Asthma, allergy and eczema among adults in multifamily houses in stockholm (3-HE Study) - Associations with building characteristics, home environment and energy use for heating

Abstract

Risk factors for asthma, allergy and eczema were studied in a stratified random sample of adults in Stockholm. In 2005, 472 multifamily buildings (10,506 dwellings) were invited (one subject/dwelling) and 7,554 participated (73%). Associations were analyzed by multiple logistic regression, adjusting for gender, age, smoking, country of birth, income and years in the dwelling. In total, 11% had doctor's diagnosed asthma, 22% doctor's diagnosed allergy, 23% pollen allergy and 23% eczema. Doctor's diagnosed asthma was more common in dwellings with humid air (OR51.74) and mould odour (OR51.79). Doctor's diagnosed allergy was more common in buildings with supply exhaust air ventilation as compared to exhaust air only (OR51.45) and was associated with redecoration (OR51.48) and mould odour (OR52.35). Pollen allergy was less common in buildings using more energy for heating (OR50.75) and was associated with humid air (OR51.76) and mould odour (OR52.36). Eczema was more common in larger buildings (OR 1.07) and less common in buildings using more energy for heating (OR50.85) and was associated with water damage (OR51.47), humid air (OR51.73) and mould odour (OR52.01). Doctor's diagnosed allergy was less common in buildings with management accessibility both in the neighbourhood and in larger administrative divisions, as compared to management in the neighbourhood only (OR50.49; 95% CI 0.29-0.82). Pollen allergy was less common if the building maintenance was outsourced (OR50.67; 95% CI 0.51-0.88). Eczema was more common when management accessibility was only at the division level (OR51.49; 95% CI 1.06- 2.11). In conclusions, asthma, allergy or eczema were more common in buildings using less energy for heating, in larger buildings and in dwellings with redecorations, mould odour, dampness and humid air. There is a need to reduce indoor chemical emissions and to control dampness. Energy saving may have consequences for allergy and eczema. More epidemiological studies are needed on building management organization