Debbie investigator.; Delany Denis investigator.; Dorfling Theodore investigator.; Ferguson Rod investigator.; Fitzsimons Kevin investigator.; Harris Martin investigator.; Jackson Tony investigator.; Jefferies Tim investigator.; Kljakovic Lise investigator.; Masters Chris investigator.; Medlicott Richard investigator.; Robinson David investigator.; Rowley Penny investigator.; Shepherd Jill investigator.; Smith Tim investigator.; Wong Philip investigator.; Wright Christopher investigator.
• Is Part Of: Indoor air. Volume 28:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 6
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2017-09-11
• Subjects: asthma -- children -- dampness -- housing -- leaks -- mold; Indoor air pollution -- Periodicals; Sick building syndrome -- Periodicals; Ventilation -- Periodicals; 613.5
• DOI: 10.1111/ina.12413
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-6947

Abstract

Abstract: Evidence is accumulating that indoor dampness and mold are associated with the development of asthma. The underlying mechanisms remain unknown. New Zealand has high rates of both asthma and indoor mold and is ideally placed to investigate this. We conducted an incident case‐control study involving 150 children with new‐onset wheeze, aged between 1 and 7 years, each matched to two control children with no history of wheezing. Each participant's home was assessed for moisture damage, condensation, and mold growth by researchers, an independent building assessor and parents. Repeated measures of temperature and humidity were made, and electrostatic dust cloths were used to collect airborne microbes. Cloths were analyzed using qPCR. Children were skin prick tested for aeroallergens to establish atopy. Strong positive associations were found between observations of visible mold and new‐onset wheezing in children (adjusted odds ratios ranged between 1.30 and 3.56; P ≤ .05). Visible mold and mold odor were consistently associated with new‐onset wheezing in a dose‐dependent manner. Measurements of qPCR microbial levels, temperature, and humidity were not associated with new‐onset wheezing. The association between mold and new‐onset wheeze was not modified by atopic status, suggesting a non‐allergic association.