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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