Housing Characteristics, Respiratory Health, and Sensitization to Aeroallergens in Schoolchildren

Monica Popa1, Daniela Curseu1, Dana Sirbu1, Ludovic Hegedűs2, Ileana Rusu3, and
Cristina Chakirou3

1 Department of Environmental Health, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2 General Hospital Huedin, Cluj County, Romania
3 Inspectorate of Public Health, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Corresponding author: Dr. Monica Popa
    Str. Baia-Mare nr. 25
    RO-400171 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
    Telephone: 0040-264-432056
    Fax number: 0040-264-432056
    E-mail: conf_monica_popa@yahoo.com

CEJOEM 2005, Vol.11. No.4.: 275–280


Key words:
Allergy, asthma, schoolchildren, IgE, housing characteristics


Abstract:
The incidence and prevalence of allergic diseases are increasing all over the world. Exposure to airborne pollutants can influence the development of allergies. Considering the time spent indoors by children, an allergenic impact of indoor pollutants on them can be expected. Health and housing questionnaires were completed to survey approximately 1200 schoolchildren in two areas of different outdoor pollution levels. Blood samples were taken from 70% of subjects with their parents’ consent for serum IgE determination. Risk factors for sensitization to dust mite and pollens and for developing asthmatic symptoms were investigated, but no positive association between housing characteristics and allergic conditions was found. The differences between the two areas in the prevalence of current asthma and sensitization to mite suggested, however, that outdoor air pollution might be a contributor to allergic sensitization and consequent occurrence of asthma.


Received: 5 December 2005
Accepted: 22 March 2006

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