Background: Environmental exposures (e.g., cigarette smoke, dust mites, cockroach allergens, air pollution, pets) are the leading causes of asthma exacerbations in children. While research has examined the home environmental exposures related to asthma exacerbations in children, little is known about the role of the school environment as a source of environmental exposure. Methods: This study reports the environmental assessment data from a larger NHLBI funded project, Improving Asthma Management & Prevention in Birmingham Public Schools. Children in 52 inner-city elementary schools were screened for asthma and symptom prevalence. Environmental assessments and allergen levels were also collected in each school. Dust samples for allergen levels were collected from various school locations (classrooms, library & cafeteria). Results: Levels of allergens varied by location and school, ranging from <100 to >1000 nanograms/gm of dust for dust mite allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronysinus & Dermatophagoides farinae) and for cat allergen (Felis domesticus). Cockroach allergens (Blatella germanica I & II) ranged from less than1.2 to greater than 10 units/gm. Further analysis is underway to examine the relationships between school environment data, allergen level and asthma prevalence in the 52 schools. Conclusions: The school may be an important source of environmental allergen exposure for children with asthma. Research is needed to further examine the role of the school environment in the exacerbation of pediatric asthma.
Funded by NHLBI N01-HR56077
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe environmental assessments of inner city elementary schools. 2. Identify allergen levels found in school environments. 3. Describe implications for further research examining the relationship between school environments and asthma exacerbation in children
Keywords: Asthma, Environmental Exposures
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Funded by NHLBI
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.